Vice President, Marketing & Communications

Vice President, Marketing and Communications

TheUniversity of Lynchburg, a private, regional university in the beautiful foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Central Virginia, is seeking applicants for a full-time Vice President, Marketing and Communications in the President’s Office of the University of Lynchburg.

Reporting to the President of the University, the Vice President, Marketing and Communications is a strategic, experienced leader responsible for building and leading a high performing function that advances the University’s enrollment, brand, marketing, advertising and communications goals.  The Vice President sets University wide objectives, translates data and insights into actionable strategies, develops talent and stewards’ resources to deliver measurable results. In the role, you will partner across Enrollment, Alumni Relations, Athletics Advancement, Professional Development, Academic and external partners to develop integrated campaigns that support institutional priorities, strengthen brand recognition and reach, and achieve enrollment and campaign goals.This is a fully on-site leadership position based at the University of Lynchburg.  Regular, in person presence on campus is required; this position is not eligible for remote work. 

Specific Job Duties

As the Vice President of Marketing and Communication, you will shape how the University of Lynchburg tells its story, connects with its audiences and advances its institutional priorities.   Key priorities include, but are not limited to:

Lead University-Wide Marketing Strategy

• Develop and execute an integrated marketing and communications strategy aligned with the University’s strategic plan, enrollment goals, fundraising priorities and institutional brand.  Establish clear priorities, KPI’s budgets and measures of success.

Build and Lead a High-Performing Organization

• Provide visionary leadership, mentorship and accountability for marketing communications professionals and senior leaders.  Foster a culture of collaboration, creativity, professional growth and results, while building organizational capacity for long-term success.

Strengthen the University Brand

• Serve as the steward of the University of Lynchburg brand, ensuring a consistent and compelling voice, visual identity and message across audiences and channels.  Lead creative direction, campaigns, agency partnerships and brand standards across the institution.
• Serve as a member of the President’s senior leadership team, advising on reputation, crisis communications, brand positioning, and stakeholder engagement.

Advance Digital & Data-Driven Marketing

• Lead an integrated digital strategy encompassing the University website, SEO/AEO, social media, email, paid media, marketing automation, CRM, analytics and emerging technologies.  Establish meaningful dashboards and reporting to evaluate performance, optimize investments and continuously improve the audience experience.

Drive Enrollment, Engagement & Advancement

• Partner closely with Enrollment Management, Advancement, Alumni Relations and other campus leaders to develop targeted campaigns that support student recruitment, retention, alumni engagement, fundraising and institutional advocacy.  Use audient insights and market trends to inform strategy and strengthen impact.

Lead Strategic Communications & Reputation Management

• Oversee proactive media relations, executive and internal communications and crisis and issue communications.  Serve as a trusted advisor to the President and senior leadership team on institutional reputation, messaging, brand positioning and stakeholder engagement.

Manage Resources & Strategic Relationships

• Oversee the marketing and communications budget, technology investments, vendor, agencies and strategic partnerships.  Ensure resources are aligned with institutional priorities and that marketing and communications practices meet applicable accessibility, privacy, legal and University standards.

Qualifications

Required Experience/Skills/Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Business or a related field
• 10+ years of progressive marketing, communications or related leadership experience, including significant experience leading teams and enterprise-wide initiatives.
• 5+ years of management experience, including experience hiring, developing and leading marketing or communications professionals and managers.
• Proven experience developing and executing strategic, integrated marketing plans tied to organizational goals and measurable outcomes.  
• Strong business acumen, strategic thinking and decision-making skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high performing teams and foster a culture of trust, excellence and continuous improvement.
• Exceptional written, verbal, presentation and public speaking skills
• Demonstrated ability to influence, negotiate and collaborate with senior leaders and diverse stake holders
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives and competing priorities.
• High level of integrity, discretion, judgement and professionalism in managing sensitive and confidential matters
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence and engaging diverse audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters’ degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, Higher Education or related field
• Higher education experience, particularly partnering across Enrollment, Advancement, Alumni Relations, Athletics and academic leadership
• Digital and marketing technology expertise, including CRM/advancement systems, marketing automation, analytics, paid media, and the strategic application of AI and emerging technologies
• Demonstrated success leading major initiatives, such as institutional brand development, integrated campaigns, enrollment or fundraising initiatives, organizational transformation or high-profile launches.
• Executive communications and reputation management experience, including media relations, crisis communication, executive messaging and advising senior leaders on institutional positioning.  

Starting Salary

Commensurate with experience.

Benefits

Generous paid vacation, personal days, paid sick time and family leave, comprehensive insurance (medical, dental, vision, etc.) and retirement plans, flexible spending account, tuition remission, life and long-term disability insurance, and more.Learn more about employment benefits at the University of Lynchburg.

About the University

The University of Lynchburg embraces diversity in its broadest sense. We will cultivate an inclusive, equitable, and safe campus climate grounded in mutual respect and understanding, where all members of our diverse learning community - alumni, employees, learners, visitors, and volunteers- can thrive. The University of Lynchburg is an equal-opportunity employer.