VP FOR UNIVERSITY MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Responsibilities

• Loyola University Chicago seeks a highly effective, mission-driven, and action-oriented Vice President for University Marketing and Communication (VP- UMC ) to elevate the University’s visibility, reputation, and institutional storytelling. At a time of significant opportunity—including an upcoming Capital Campaign, growing national stature, strengthened enrollment strategy, and an ambitious institutional vision—the VP- UMC will translate strategic priorities into compelling, coordinated communications and high-quality execution.
• Reporting to Father Thomas Neitzke, S.J., EdD, Senior Vice President and Special Assistant to the President and Interim Vice President for University Marketing and Communications, the Vice President for University Marketing and Communication serves on the President’s University Leadership Council and oversees University Marketing and Communication functions including brand strategy, creative production, marketing, social media, media relations, executive and internal communications, reputation and crisis communications, content, and web and digital presence.
• Advance the University’s vision. Translate priorities into clear, compelling, and actionable communications for internal and external audiences.
• Strengthen national reputation and visibility. Build Loyola’s profile as a leading national Jesuit Catholic university with deep roots in Chicago and growing influence across the country.
• Create a culture of production and execution. Lead a team known for getting work done. Establish clear priorities, timelines, ownership, and standards.
• Leverage emerging digital technology. Provide a vision and strategy for Loyola to leverage emerging digital technology to reach target audiences using social media, podcasts, video, in addition to traditional distribution channels like email, magazine, and print publications.
• Partner closely with Admissions. Work closely with enrollment and admissions leadership to produce effective, audience-specific marketing that supports undergraduate, graduate, transfer, and professional enrollment goals.
• Support the upcoming capital campaign. Partner with Advancement to oversee campaign messaging, donor communications, case materials, event communications, digital content, alumni engagement strategies, and reputation-building efforts that support philanthropic growth.
• Serve as the University’s public voice. Represent Loyola in media and public-facing moments with sound judgment, preparation, and credibility. Ensure the University speaks clearly and promptly when events or issues require a response.
• Align brand, message, and execution. Ensure consistency across Loyola’s public presence, including web, social media, media relations, executive communications, internal communications, marketing campaigns, admissions materials, advancement communications, and major University events.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field required.
• Minimum of ten years of relevant experience required, specifically in communications, marketing and public relations.
• Experience serving as part of a senior leadership team required.
• Significant senior-level experience in marketing, communications, public affairs, media relations, or reputation leadership.
• Experience in higher education, mission-driven organizations, complex nonprofits, health care, government, journalism, agency leadership, or other highly visible institutions.
• A record of producing excellent communications work under deadline.
• Strong writing, editing, messaging, and judgment.
• A deep appreciation for Jesuit Catholic education and Loyola’s mission.
• Demonstrated success leading teams.
• Experience supporting enrollment, advancement, fundraising, campaign communications, or revenue-generating institutional priorities.

Preferred

• MS Office Suite, proficient with MAC, Web Design

Benefits

• Loyola University Chicago strives to be an employer of choice by offering its staff and faculty a wide array of affordable, comprehensive, and competitive benefits.