Assistant Vice President of Communications & Marketing

$143,000 - $162,500/Yr

Macalester College - Saint Paul, MN

Full-time - Senior

Saint Paul, MN

1,001-5,000 employees

Educational Services

About the position

The Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Communications and Marketing at Macalester College is responsible for strategically positioning the college and ensuring its voice resonates with various stakeholders. This role oversees all communications, including marketing initiatives, website content, social media, and public relations, while maintaining brand consistency aligned with the college's mission. The AVP plays a crucial role in enhancing Macalester's reputation as a leading liberal arts college, attracting top talent, and fostering a vibrant community. This is a full-time, hybrid position based in the Twin Cities area.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an integrated marketing and communications plan that ensures a clear understanding of Macalester's mission and values among all stakeholders.
• Lead creative direction and oversee branding, positioning, and messaging efforts to differentiate the college in a competitive higher education landscape.
• Partner with senior leadership to advance institutional priorities and communicate progress to internal and external audiences.
• Provide support to staff who lead crisis communications and media relations, ensuring the college's reputation is protected in challenging situations.
• Work closely with campus partners to ensure marketing and communications strategies align with institutional goals.
• Lead a high-performing marketing and communications team, fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and accountability.
• Use data and analytics to measure the effectiveness of marketing and communications campaigns, adjusting strategies to maximize impact.
• Oversee the marketing and communications budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to support strategic initiatives.
• Manage relationships with external vendors, ensuring high-quality work that aligns with institutional goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and 8+ years of related experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Ability to create comprehensive marketing plans that integrate channels including digital, print, social media, and public relations efforts.
• Skilled in creating compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.
• Ability to communicate in a way that is respectful and inclusive of diverse stakeholders.
• Commitment to equity and diversity in public messaging and internal practices.
• Familiarity with marketing technology, analytics, and reporting tools to measure and optimize marketing campaigns.
• Ability to manage multiple initiatives and campaigns simultaneously, ensuring timelines are met and goals are achieved.
• Experience leading and inspiring a cohesive team of diverse professionals.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience managing a departmental budget, prioritizing resources, and aligning expenditures with strategic priorities.
• Proficiency in using data analytics to inform strategies and tactics, monitor trends, and measure campaign success.

Benefits

• 10% employer contributions to the retirement plan.
• Outstanding vacation and sick time packages, plus an additional 10 holidays.
• Generous employer contribution to Health Savings Account.
• Tuition assistance which pays between 75% - 100% of eligible tuition for employee dependents at select institutions.
• Free primary care for most services through Nice Healthcare when enrolled in a Macalester health plan.
• Access to the athletics fitness facility, wellness coaching, and activities.