Senior Vice President, University Relations and Public Affairs and Chief Communications and Marketing Officer

NYU•New York, NY

26d•$480,000 - $550,000•Hybrid

About The Position

New York University seeks an experienced and dynamic communications and public affairs strategist to serve as the Senior Vice President for University Relations and Public Affairs and Chief Communications and Marketing Officer. This leader will have demonstrable success operationalizing strategy and building consensus across large, complex teams. As a key member of the President’s leadership team, this role presents a robust opportunity to contribute to the trajectory of one of the most prominent, respected, and ambitious research universities in the world. The Senior Vice President for University Relations and Public Affairs and Chief Communications and Marketing Officer (SVP) will serve as the senior leader for NYU’s engagement and communication strategies to support mission and impact-oriented storytelling amongst its expansive ecosystem of internal and external stakeholders. This strategic thinker will shape, advance, and amplify the University’s mission, reputation, and strategic priorities in a rapidly changing information landscape. The SVP will oversee cross-functional teams of communications, marketing, and public affairs professionals while fostering collaboration, innovation, and a culture of excellence. This leader will bridge existing gaps, streamline processes, and ensure a unified approach to storytelling, brand management, and stakeholder engagement. This leader will serve as a close and trusted advisor to the President, reporting to the Chief of Staff, and serve as a member of the President’s strategic advisory group and the President’s Cabinet. The SVP will be responsible for developing and executing a robust and integrated communications and engagement strategy that aligns messaging, marketing and branding, engagement, and proactive outreach across all platforms and audiences, both internal and external stakeholders in coordination with the President, Board of Trustees, and senior University leadership. This role requires a relationship builder who has successfully led change management efforts across robust teams and leads authentically to inspire collaboration and manage multi-stakeholder projects while serving as a trusted advisor to senior University leadership in all matters related to public affairs, communications, marketing, and external relations. The SVP will work closely with academic departments, administrative offices, and University leadership to support student recruitment, institutional advancement, and public relations efforts therefore must have demonstrated success building relationships in large, complex organizations. The ideal candidate has an in-depth understanding of the higher education landscape, including the unique needs of students, faculty, staff, and global audiences, with the ability to tailor communications and engagement strategies accordingly. Additionally, the SVP will monitor industry trends, evaluate the effectiveness of campaigns and initiatives, and make data-driven decisions to continually enhance the University’s visibility and impact. The SVP will play a critical role in advancing NYU’s profile as a top global research university by broadcasting the profound impacts of NYU’s expansive network of students, faculty, staff, and research.

Requirements

Demonstrated excellence in leading large-scale, cross-functional communications and marketing teams within complex, large organizations
Proven ability to develop and implement integrated communications strategies that support institutional goals and enhance reputation across diverse stakeholder groups
Deep understanding of media relations, marketing, crisis communications, public affairs, and digital engagement
Exceptional strategic thinking, judgement, and decision-making skills, including the ability to navigate high-stakes and sensitive issues with discretion, nuance, and professionalism
Deep knowledge of current and emerging higher education, communications, marketing, and digital media trends
Strong interpersonal and leadership capabilities, including the ability to inspire and manage and foster collaboration across teams
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, balancing long-term vision with operational execution
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages for different audiences and channels
A Bachelor’s degree and minimum of fifteen years of relevant, progressive leadership experience in communications, marketing, and public affairs.
Experience must include overseeing large, cross-functional, matrixed teams; developing and executing integrated communications and marketing strategies; and advising senior leadership on reputation management, brand positioning, proactive storytelling, and stakeholder engagement.

Nice To Haves

Significant professional experience within an academic institution, large company, or government agency is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute an integrated institutional communications and marketing strategy that elevates the University’s brand, enhances its reputation, and supports institutional goals across all channels, including media relations, digital, social, and print
Serve as the lead brand steward for all university content, ensuring messaging and strategy alignment across publications and channels.
Oversee and align the work of the university relations and public affairs teams, fostering cross-functional collaboration and ensuring consistent messaging and excellence in the University’s messaging, visual identity, and storytelling across schools, departments, and global sites
Partner with university leadership, faculty, staff, and students to align communications and marketing initiatives with academic, research, and community priorities
Build, grow, mentor, and empower diverse, cross-functional teams while encouraging innovation, professional growth, and operational excellence
Manage vendors including consultants and PR agencies