Vice President of Marketing & Communications

The Vice President of Marketing & Communications provides senior leadership for University marketing, communications, and public relations that communicate the University’s core values and reflect its identity.  

Under the direction of the President and with broad consultation of senior management, the office oversees an integrated strategy that includes branding, print publications, advertising, public and media relations, internal and external communications, website management, and social media.  

The Vice President will lead efforts in concert with an Integrated Communications Team and vendors to raise the public profile of the University and communicate the University’s mission and values.  

The Vice President will convene cross-functional teams responsible for content, design, messaging, analytics, and maintenance of the University print collateral, website, social media outlets, and other related digital spaces (advertising, email marketing, mobile marketing, blogs, etc.) to leverage and manage resources strategically and to ensure that the NDNU brand identity and messages are presented consistently and effectively across all platforms.  

The Vice President will actively assess and adopt emergent technologies and strategies and develop new programs and marketing opportunities. S/he will need to function as a visionary, strategist, implementer, and manager. The Vice President will be tasked with building out the office with new staff as NDNU grows and manages a range of vendor contracts.  

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Provide strategic marketing and communications advice and counsel to university leadership, faculty, and staff; serve as an interface with other university constituencies in the implementation of institutional marketing and communications strategies. 
• With broad involvement and through partnership with various constituencies, establish a strategic and ongoing branding strategy to ensure the growth and success of the University.  
• Coordinate the development and implementation of the University’s overall integrated marketing and communication strategy to enhance the institution’s visibility and reputation. Establish priorities for all marketing, advertising, website, public relations, social media, and communication initiatives and projects. 
• Select and manage external vendors and media outlets to support marketing activities. This includes but is not limited to advertising, public relations, design agencies, media buyers, printers, digital solutions, educational partners. Negotiate contracts and agreements and monitor work products, with clear focus on ROI. 
• Develop and maintain college-wide policies and guidelines related to branding, advertising, and marketing strategies. 
• Maintain rigorous data reporting procedures regarding source code analytics, web traffic, cost per lead, etc. Initiate surveys and assessments of external marketing and communications activities to determine effectiveness of plan and expenditures and to evaluate new opportunities. 
• Chair the Integrated Communications Team, ensuring consistency and clarity of messages and positioning across university constituents and channels.  
• Supervise the production of and approves University-wide publications. 
• Recommend, participate in the development of, and as appropriate, establish University policies and procedures related to marketing and branding. Develop and manage annual budgets for marketing activities and programs and perform periodic cost and productivity analyses. 
• Provide leadership and management for the University's website, including coordinating web content, implementing new strategies and activities, developing standards, and enhancing the web presence of the University and its various administrative and academic units. 
• Oversee comprehensive social media strategy using appropriate channels to engage with broad audiences and constituencies. 
• Create and implement a comprehensive admissions/enrollment communications plan. 
• Oversee the development of institutional print collateral, primarily for enrollment, academic programs, advancement, and general brand awareness purposes. 
• Oversee internal communications to students and campus community regarding a range of topics and issues and across various platforms and channels. 
• Oversee public relations efforts including the generation of content that compellingly tells the institutional story and mission. 
• Serve on the President’s Cabinet and various policy-making committees. 
• Serve as official spokesperson for the university. 
• Demonstrate commitment to achieving measurable results. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree and preferably a master’s degree in a related field.
• Applicants must have a minimum of ten (10) years of progressive higher education experience, preferably at private universities or colleges.
• Applicants must also have significant administrative experience, preferably providing overall management and direction to marketing communications efforts of an institution or large organization.
• Applicants will possess an ability to build partnerships across campus and to juggle multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment. 

About Notre Dame de Namur University 

Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU) is a Catholic, not-for-profit, coeducational institution serving adult learners from diverse backgrounds. Established in 1851 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, NDNU is the third-oldest college in California and the first authorized to grant the baccalaureate degree to women. NDNU maintains a strong commitment to academic excellence, social justice, and community engagement. The university is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and offers master’s degree programs in business, education, psychology, as well as teacher credential programs. For more information, visit www.ndnu.edu.