Assistant Vice President for Marketing Communications

The Office of Marketing & Communications is seeking applicants for Assistant Vice President for Marketing Communications. This is a fulltime, benefited position located on our main campus in Winchester, VA.

Reporting to the Vice President of Recruitment & Chief Marketing Officer, this position leads efforts to elevate Shenandoah University’s profile and steward its reputation within the campus community as well as with external audiences (media, influencers, prospective students and families, donors, trustees and friends). This position will develop and execute comprehensive, integrated communications for Shenandoah University that will maximize speed to market and facilitate consistent campaigns in an evolving environment. In collaboration with the Director of Creative Services, Assistant Vice President of Recruitment and Admissions and other administrative and academic leadership, the AVP guides the development and implementation of strategies and activities that enhance the visibility, promote and protect our brand and reputation, ensuring strategic alignment among all internal and external communications. Their efforts will be creatively shaped by staff members and external vendors — deployed across multiple platforms and channels (web, video, social media, print, editorial, photography, and media channels). The AVP holds ultimate responsibility for the organization's marketing activities and oversees the development and delivery of a fully integrated marketing strategy for Shenandoah University. The AVP will advise and counsel the college president and senior institutional leaders as a member of University Cabinet.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead a high-performing team of 14 in a positive work environment
• Brand strategy development and management, including guiding the adherence to visual, editorial, and digital standards and guidelines
• Cultivating an appreciation for strategic communications across a large, complex, campus community and collaboratively and intentionally engaging stakeholders in communications and marketing strategy
• Develop written and visual messages, with a focus on translating Shenandoah’s unique values to appeal to multiple external audiences
• Develop the marketing strategy for new and existing programs across a wide range of delivery models to achieve high levels of success
• Gather, analyze and assess data for use in decision making
• Conduct marketing and communication initiatives supporting goals to drive student enrollment and retention in the undergraduate, continuing education, and graduate programs
• Oversee marketing support for philanthropy, alumni, and donor engagement

• Maximize existing communications channels including websites and social platforms,, electronic newsletters, and presidential report, and oversee the development of visual and editorial content appropriate to each medium

• Understanding, identifying and developing an appropriate mix of communication platforms including digital and data platforms — as market habits, trends and technology shift
• The AVP is counted on to collaborate with colleagues in academics, student affairs, student success and other administrative units on marketing and communication initiatives that position the university as a desirable destination for students, faculty and staff
• Undertake continuous analysis of our competitive environment and consumer trends and industry best practices
• Leads special projects requiring cross-functional teams, strong communication and change management to achieve results
• Identifies success criteria and measurements to define departmental goals and objects
• Manages budget projection and administration
• Creates communication strategy and plan

Required Skills

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree preferred in marketing with a minimum of 8-10 years experience managing communications, change management efforts and marketing online products and services
• Entrepreneurial mindset with demonstrated technical proficiency and the ability to spot original branding and marketing opportunities
• Dynamic self-starter with self-confidence, enthusiasm, and strong customer service orientation
• Knowledge and experience with Slate preferred
• Possess exceptional written and oral communication skills, can develop clear, concise and logically written business communications, as well as deliver recommendations effectively to demanding audiences
• Ability to build strong relationships to leverage information and insights across key groups (admissions, fundraising, marketing, community representatives, e-commerce, finance, human resources, institutional research)
• Outstanding formal and informal negotiation and presentation skills
• Ability to develop, mentor, and inspire emerging talent
• Ability to inspire confidence in senior management and to be recognized as the authority by many stakeholders
• Ability to be detailed oriented while still seeing the big picture
• Comfort with complexity, ambiguity and change
• Ability to manage and direct cross-functional teams across departmental divisions and campus locations
• Demonstrated project management skill set with the ability to oversee and direct multiple university-wide, service-intensive, deadline-driven projects with shifting timelines and priorities

• Identifying and implementing strategies and programs that inform internal audiences and enhance their engagement in and support of strategic priorities

• Demonstrated ability for planning for and responding to institutional crises and emerging issues as well as serving as university spokesperson as needed
• Demonstrated ability to make decisions in a timely manner sometimes with incomplete information, under tight deadlines, and in pressure situations

How to Apply:

The complete application will include a cover letter, resume and contact information for three professional references. The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a qualified candidate is selected.

Shenandoah University is committed to enriching its educational experience and culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration, and staff. All candidates are strongly encouraged to include a statement in their cover letters addressing ways in which they may be able to contribute to that commitment.

**Note: A pre-employment background check, as well as a satisfactory driving record, will be required as a condition of hire.

Shenandoah University values the unique and diverse perspectives of individuals and communities locally and globally and seeks to foster mutual understanding in an inviting community where individuals are welcome and respected. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status or on any other basis protected under applicable law.

Salary Type
Not Applicable