Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communications

Unclassified - Tacoma, WA

Full-time - Executive

Tacoma, WA

1,001-5,000 employees

About the position

The University of Puget Sound, a leading liberal arts college located in Tacoma, Washington, is seeking a strategic and innovative professional to fill the role of Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communications (AVP). This position is pivotal in elevating the institutional brand and overseeing all marketing, communications, and messaging activities. The AVP will ensure that both internal and external audiences have a refined understanding of the University’s ambitions and its role in higher education. The successful candidate will work closely with the Vice President for University Relations and senior leaders to build an integrated marketing and communications program that aligns with the University’s strategic plan, "Leadership for a Changing World." The AVP will serve as the principal advisor on all marketing and communications-related matters, playing a key role in defining and building an innovative approach to unify messaging for the University. This role requires a dynamic and accomplished executive who can develop and implement multi-faceted marketing and communications efforts that enhance the institution's perception among various audiences. The ideal candidate will possess strong strategic and planning skills, a comprehensive understanding of traditional and digital media, and the marketing and communications process from creative conception through fulfillment. In addition to these responsibilities, the AVP will be expected to engage actively with the campus and local communities, demonstrating a commitment to collaboration and collegiality. A bachelor's degree is required for this position, and the successful candidate will be expected to bring demonstrable leadership and vision to the role.

Responsibilities

• Elevate the institutional brand and oversee all marketing, communications, and messaging activities.
• Ensure increased awareness and refined understanding of the University among internal and external audiences.
• Work closely with the Vice President for University Relations and senior leaders to build an integrated marketing and communications program.
• Serve as the principal advisor on all marketing and communications-related matters.
• Define and build an innovative approach to unify messaging for the University.
• Develop and implement multi-faceted marketing and communications efforts that enhance the institution's perception.
• Engage actively with the campus and local communities.

Requirements

• Substantial experience in developing and implementing integrated marketing and communications efforts.
• Thorough understanding of best practices in marketing, communications, and branding.
• Strong strategic and planning skills.
• Comprehensive understanding of traditional and digital media.
• Demonstrable leadership, vision, and managerial skills.
• Bachelor's degree is required.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in higher education marketing and communications.
• Familiarity with the liberal arts education model.
• Ability to engage with diverse constituencies.

Benefits

• Equal opportunity employer commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Support for professional development and growth opportunities.