Chief Marketing and Communications Officer

Appalachian State University; Boone (NC); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Appalachian State University is seeking its next Chief Marketing and Communications Officer (CMCO) to serve as the university's most senior strategic communications leader. The CMCO will report directly to the Chancellor and guide strategy, branding, digital marketing, and audience engagement across the institution.

The successful candidate will lead a multidisciplinary team, steward the university brand, advance storytelling, and drive the use of AI tools to enhance communications while

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public affairs, or related field.
• 12–15 years progressively senior marketing and communications experience, with executive-level leadership.
• Advanced degree (Master’s or MBA) is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the transformation of University Communications into a modern, integrated org.
• Shape and steward App State’s institutional brand and lead integrated marketing strategies.
• Provide strategic communications counsel to the Chancellor, Cabinet, and other leaders.
• Lead creative services, digital marketing, audience engagement, and internal comms strategies.
• Build and develop a collaborative, high-performing comms and marketing team while overseeing resources and partnerships.
• Partner with leadership on AI adoption and governance in communications.

Skills

Executive leadership

Crisis communications

Digital marketing

Analytics

AI tools

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications/marketing/public affairs

Master’s degree or MBA preferred

Job description

Appalachian State University (App State) is seeking its next Chief Marketing and Communications Officer (CMCO). As the University’s most senior strategic communications leader and creative visionary, the CMCO will report directly to the Chancellor and serve as a member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet. The next leader will bring together strategy, creativity, technology, and talent to shape and safeguard App State’s brand, reputation, and public voice while strengthening storytelling and audience engagement in support of the University’s priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the transformation of University Communications into a modern, integrated communications and marketing organization.
• Shape and steward App State’s institutional brand and lead integrated marketing and communications strategies across key audiences.
• Provide strategic communications counsel to the Chancellor, Cabinet, and other University leaders.
• Lead creative services, digital marketing, audience engagement, and internal communications strategies.
• Build and develop a collaborative, high-performing communications and marketing team while overseeing resources, operations, and strategic partnerships.
• Partner with University leadership on the strategic adoption and governance of AI and emerging technologies in communications.

What We’re Looking For

Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public affairs, or a related field and have 12–15 years of progressively senior marketing and communications experience, with demonstrated leadership at the executive or near-executive level. An advanced degree (Master’s or MBA) is strongly preferred. The successful candidate will bring substantial cross-sector experience in both commercial/corporate and public, government, or mission-driven settings; experience leading multidisciplinary teams; crisis communications expertise; strong digital marketing and analytics capabilities; meaningful experience with AI tools in a professional communications or marketing context; and outstanding written, verbal, and visual communication skills.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary is commensurate with education and experience. App State offers a comprehensive benefits package in accordance with UNC System policies and procedures. Learn more through the App State Employee Benefits website.

October 21, 2026