Associate Vice President for University Relations

Radford University Portal•Radford, VA

30d

About The Position

Reporting to the Vice President for University Relations, the Associate Vice President serves in the critical role as chief communications officer and marketing strategist for Radford University. The position is responsible for overall communication and research-based messaging, as well as marketing and branding activity for the University. The position oversees all aspects of the development and dissemination of the University’s public messaging including branding, marketing, and advertising; public and media relations; publications and creative services; and digital and social media strategy in close collaboration with all University Relations professionals, including three director-level positions. The Associate Vice President analyzes and oversees University Relations’ overall structure and workflow by leading the day-to-day effort of prioritizing the team’s work to reduce duplication and ensure adequate time is dedicated to high impact and high value projects through the following duties and responsibilities: Perform duties and responsibilities with a high degree of accuracy and independence, while keeping the Vice President updated on unanticipated issues that may arise and recommending actions and solutions to such situations; and Serve as the chief marketing and communications officer for the University; and Serve as the University’s lead brand manager with responsibility of positioning the University in the market, determining target audiences, and maintaining the University’s desired reputation; and Utilize a research-based approach to identify key messages and audiences; and Lead the University Relations team through concept, messaging, and development of campaigns that reinforce the University’s goals; and Build brand awareness with key stakeholders; and Lead the work to establish best practices and enforce communications/marketing standards across all University units; and Establish effective market research mechanisms and strengthen the use of analytical tools to better track the success and value of the University’s marketing efforts; and Communicate the University’s position and policies on a variety of issues to specific media and to various University stakeholders; and Demonstrate and inspire a team-building work environment, motivating staff and cultivating productive relationships across campus with a focus on innovation and collaboration; and Represent University Relations and the Vice President as necessary with regard to various initiatives and programs, as well as campus and community events.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree is required, and an advanced degree or specialized training is preferred.
A minimum of five years of professional work experience in communication and/or branding and marketing is required.
Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Nice To Haves

An advanced degree or specialized training is preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform duties and responsibilities with a high degree of accuracy and independence, while keeping the Vice President updated on unanticipated issues that may arise and recommending actions and solutions to such situations
Serve as the chief marketing and communications officer for the University
Serve as the University’s lead brand manager with responsibility of positioning the University in the market, determining target audiences, and maintaining the University’s desired reputation
Utilize a research-based approach to identify key messages and audiences
Lead the University Relations team through concept, messaging, and development of campaigns that reinforce the University’s goals
Build brand awareness with key stakeholders
Lead the work to establish best practices and enforce communications/marketing standards across all University units
Establish effective market research mechanisms and strengthen the use of analytical tools to better track the success and value of the University’s marketing efforts
Communicate the University’s position and policies on a variety of issues to specific media and to various University stakeholders
Demonstrate and inspire a team-building work environment, motivating staff and cultivating productive relationships across campus with a focus on innovation and collaboration
Represent University Relations and the Vice President as necessary with regard to various initiatives and programs, as well as campus and community events.