Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations

$100,000 - $110,000/Yr

Unitech - Lafayette, LA

Full-time - Senior

Lafayette, LA

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations (VP of MPR) is a senior leadership role at Unitech Training Academy, responsible for developing and implementing strategic marketing and communication initiatives. The VP of MPR aims to strengthen the organization's brand, enhance enrollment, and build public trust through effective marketing strategies and public relations efforts. This position involves collaboration with executive leadership, oversight of branding and public relations, and leading a high-performing marketing team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute an integrated marketing and public relations strategy aligned with Unitech's mission, vision, and goals.
• Collaborate with the President, COO, and Senior Leadership team to identify opportunities for brand growth and expansion.
• Serve as a member of the executive leadership team, providing insights on market trends and the competitive landscape.
• Lead the development of marketing strategies that drive student recruitment, retention, and program awareness.
• Conduct regular assessments of market conditions, competitive positioning, and enrollment trends to refine strategies.
• Provide thought leadership on emerging marketing technologies and their potential applications for Unitech.
• Oversee all branding efforts to ensure consistency across campuses, programs, and digital platforms.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for Unitech, managing media inquiries, crisis communications, and public statements.
• Cultivate relationships with media outlets, community organizations, and government stakeholders to enhance Unitech's visibility and influence.
• Identify and secure opportunities for institutional recognition, awards, and speaking engagements.
• Lead efforts to manage Unitech's reputation, ensuring proactive crisis management planning and execution.
• Direct and oversee digital marketing campaigns, social media initiatives, and web presence to attract prospective students and engage alumni.
• Leverage data analytics and audience segmentation to create targeted and impactful campaigns.
• Identify and implement emerging technologies, such as AI and automation, to optimize marketing efficiency.
• Lead the creation and execution of high-profile promotional campaigns, including program launches, special events, and alumni engagement.
• Manage partnerships with external vendors and agencies to supplement in-house capabilities.
• Design and implement marketing campaigns that directly support enrollment growth and student retention initiatives.
• Partner with the Admissions team to refine lead generation, nurture, and conversion strategies.
• Develop community outreach programs and sponsorships to enhance Unitech's presence in local and regional markets.
• Organize and promote campus events, open houses, and virtual sessions to engage prospective students and families.
• Collaborate with workforce development organizations and employer partners to promote Unitech as a leader in vocational education.
• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing marketing and communications team.
• Foster a culture of creativity, accountability, and results-driven performance.
• Create cross-departmental communication plans to ensure consistent messaging and shared goals.
• Provide professional development opportunities for team members to stay updated on the latest marketing practices.
• Develop and manage an internal communications strategy to ensure alignment and engagement across all campuses and departments.
• Partner with other departments to create initiatives that maintain strong connections with graduates and highlight their success stories.
• Oversee the production of newsletters, reports, and other publications to celebrate institutional achievements.
• Develop and manage the marketing and public relations budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources for maximum impact.
• Establish performance metrics to evaluate the success of marketing campaigns and PR efforts.
• Provide regular reporting on the ROI of marketing activities and public relations efforts to the President and Senior Leadership team.
• Support advocacy efforts to strengthen relationships with policymakers and promote Unitech's initiatives at the local, state, and federal levels.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Minimum of five [5] years of experience in PR and marketing leadership roles, preferably within the education or training industry.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful PR and marketing campaigns.
• Strong understanding of digital marketing strategies, social media platforms, and analytics.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to create persuasive and impactful content.
• Proficiency in marketing automation tools, content management systems, and analytics platforms.
• Creative thinking and problem-solving skills, with a strategic mindset and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, including team management and collaboration across departments.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities.
• Knowledge of local and national media landscape and trends.
• Commitment to Unitech Training Academy's mission and values.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in the education or training industry.
• Familiarity with emerging marketing technologies.

Benefits

• 401k
• Health Insurance
• Holidays
• Personal Time Off (PTO)
• Dental insurance