Vice President, Marketing & Communications

Responsibilities

• Lead University-Wide Marketing Strategy
• Develop 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 Organization
• Provide 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 Brand
• Serve 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.
• Advance Digital & Data-Driven Marketing
• Lead 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 & Advancement
• Partner 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Business or a related field
• 10+ 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 skills
• Demonstrated 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 skills
• Demonstrated ability to influence, negotiate and collaborate with senior leaders and diverse stake holders
• Strong 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 matters

Preferred

• Masters’ degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, Higher Education or related field
• Higher education experience, particularly partnering across Enrollment, Advancement, Alumni Relations, Athletics and academic leadership
• Digital and marketing technology expertise, including CRM/advancement systems, marketing automation, analytics, paid media, and the strategic application of AI and emerging technologies
• Demonstrated 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.

Benefits

• Generous 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.