Senior Vice President for Communications and Public Affairs

Bowdoin College; Brunswick (ME); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Bowdoin College seeks a Senior Vice President for Communications and Public Affairs to enhance its strategic communications program. This role will amplify the College's identity and support its leadership in achieving institutional priorities. The SVP will lead public relations and communications across various channels, ensuring engagement and a compelling narrative for all audiences.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in communications and marketing positions.
• Experience developing integrated plans that drive results.
• Previous experience in higher education preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and advance the communications strategy for Bowdoin College.
• Ensure a consistent narrative and image of Bowdoin.
• Direct public relations and stakeholder communications campaigns.

Skills

Communications

Public Relations

Marketing

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree in Communications

Job description

Department

Presidents Office

Job Summary

Opportunity Proposition:
This opportunity comes at an exciting time for Bowdoin as the College forges an innovative path forward and prepares students for personal, social, and professional success in what is being described as “the innovation era.” The senior vice president for communications and public affairs (SVP) will have the opportunity to tell this unique story.
This position will play a central role in amplifying Bowdoin’s evolving institutional identity, positioning the College at the cutting edge of liberal arts higher education while maintaining its international reputation for academic excellence and welcoming culture.

Principal Responsibilities:
Bowdoin seeks an accomplished, sophisticated, and hands-on leader to propel its college-wide strategic communications program into a new era of success. As a senior officer and member of the College’s leadership team, the SVP will lead and advance the communications strategy, department, and programs for Bowdoin College, and help achieve institution-wide priorities in partnership with key college leaders and stakeholders.
The SVP will support Bowdoin’s communications activities and operations with the overarching goals of maximizing potential, fostering growth, and achieving Bowdoin’s institutional priorities.
The SVP will ensure that a consistent and compelling narrative and image of Bowdoin is presented to all internal and external audiences, while increasing engagement across all channels. They will serve as a key advisor to the College president and, a partner to senior leadership, and will spearhead and direct enhanced public relations and stakeholder communications campaigns across all traditional and digital channels, including press relations, web, social media, multimedia, print and collateral, speechwriting and executive communications, email content and events.

To see a full position description, go to: : https://www.wardgroup.com/bowdoin-college-svp-of-communications-public-affairs

Education/Skills Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree required. Master’s degree in communications, journalism, or a related field preferred.

Experience Requirements and/or Equivalents

Proven track record of success in communications and marketing positions with progressive responsibility and experience developing integrated plans and programs that drive results across high-value, complex, decision-making journeys. Previous experience in higher education is preferred, and an understanding of the value of the liberal arts is required. Must embrace the mission of the College and appreciate its culture and history.

Standard Work Days and Hours

This is an exempt level position that requires the time commitment to complete the essential duties of the position. Standard administrative hours are 8:30am – 5:00pm. On-site in Brunswick, ME.

Special Instructions to Applicant

Bowdoin College has retained the Executive Search Firm, The Ward Group, to lead the search efforts. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to: [e-mail] and reference “Bowdoin College” in the subject line.

About Bowdoin

Bowdoin embraces diversity in all forms, and the College is home to talented students, faculty and staff—with a variety of racial, ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds; religious beliefs; and gender identities, among other factors.

We encourage applications from candidates committed to the support of an inclusive campus community and those who will enrich and contribute to the College’s multifaceted diversity. We value a community in which individuals of all backgrounds are warmly welcomed and encouraged to succeed.

Founded in 1794, Bowdoin has maintained its commitment to the liberal arts for well over 200 years. Bowdoin’s reputation as a preeminent liberal arts college rests on the excellence of its faculty, students, and staff; intimate size; strong sense of community; and connections to the people, history, and natural beauty of Maine.

Bowdoin’s campus is situated in a beautiful natural setting. Located in Brunswick, Maine, a town of approximately 20,000, the College is a short drive from the Maine coast, twenty-five miles from Portland and 120 miles from Boston.

Employment Category

Full Time Year Round

Open Until Filled

No

FTE

1.00

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Pay Type

Salaried

Type of Posting

Internal/External

EEO Information

Bowdoin College complies with applicable provisions of federal and state laws that prohibit unlawful discrimination in employment, admission, or access to its educational or extracurricular programs, activities, or facilities based on race, color, ethnicity, ancestry and national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, marital status, place of birth, genetic predisposition, veteran status, or against qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities on the basis of disability, or any other legally protected statuses.