Vice President, Marketing & Communications

University-of-Lynchburg; Lynchburg (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid vacation

Tuition remission

Comprehensive insurance

Retirement plan

Job summary

The University of Lynchburg is seeking a Vice President of Marketing and Communications to lead and elevate the university’s marketing, brand and communications efforts from the President’s Office. This on-site role shapes strategy, aligns with enrollment, fundraising, and academic priorities, and partners across campus to advance the institution’s goals.

Reporting to the President, you will build a data-driven, integrated approach, mentor senior staff, and steward resources to deliver

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Business or a related field
• 10+ years of progressive marketing/communications leadership experience
• 5+ years of management experience leading professionals and managers
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic, integrated marketing plans with measurable outcomes
• Strong business acumen, strategic thinking and decision-making skills
• Exceptional written, verbal, presentation and public speaking skills
• Ability to influence and collaborate with senior leaders and diverse stakeholders
• Strong project management and organizational skills, handling multiple priorities
• Commitment to inclusive excellence and engaging diverse audiences

Responsibilities

• Lead University-wide marketing strategy and integrated campaigns
• Develop and manage a high-performing marketing and communications team
• Strengthen the University brand across channels and audiences
• Lead digital marketing including website, CRM, analytics, and paid media
• Drive enrollment, engagement and advancement campaigns
• Oversee strategic communications and reputation management
• Manage budget, technology investments, vendors and partnerships

Skills

Strategic leadership

Brand management

Data-driven decision making

Digital marketing

Executive communications

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Business

Master’s degree in related field (preferred)

Tools

CRM/Marketing Automation

Analytics platforms

SEO/SEM tools

Job description

Vice President, Marketing and CommunicationsThe University of Lynchburg, a private, regional university in the beautiful foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Central Virginia, is seeking applicants for a full-time Vice President, Marketing and Communications in the President’s Office of the University of Lynchburg.Reporting to the President of the University, the Vice President, Marketing and Communications is a strategic, experienced leader responsible for building and leading a high performing function that advances the University’s enrollment, brand, marketing, advertising and communications goals. The Vice President sets University wide objectives, translates data and insights into actionable strategies, develops talent and stewards’ resources to deliver measurable results. In the role, you will partner across Enrollment, Alumni Relations, Athletics Advancement, Professional Development, Academic and external partners to develop integrated campaigns that support institutional priorities, strengthen brand recognition and reach, and achieve enrollment and campaign goals. This is a fully on-site leadership position based at the University of Lynchburg. Regular, in person presence on campus is required; this position is not eligible for remote work.Specific Job DutiesAs the Vice President of Marketing and Communication, you will shape how the University of Lynchburg tells its story, connects with its audiences and advances its institutional priorities. Key priorities include, but are not limited to:Lead University-Wide Marketing StrategyDevelop and execute an integrated marketing and communications strategy aligned with the University’s strategic plan, enrollment goals, fundraising priorities and institutional brand. Establish clear priorities, KPI’s budgets and measures of success.Build and Lead a High-Performing OrganizationProvide visionary leadership, mentorship and accountability for marketing communications professionals and senior leaders. Foster a culture of collaboration, creativity, professional growth and results, while building organizational capacity for long-term success.Strengthen the University BrandServe as the steward of the University of Lynchburg brand, ensuring a consistent and compelling voice, visual identity and message across audiences and channels. Lead creative direction, campaigns, agency partnerships and brand standards across the institution.Serve as a member of the President’s senior leadership team, advising on reputation, crisis communications, brand positioning, and stakeholder engagement.Advance Digital & Data-Driven MarketingLead an integrated digital strategy encompassing the University website, SEO/AEO, social media, email, paid media, marketing automation, CRM, analytics and emerging technologies. Establish meaningful dashboards and reporting to evaluate performance, optimize investments and continuously improve the audience experience.Drive Enrollment, Engagement & AdvancementPartner closely with Enrollment Management, Advancement, Alumni Relations and other campus leaders to develop targeted campaigns that support student recruitment, retention, alumni engagement, fundraising and institutional advocacy. Use audient insights and market trends to inform strategy and strengthen impact.Lead Strategic Communications & Reputation ManagementOversee proactive media relations, executive and internal communications and crisis and issue communications. Serve as a trusted advisor to the President and senior leadership team on institutional reputation, messaging, brand positioning and stakeholder engagement.Manage Resources & Strategic RelationshipsOversee the marketing and communications budget, technology investments, vendor, agencies and strategic partnerships. Ensure resources are aligned with institutional priorities and that marketing and communications practices meet applicable accessibility, privacy, legal and University standards.Required Experience/Skills/QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Business or a related field10+ years of progressive marketing, communications or related leadership experience, including significant experience leading teams and enterprise-wide initiatives.5+ years of management experience, including experience hiring, developing and leading marketing or communications professionals and managers.Proven experience developing and executing strategic, integrated marketing plans tied to organizational goals and measurable outcomes.Strong business acumen, strategic thinking and decision-making skillsDemonstrated ability to lead and develop high performing teams and foster a culture of trust, excellence and continuous improvement.Exceptional written, verbal, presentation and public speaking skillsDemonstrated ability to influence, negotiate and collaborate with senior leaders and diverse stake holdersStrong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives and competing priorities.High level of integrity, discretion, judgement and professionalism in managing sensitive and confidential mattersDemonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence and engaging diverse audiences.Preferred QualificationsMasters’ degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, Higher Education or related fieldHigher education experience, particularly partnering across Enrollment, Advancement, Alumni Relations, Athletics and academic leadershipDigital and marketing technology expertise, including CRM/advancement systems, marketing automation, analytics, paid media, and the strategic application of AI and emerging technologiesDemonstrated success leading major initiatives, such as institutional brand development, integrated campaigns, enrollment or fundraising initiatives, organizational transformation or high-profile launches.Executive communications and reputation management experience, including media relations, crisis communication, executive messaging and advising senior leaders on institutional positioning.Starting SalaryCommensurate with experience.BenefitsGenerous paid vacation, personal days, paid sick time and family leave, comprehensive insurance (medical, dental, vision, etc.) and retirement plans, flexible spending account, tuition remission, life and long-term disability insurance, and more. Learn more about employment benefits at the University of Lynchburg.About the UniversityThe University of Lynchburg embraces diversity in its broadest sense. We will cultivate an inclusive, equitable, and safe campus climate grounded in mutual respect and understanding, where all members of our diverse learning community - alumni, employees, learners, visitors, and volunteers- can thrive. The University of Lynchburg is an equal-opportunity employer.