Assistant Vice President, University Communications

Seattle Pacific University•Lexington, MA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Seattle Pacific University is seeking an experienced and strategic Assistant Vice President for University Communications to provide leadership for the university’s integrated communications, marketing, and brand strategy. Reporting to the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing, this role provides leadership for a high-performing communications and marketing team responsible for institutional communications, digital and print marketing, website strategy, social media, content development, photography, videography, design, writing, and media relations. The Assistant Vice President serves as a key strategic partner to Enrollment Management, University Advancement, the President’s Cabinet, and the Office of the President to advance enrollment, fundraising, and institutional engagement goals while ensuring consistent brand alignment with SPU’s mission, vision, and Christian values. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, collaborative leader, strong communicator, and experienced project manager who thrives in a mission-driven environment and is energized by helping shape the voice, visibility, and reputation of the university. This is an on-campus position based in Seattle, WA.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, business, or a related field
Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible communications, marketing, or public relations experience, including supervisory experience
Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams, projects, budgets, and strategic communication initiatives
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Strong understanding of digital marketing, branding, social media strategy, storytelling, and audience engagement
Experience using analytics, data, and performance measures to inform communication and marketing strategies
Working knowledge of AI tools for marketing and communications applications
Experience with content management systems, CRM systems, digital communications platforms, and project management tools
Strong organizational, strategic thinking, and relationship-building skills
Ability to collaborate effectively with senior leaders, faculty, staff, and external partners in a mission-driven environment
A personal commitment to Christian faith; enthusiasm for supporting SPU’s mission; alignment with the University’s Statement of Faith; and willingness to uphold the lifestyle standards of our Christian community

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree
Previous experience in higher education, nonprofit, or faith-based organizations
Experience in Christian higher education or a Christian mission-driven organization
Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills with the ability to translate data and insights into actionable strategies and measurable outcomes
Experience using tools such as Sitecore, WordPress, Jira, Slate CRM, Workday, or AI-enabled communications platforms
Degree from a faith-integrated institution, such as a CCCU college or university

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership, direction, and supervision for the University Communications team
Lead, mentor, develop, and evaluate a high-performing team responsible for communications, marketing, web, design, photography, videography, writing, social media, and media relations
Foster a collaborative, customer-focused culture that partners effectively with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and university stakeholders
Ensure effective use of analytics and assessment tools to evaluate communication and marketing effectiveness
Serve as principal leader for institutional branding, messaging, and communications strategy
Partner with university leadership and the Office of the President to support strategic communications, executive messaging, crisis communications, emergency communications, and media relations
Strengthen SPU’s visibility, reputation, and mission clarity through compelling storytelling and integrated communications efforts
Help position SPU and the President within broader community and constituent contexts
Partner closely with Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions to support enrollment goals through integrated digital and print communication strategies
Help shape annual enrollment communications calendars and marketing campaigns aligned with institutional priorities
Collaborate regularly with enrollment leadership and operations teams to optimize messaging, engagement, and conversion efforts
Ensure digital marketing efforts and communications effectively support prospective students and families throughout the enrollment journey
Partner with University Advancement to communicate compelling reasons to support Seattle Pacific University and strengthen donor, alumni, and parent engagement
Support advancement communications including newsletters, donor storytelling, fundraising appeals, and case statements
Collaborate across the university to elevate stories of student transformation, academic excellence, service, and mission impact
Provide leadership for the university website, ensuring content, style, accessibility, user experience, and digital engagement reflect SPU’s mission and priorities
Lead institutional social media and digital media strategies to strengthen engagement with prospective students, families, alumni, donors, and other constituents
Oversee project management systems, vendor relationships, contracts, budgets, timelines, and departmental priorities
Ensure communications projects are delivered on time with excellence, professionalism, and strong internal customer service