Job Summary/Basic Function:
The Associate Vice President (AVP) of University Communications and Marketing is a senior leader at Wright State University providing the vision, strategy, and oversight for all marketing and communications functions. This role serves as the chief spokesperson for the University and is a member of the President’s Council. Reporting to the Vice President for Enrollment Management, the AVP of University Communications and Marketing brings a strategic, proactive approach to aligning the unit and its work with key strategic university priorities; telling the University’s story in a compelling way; raising its profile; and supporting the students it serves. A collaborative, collegial leader, the AVP is responsible for motivating and empowering a team of approximately 20 marketing and communications professionals and building on the strengths of the current operation to support and enhance a unit that is sought out and relied upon by campus partners.

Data-driven, results-oriented, and an active and engaged leader, the AVP will have experience building and maintaining an efficient team structure that can manage workflow and processes effectively from conceptualization to implementation, focus on key institutional priorities that enhance and support recruitment, retention, and the institution’s reputation, and evaluate progress toward key performance indicators. This role has accountability for four primary areas: (1) communications, which includes public relations, the newsroom, institutional communications and messaging, and executive communications; (2) brand identity and visual strategy, which includes print and digital design, digital marketing, photography, and videography; (3) marketing strategy and audience engagement, which includes campaign development, marketing and communication planning, content development, social media, and client engagement; and (4) web and environmental strategy, which includes oversight and accountability for all aspects of the University’s web domain, management and execution of the institutional strategy for wright.edu, oversight of the utilization and approach of environmental graphics to enhance the University’s campuses and overarching brand, and data analysis and reporting for both.
The AVP of Marketing and Communications advises executive leadership, senior staff, vice presidents, deans, and department leadership on a variety of communications matters. A highly visible role, the AVP of Marketing and Communications should exhibit strong communication skills and presence, as well as impeccable integrity, judgment, and diplomacy.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree
At least 10 years of experience, with advancing levels of leadership, in a marketing or communications operation
Demonstrated ability to build upon an existing marketing and communications operation, evaluating its strengths, identifying opportunities for improvement, setting a vision for the future, and guiding teams through changes to structure and processes.
Proven management skills in establishing a team and goal-oriented environment that empowers staff, fosters professional development, and celebrates achievements. An approach to management that leads by example, bringing out the best in team members and yielding pride, ownership, and a sense of team effort. Experience with performance management.
Ability to build relationships with a wide range of constituents from diverse backgrounds.
Comprehensive understanding of marketing, branding, and communications processes from creative conceptualization to implementation.
Demonstrated success developing and implementing branding and marketing strategies.
Expert knowledge of traditional, digital, and emerging media; understanding of how to leverage different platforms to support institutional goals and priorities.
Experience in strategic communications, public relations, reputation management, and internal communications.
Experience working with media outlets and generating positive media coverage.
Experience with data analytics and an aptitude for using data and metrics to guide decision-making; the ability to help teams embrace a data-driven approach.
Superb communication skills and the ability to address challenges with poise and diplomacy. Excellent public speaking abilities and the ability to communicate effectively and persuasively to diverse groups of internal and external constituencies.
Outstanding management, operational, and planning skills, including the ability to ensure multiple projects move forward simultaneously.
Experience creating operational efficiencies, managing budgets, and allocating resources to meet department objectives.
Ability to understand and consistently ensure compliance with University policies and procedures, state and federal rules and regulations, as well as high ethical standards
Preferred Qualifications
Essential Functions and percent of time:
Leadership and Vision (35%)
Set the vision for, design, and implement an overarching, data-driven marketing and communications plan that proactively builds on the strengths of the current operation and simultaneously improves processes, evolves and enhances the Wright State brand, increases efficiencies, and aligns with the University’s strategic priorities of Recruitment, Retention, and Relationships.
Lead a centralized marketing and communications team of approximately 20 professionals while ensuring strong collaboration with colleagues within Wright State’s 7 schools and colleges and various campus departments and offices.
Set unit priorities and manage resources accordingly, with a focus on supporting and enhancing enrollment strategies, philanthropic activity, and institutional reputation.
Ensure cohesive messaging and brand identity that extends across all media and communications platforms, supports the needs of key constituencies, and advances the goals of the University.
Use quantitative and qualitative data to evaluate the success and effectiveness of marketing and communications initiatives and campaigns with target audiences on an ongoing basis. Adjust strategies and tactics as necessary to meet long-term objectives, annual goals, and KPIs.
Provide reports and analysis to University leadership and the Board of Trustees, as requested.
Evaluate and, as appropriate, make changes to improve marketing and communications processes, workflows, and organizational structure.
Essential Functions and percent of time (cont'd):
Communications and Public Relations (20%)
Serve as an advisor to University leadership on communications matters and messaging to internal and external constituencies. Prepare or oversee the preparation of executive communications.
Act as chief spokesperson on behalf of the University, as appropriate.
Support crisis management planning and crisis communications policies and procedures. Identify situations affecting the health, safety, or reputation of the University or its community members that need an immediate media and/or public response. Provide thoughtful, real-time crisis management, guidance, and support to University leadership.
Work with colleagues and key stakeholders to elevate and protect the University’s reputation through crisis communications, positioning, and marketing campaigns.
Prioritize the generation of positive media coverage of noteworthy developments including student/alumni successes, faculty research and accomplishments, related philanthropic support, community engagement, and endeavors with key University partners.

