Associate Vice Chancellor for Strategic Marketing & Communications

University of Washington Medical Center • Bothell, WA

1d • $156,000 - $170,004 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Vice Chancellor for Strategic Marketing & Communications is UW Bothell’s senior marketing and communications leader, providing strategic direction for the university’s brand, reputation, storytelling and engagement efforts. Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Advancement and partnering closely with the Chancellor, the Vice President for Marketing & Communications and other campus leaders, this position leads an integrated marketing and communications team responsible for brand strategy, media relations, digital communications, content development, executive communications and advancement communications.

The role shapes and amplifies UW Bothell’s story through innovative strategies that strengthen visibility, deepen engagement, support enrollment and philanthropy goals, and showcase the university’s impact. As a member of the Advancement leadership team, the Associate Vice Chancellor fosters collaboration, elevates UW Bothell’s identity and positions the university for continued growth and success. The position leads a team of 11 professionals and works across the campus, the University of Washington tri-campus community and external stakeholder groups.

This is a full-time, permanent position with a hybrid schedule: three days in the office and two days eligible for telework each week. The work environment is a cubicle/open workspace that may have higher noise levels and visual distractions. Workload and schedule may vary with business needs, including occasional evening and weekend work, sometimes on short or limited notice. Regular local travel is expected, and access to reliable transportation is required. The position is first shift.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least eight years of leadership experience in marketing, communications, branding, advancement, public relations or a related field.
• Applicants must meet the stated minimum qualifications to be forwarded to the hiring department. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except where legal requirements apply.
• Ability to travel locally on a regular basis and access to reliable transportation.

Nice To Haves

• Proven success leading multidisciplinary marketing and communications teams within complex, highly collaborative organizations.
• Deep expertise in strategic marketing, brand positioning, reputation management and audience engagement.
• Strong executive presence and experience advising senior leaders on communications strategy, messaging, reputation and organizational change.
• Demonstrated success leading teams through change, navigating ambiguity and making sound decisions in evolving environments.
• Exceptional relationship-building and collaboration skills, including the ability to influence across organizational boundaries and unite diverse stakeholders around shared goals.
• Ability to translate complex ideas into compelling, audience-centered narratives and find creative ways to share stories and build connections.
• Understanding of how brand, storytelling, reputation and engagement contribute to fundraising, philanthropy and long-term institutional success.
• Familiarity with digital communications strategy, emerging technologies, web governance, analytics and AI-enabled tools.
• Experience using data, analytics and audience insights to inform strategy, measure effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.
• Experience in higher education, public institutions or other mission-driven organizations.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for UW Bothell’s integrated marketing and communications team and align its work with institutional priorities.
• Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing team of 11 professionals responsible for marketing, communications, storytelling, digital engagement, creative services and advancement communications.
• Foster a collaborative, innovative, inclusive team culture that supports creativity, accountability and continuous learning.
• Establish priorities, workflows, resources and partnerships to enable effective execution and organizational impact.
• Build relationships across UW Bothell and the University of Washington system to drive alignment and collaboration.
• Advise Bothell leadership on marketing, communications, reputation management and organizational change.
• Foster collaboration across Development, Alumni & Stakeholder Engagement, Events and Marketing & Communications to deliver a cohesive constituent experience.
• Lead development and execution of integrated marketing and brand strategies that advance awareness, engagement, enrollment and philanthropic support.
• Elevate UW Bothell’s distinctive identity while strengthening alignment with the broader University of Washington brand.
• Drive initiatives that enhance the university’s visibility, reputation and impact at regional, state and national levels.
• Partner with academic and administrative leaders on consistent messaging, brand stewardship and audience-centered marketing strategies.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen institutional reputation through strategic communications, storytelling and public engagement.
• Use data, research and audience insights to inform strategy, measure effectiveness and optimize results.
• Contribute to university-wide planning and provide strategic marketing counsel that advances institutional priorities.
• Lead integrated communications strategies that engage key audiences and advance institutional priorities.
• Ensure consistent, coordinated messaging across platforms, audiences and institutional priorities.
• Provide strategic oversight for media relations, public relations, crisis communications and issues management.
• Partner with the Chancellor and senior leaders on executive communications and institutional messaging.
• Partner with Advancement leaders on communications strategies supporting fundraising, alumni engagement and campaign priorities.
• Oversee campaign messaging, donor communications, stewardship materials and related content.
• Use storytelling to communicate impact, inspire engagement and strengthen philanthropic support.
• Lead digital communications strategy across web, social media, email and emerging platforms.
• Provide strategic oversight for web governance, digital experience, content standards and quality assurance.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools, and champion responsible, ethical and mission-aligned adoption.
• Use data, audience insights and performance metrics to improve engagement and support decision-making.
• Build strategic partnerships across UW Bothell, the University of Washington tri-campus community and external stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to improve effectiveness through partnerships, shared resources and coordinated initiatives.
• Represent UW Bothell in university-wide and professional forums to advance the institution’s visibility and influence.

Benefits

• The posting refers applicants to the University of Washington staff benefits website for information about benefits; specific benefits are not listed in the job description.
• Opportunities for professional growth.
• An environment described as diverse, intellectually exciting, and known for artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director