Chief Marketing & Communications Officer

Virginia Tech; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 350,000 - 375,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech is seeking a Vice President for Marketing and Communications to lead strategic branding, marketing, and communications university-wide. The role reports to the university president and collaborates with Advancement and other units to raise institutional visibility and support top priorities.

The position oversees teams delivering paid/owned media, earned media, digital platforms, email, web, social, and design. It emphasizes data-driven insights and transparent, visible leadership.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent professional experience in marketing, communications, or related field.
• Progressive leadership experience in marketing/communications/public affairs and brand strategy.
• Proven ability to drive integrated marketing strategies across complex organizations.
• Experience in brand development, audience engagement, and reputation management.
• Expertise in digital communications, social media, content strategy, and emerging tech.
• Strong data analytics, segmentation, and marketing tech usage for decision making.
• Demonstrated success mentoring teams and advising senior executives.
• Experience guiding communications in crisis situations and high-profile challenges.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive marketing and communications strategies for Virginia Tech.
• Lead crisis communications planning and response on behalf of university leadership.
• Oversee brand development, messaging, and institutional visibility across platforms.
• Manage budgeting, resources, and cross-unit collaboration for communications.
• Advise senior leaders and elevate leadership visibility and thought leadership.

Skills

Leadership experience

Integrated marketing & communications

Brand development & reputation

Digital comms & AI applications

Data-driven decision making

Mentoring high-performing teams

Executive advising & thoughtLeadership

Media relations & crisis comms

Written, verbal & presentation skills

Budget & resource management

Education

Master's degree in marketing/communications/business/public administration or related field

Job description

Virginia Tech is seeking a Vice President for Marketing and Communications to lead strategic branding, marketing, and communications university-wide. The role reports to the university president and collaborates with Advancement and other units to raise institutional visibility and support top priorities.

The position oversees teams delivering paid/owned media, earned media, digital platforms, email, web, social, and design. It emphasizes data-driven insights and transparent, visible leadership.