Chief Marketing & Communications Officer — Higher Education

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

Job summary

Appalachian State University in Boone, NC seeks a visionary Chief Marketing and Communications Officer to lead the integrated marketing and communications function. Reporting to the Chancellor, the CMCO will shape the university's narrative, advise senior leaders, and coordinate across divisions to enhance reputation and engagement.

The role requires a track record of senior leadership in marketing and communications, expertise in digital strategy, analytics, crisis communications, and a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public affairs, or related field.
• Minimum 12–15 years of progressively senior marketing/communications experience with executive-level leadership.
• Cross-sector experience in both commercial and public/mission-driven settings.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic communications and marketing counsel to the Chancellor, Cabinet, and university leadership.
• Direct university-wide marketing and communications planning in support of institutional priorities.
• Oversee the development and management of App State's brand across channels, audiences, and university units.
• Guide creative, digital, media, and internal communications strategies and establish expectations for quality and consistency.
• Strengthen coordination among communicators across colleges, divisions, departments, and campuses.
• Lead communications planning and response for significant institutional issues, major announcements, and crises.
• Use research, analytics, and audience insights to inform strategy, evaluate effectiveness, and guide investment.
• Oversee external agencies, vendors, partnerships, and resources supporting university marketing and communications.
• Recruit, develop, and support a talented multidisciplinary team while fostering collaboration and accountability.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, including AI, and establish responsible approaches to their use in university communications.

Skills

Executive leadership

Crisis communications

Digital analytics

AI in communications

Brand management

Cross-functional leadership

Strategic storytelling

Content strategy

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications/marketing/journalism/public affairs

Master's or MBA preferred

Tools

CMS

Marketing automation

CRM software

Job description

Appalachian State University in Boone, NC seeks a visionary Chief Marketing and Communications Officer to lead the integrated marketing and communications function. Reporting to the Chancellor, the CMCO will shape the university's narrative, advise senior leaders, and coordinate across divisions to enhance reputation and engagement.

The role requires a track record of senior leadership in marketing and communications, expertise in digital strategy, analytics, crisis communications, and a