Marketing Strategy and Branding (30%)
Develop collaborative relationships with academic units, University offices, and other partners across campus to persuasively tell Wright State’s story consistent with its brand personality and strategy.
Understand academic units’ and other offices’ specific priorities, communicate how those integrate with the University’s marketing and communications strategy and goals, and align expectations for how Marketing and Communications can support those priorities, consistent with the University’s strategic plan and institutional priorities.
Ensure Marketing and Communications provides appropriate levels of support and service to campus partners within the schools, colleges, and university offices; when Marketing and Communications cannot fulfill department requests, ensure collaboration with campus partners to identify appropriate solutions or alternatives.
Ensure effective structure, processes, and protocols are in place for optimal workflow management and success. Seek feedback from campus partners and adjust approach and processes as appropriate.
Thoroughly evaluate current marketing and branding efforts across the University and the implementation of the brand personality. Ensure the development and implementation of effective branding, segmentation strategies, and customized digital marketing campaigns.
Proactively ensure the University’s marketing and communications strategies remain innovative and incorporate the technology and platforms used by its target audiences.
Provide leadership and partner with academic units and University offices to develop and implement strategies to engage and connect with traditionally underrepresented and underserved communities to support and enhance diversity within the University community.
Periodically conduct market research and adjust strategies and/or tactics to account for insights gained from such research.

Management and Administration (15%)
Oversee the recruitment, training, and management, and retention of a team of marketing and communications professionals. Ensure team members benefit from professional development opportunities. Foster an environment that encourages collaboration, creativity, innovation, respect, and accountability.
Guide and empower team members through transparency, active communication, and clear direction, placing team members’ work within the context of Wright State’s priorities and goals.
Ensure compliance with accessibility standards and all pertinent laws, regulations, and University policies, including FERPA and CAN-SPAM Act, among others.
Oversee department budget and expenditures. Allocate resources to support strategic priorities.
Stay informed of industry trends and emerging media, and empower team members to be nimble in incorporating new approaches as warranted
Non-Essential Functions and percent of time:
Working Conditions
Wright State University, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, is committed to an inclusive environment and strongly encourages applications from minorities, females, veterans and individuals with disabilities.

To preserve the safety and security of the campus community and to maintain the integrity of university operations, it is the policy of Wright State University making an employment offer contingent on various background checks, such as a criminal record, credit history when job related and/or education verifications. Additionally, an administrative review shall be conducted whenever the university learns that an employee is charged with or convicted of a crime (except for minor vehicle violations). Frequently asked questions related to background checks may be found on the Human resources website at http://www.wright.edu/human-resources.

Effective July 1, 2017, per Policy 7230 Wright State University is tobacco-free. Tobacco use, including the sale, advertising sampling and distribution of tobacco products and tobacco related items is prohibited in all university facilities, on all university owned or leased grounds, university owned or operated residence halls and apartments, and at all university sponsored events regardless of location. Tobacco use is also prohibited in all university vehicles or on any equipment owned, leased or operated by Wright State University. This policy applies to anyone on campus including students, faculty, staff, visitors, consultants, vendors, patients, volunteers, and contractor employees.