Chief Marketing and Communications Officer

The University of Texas at Austin • Austin, TX

295d

About The Position

Dell Medical School is seeking a Chief Marketing and Communications Officer (CMCO). The Chief Marketing and Communications Officer is responsible for building and leading all strategic marketing and communications efforts supporting the creation of a world-class academic medical center anchored by Dell Medical School and its developing tertiary hospital. The CMCO is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive marketing and communication strategies that align with the healthcare system's goals and enhance its brand image. The role involves managing internal and external communications, overseeing marketing campaigns, and leading crisis communication efforts. The CMCO ensures consistent messaging across all platforms and fosters relationships with media, stakeholders, and the community to maintain a positive public image, and plays a pivotal role in shaping, launching, and building a bold, unified brand that reflects the organization's mission to revolutionize how people get and stay healthy.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.
• Fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible marketing and communications leadership experience in large, complex, and matrixed organizations with at least five (5) years in a leadership role.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.
• Fifteen (15) years of experience in marketing and communications, with at least seven (7) years in a leadership role.
• Experience in academic healthcare or clinical settings.
• Expertise in navigating university and medical center domains.
• Knowledge of philanthropic communications and collaboration with advancement teams.
• Proven success in leading change and building inclusive, innovative teams.

Responsibilities

• Creates and executes strategic communication and marketing plans aligned with Dell Medical School's mission, vision, and values.
• Builds and executes a comprehensive brand implementation strategy and plan.
• Develops and leads comprehensive marketing strategies supporting faculty recruitment, clinical program growth, student enrollment, philanthropy, and research visibility.
• Serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on communication strategy, reputation management, and complex issue navigation.
• Positions the organization as a leading force in academic medicine, education, research innovation, clinical excellence, and organizational impact.
• Collaborates with leaders across UT Austin, UT Health Austin, and key external partners (Ascension) to ensure unified, impactful messaging across all platforms.
• Oversees creative direction for multimedia campaigns, organizational storytelling, and digital presence.
• Cultivates and maintains positive relationships with media outlets and influencers.
• Serves as a senior organizational spokesperson and prepares university leaders for media engagement.
• Leads proactive media strategies and issues management, including the development of crisis communication plans and transparent communication during crises.
• Responds swiftly to mitigate negative impacts on the organization's reputation.
• Provides guidance to senior leaders during crises.
• Ensures employees are informed and engaged with the organization's mission, values, and initiatives.
• Fosters a culture of collaboration, transparency, and shared purpose through consistent internal communications to faculty, staff, learners, and clinical partners.
• Oversees leadership messaging and organizational updates to strengthen internal alignment.
• Develops internal newsletters, announcements, and other communication materials.
• Leads the adoption of advanced technologies: Implement AI and automation tools to enhance communication and marketing efficiency and impact.
• Develops and oversees upskilling programs to ensure the team stays current with industry trends and best practices.
• Encourages the exploration and integration of digital tools and platforms to improve outreach and engagement.
• Monitors technological advancements: Stays informed about emerging technologies, assesses opportunities to drive real impact on communication and marketing strategies, and implements as appropriate.
• Collaborates with IT and other departments: Works closely with IT and other relevant teams to ensure seamless integration of new technologies and tools.
• Plans and executes marketing campaigns to promote services and initiatives.
• Utilizes market research, data analytics, and audience insights to continually refine digital strategy.
• Drives innovation across digital channels, including the website, social media, video content, and digital storytelling platforms.
• Collaborates with external agencies and vendors.
• Allocates resources efficiently to support various communication initiatives.
• Promotes a lean, cost-effective structure focused on organizational integration and continuous improvement.
• Oversees budgeting, financial planning, and vendor relationships to optimize operations and maximize investments.
• Monitors budget performance, addressing variances as needed.
• Provides training sessions for staff on effective communication practices, developing necessary training materials and resources.
• Represents the organization at events, attends industry conferences and events as a representative of the organization.
• Networks with industry professionals and stakeholders.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree