Title: Vice President of Marketing and Communications

Employee Classification: Vice President Mktg & Comms

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-Univ Brand Strategy & Comm

SubDivision-Department: UNT-Univ Brand Strategy & Comm

Department: UNT-Univ Brand Strategy & Comm-Gen-180000

Job Location: Denton

Salary: Commensurate with experience

FTE: 1.000000

Retirement Eligibility: ORP Eligible

About Us - Values Overview:

Department Summary

The Division of University Brand Strategy & Communications is responsible for shaping and maintaining the institution’s public image and reputation, which includes the development of strategic messaging and marketing campaigns that align with the university’s mission, vision, and strategic plan.

Position Overview

The Vice President of Marketing and Communications serves as the executive leader who oversees all aspects of the institution’s brand, marketing, and communication efforts. This executive-level leader will oversee the development and implementation of integrated marketing strategies that advance the university’s mission, visibility, reputation, and enrollment goals. With deep expertise in higher education and a strong leadership record, the VP directs a multidisciplinary team responsible for branding, digital and social media, internal and executive communications, media relations, video/photo production, design, print and distribution services, and more.

This role is essential in positioning the university as a premier R1 institution that serves as a hub for innovation, discovery and entrepreneurship; promotes its deep commitment to student success; and demonstrates its important role in driving economic growth in the North Texas region.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field. Ten years of progressively responsible experience in marketing and communications, including at least five years in a senior leadership role within higher education or a complex organizational environment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proven success in brand strategy, digital marketing, crisis communications, and leading cross-functional creative teams.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and strategic planning skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage large-scale projects, complex budgets, and competing priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree strongly preferred.
• Experience leading a university-wide rebranding or identity overhaul.
• Deep understanding of the higher education landscape, trends, and audience behaviors.
• Innovative mindset with the ability to embrace and implement new technologies and communication platforms.

Job Duties:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive, data-informed marketing and communications strategy aligned with the university’s strategic plan that also aligns with the mission and vision of the UNT System.
• Lead a collaborative and creative team that integrates branding, digital communications, media relations, design, content development, production services, and more, to serve a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Serve as the chief steward of the university’s brand and identity, ensuring consistent messaging and visual integrity across all platforms and audiences, and colleges, schools, and administrative units.
• Act as senior advisor and thought partner to executive leadership on matters related to messaging, brand identity, and strategic communications.

Branding and Identity

• Oversee cross-functional brand integration across all platforms and divisions.
• Collaborate with leadership to ensure brand strategy supports broader university and system objectives.
• Ensure brand integrity through the creation and enforcement of brand guidelines and governance processes. 

Marketing Strategy & Execution

• Oversee development and implementation of multi-channel marketing campaigns to support enrollment, advancement, alumni engagement, and reputation enhancement.
• Utilize analytics and performance metrics to optimize marketing tactics and demonstrate return on investment.
• Partner with enrollment management, advancement, and academic leadership to align messaging and outreach efforts.

Digital Media and Social Engagement

• Advance the institution’s digital presence and social media strategy to increase engagement, reach key audiences, drive enrollment and retention, and elevate brand awareness.
• Oversee content creation, platform management, and performance tracking across all social media channels.

Internal and Executive Communications

• Lead internal communications efforts to foster transparency, alignment, and engagement among faculty, staff, and students.
• Provide strategic counsel and develop messaging for the President and executive leadership, including speeches, internal memos and correspondence, op-eds and media statements, and stakeholder communications that reflect institutional vision and tone.

Creative Services and Production

• Oversee the production of compelling multimedia content including video, photography, publications, and promotional materials that reflect the university’s brand and impact.
• Direct the in-house creative studio, ensuring high-quality and timely execution of design and production projects for internal and external clients.

Print, Distribution, and Operational Oversight

• Manage all print, mailing, and distribution services, ensuring efficient workflows, cost-effective operations, and high-quality deliverables.
• Maintain vendor relationships, contracts, and procurement procedures related to marketing and communications.

Media and Public Relations

• Manage issues and crisis communications with discretion, responsiveness, and alignment to institutional values, serving as the university spokesperson when required.
• Cultivate media relationships, manage press releases, and pursue proactive media placements to elevate institutional achievements and thought leadership.

Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday

Driving University Vehicle:

No

Security Sensitive:

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions:

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. 

Benefits:

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement:

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit -- and takes actions to prevent -- discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking) and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities, facilities and employment practices. The University of North Texas System promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. The University of North Texas System also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist or participate in an investigative proceeding or hearing.