Vice President, Communications and Marketing

Augusta University; Augusta (GA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Retirement plan

Paid vacation time

Sick leave

Tuition Assistance Program

Job summary

A public research university is seeking a Vice President for Communications and Marketing. The role requires developing a comprehensive communications strategy, managing internal and external communications, and leading a team. Candidates should have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, at least seven years of experience in marketing or communications, and strong management skills. This position offers competitive benefits, including health insurance and a tuition assistance program.

Qualifications

• At least seven years of experience in marketing and/or communications.
• Experience in management with a focus on staff development and budgeting.
• Proven expertise in media relations and marketing initiatives.
• Strategic vision and hands-on experience managing comprehensive communications programs, including media relations and marketing initiatives.
• Proven expertise in writing and editing across print and digital media; ability to develop and implement strategic communications and research-based marketing plans; expertise in making presentations and negotiating with the media.

Responsibilities

• Lead integrated communications and marketing strategy across the university.
• Develop internal communications program and monitor campus issues.
• Recruit, develop, and retain a motivated team of communicators.
• Evaluate communications effectiveness and vendor performance.
• Develop crisis communication plans and prepare for critical events.
• Develop and implement crisis communications and continuity of operations plans; prepare messaging for likely scenarios.

Skills

Strategic vision

Writing and editing

Crisis communication

Team development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or related field

Job description

Vice President, Communications and Marketing

Job ID: 291289

Location: Augusta University

Full/Part Time: Full Time

Job Summary: Reporting to the Executive Vice President for Strategic Effectiveness and Chief of Staff, the Vice President of Communications and Marketing at Augusta University serves as the strategic leader responsible for shaping and executing a comprehensive communications and marketing vision that advances the university’s mission and brand. This role oversees internal and external communications, media relations, crisis communication, and marketing initiatives across digital and traditional platforms. The Vice President fosters collaborative partnerships with university leadership and stakeholders, ensures alignment with institutional goals, and drives engagement through integrated messaging strategies. With a focus on team development, strategic messaging, and mission‑aligned outreach, the position plays a critical role in enhancing visibility, trust, and community within and beyond the university.

Responsibilities

Brand Management & Communications Strategy

Lead the development and execution of an integrated communications and marketing strategy that aligns divisions and units to build and protect the Augusta University brand and enhance outreach and engagement through earned, owned, and paid media. Assure that marketing strategy and tactics are tightly integrated with internal communications, student recruitment, and media relations strategies and that they support the business objectives of AU and its affiliates.

Internal Communications

Develop and implement a proactive internal communications program. Ensure it is sustained and substantive. Monitor campus issues regularly. Promote transparency and share timely information with students, faculty, staff, and support personnel, using all appropriate formats including web, electronic, and other media. Foster a sense of shared purpose, strengthen shared governance, and build community. Guide internal stakeholders through transitions with clear, empathetic, and transparent communication. Build trust, reduce uncertainty, and support a unified institutional culture.

Team Development

Recruit, develop, and retain highly motivated, talented team members who thrive in a fast‑paced environment. Coach the team to execute their communications, marketing, digital plans, and strategies to effectively represent the messaging maps, amplifying Augusta University’s competitive advantages and increasing stakeholder engagement. Provide oversight, development, training, and constructive feedback to communicators assigned to the academic colleges and other divisions across campus.

Assessment, Evaluation, and Stewardship

Evaluate the effectiveness of communications and marketing efforts across the university to ensure planned objectives and metrics are attained. Routinely monitor vendor performance to ensure that contracted deliverables are obtained. Vigilantly measure performance and results to optimize return on the university’s investment.

Collaborative Partnerships

Form productive, collaborative partnerships with university leaders to develop and execute communications and marketing strategies and plans to advance the mission of Augusta University. Partner with senior leadership to ensure editorial and brand standards are reflected in all messaging on behalf of AU. Foster collaborative working relationships with University System of Georgia staff and AU administrators, faculty, staff, students, and community stakeholders. Serve on the Enrollment Planning Council, the Administrative Cabinet, and the President’s Cabinet.

Crisis Communication

Develop and implement crisis communications and continuity of operations plans. Collaborate with Critical Events Preparedness and Response (CEPaR) to ensure that we are prepared to respond to critical events. Develop and maintain drafts of messaging for likely and emerging scenarios.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with a major in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism, business administration or a related field.
• At least seven years of experience in marketing and/or communications in higher education, research, government, business and/or industry.
• At least five years of management experience (staff development, budgeting) and experience in one or more of the following: marketing, public relations, media relations, news and information, video production, photography, publications or communications.
• Strategic vision and hands‑on experience managing comprehensive communications programs, including media relations and marketing initiatives that advance organizational goals.
• Proven expertise in writing and editing across print and digital media; ability to develop and implement strategic communications and research‑based marketing plans; expertise in making presentations and negotiating with the media.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree and/or a professional certification in marketing or public relations.

Shift/Salary/Benefits

Shift: Days/M-F (work outside of normal business hours may be required for an exempt level position).

The intended work commitment or full‑time equivalent (FTE) for this position is 1.0 and considered full‑time.

Salary and compensation are commensurate with education, experience, and achievements.

Benefits for full‑time employees include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, a retirement plan, earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays. Employees who have been employed for more than six months may be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Augusta University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer welcoming applicants from underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.