Vice President for Marketing and Communications

Clemson University is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to develop and implement integrated communications and marketing strategies while leading the Division of Marketing and Communications. Reporting to the President, the Vice President will be responsible for serving as the university’s spokesperson and providing recommendations to the president, executive team and board on policy and action in the management of issues and crises affecting the university.

University Marketing and Communications is Clemson’s in-house marketing and communications agency comprised of team members across the university responsible for enhancing the national reputation of the university. The centralized team offers core marketing and communications products and services across brand experiences, strategic communications, presidential communications, marketing operations, social media, marketing strategy and analytics, and advancement marketing. To learn more about the division, please click here.

Responsibilities:

The Vice President,

• Executes a comprehensive and university-wide communications and marketing strategy. Develops and implements innovative, strategic, high-impact communication and marketing initiatives that enhance Clemson’s national reputation and support university priorities which align with the Clemson Elevate Strategic Plan. Other key initiatives for integrated communications and marketing include, but are not limited to, overall student recruitment, private fundraising, constituent engagement, faculty and staff impact, student success, legislative priorities, research, corporate partnerships and economic development.
• Directs the development and execution of integrated marketing plans that will enhance Clemson University’s market position, reputation and visibility as a preeminent public research and land grant university. Improve awareness and academic reputation of the University’s focus areas among key constituents.
• Counsels members of the university community on communications of university-wide importance. Ensures articulation and consistent communication of the university’s desired mission, image and brand-position across all channels/platforms. Analyzes the scope and effectiveness of marketing and communications messaging through research and analytics that allow for forward-looking and broad customer-based communication methodologies.
• Provides leadership and supervision over a broad range of communications, marketing, creative, video production and photographic services of the university. Develops and implements a robust program to support the institution’s crisis management plan and serves as a resource to the Reputation Risk Management Team. 
• Develops and implements a highly effective program of internal communications utilizing multi-faceted channels to ensure that faculty and staff are engaged in the life of the university, well informed about university events, programs, issues and priorities.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 7 years of proven executive-level leadership with marketing, communications, branding or other related experience. Experience in higher education is preferred, however not required.
• Demonstrated success in leading, developing and implementing a broad range of communications, PR, and marketing initiatives in a complex environment requiring coordination, strategic collaboration and superior leadership of a diverse range of stakeholders and staff.
• Ability to foster constructive dialogue with different groups across campus, establish ongoing communication structures, and work collaboratively with a wide variety of constituencies. Ability to speak and present effectively before various audiences.
• In-depth knowledge of existing and emerging video and digital marketing practices used in marketing and communications related to websites, social media, branding, and other communication tools and platforms used to meet institutional objectives. 
• Knowledge of emerging best practices, issues, trends, and opportunities in higher education at the state and national levels. 
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and oral and written communication skills and the ability to influence and inspire others. Serve as the University’s primary spokesperson.
• Ideal candidate would have an advanced degree in a related field.
• Prior experience aligning and implementing a marketing and communications strategy for a highly reputable, national enterprise.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills. 

Application Instructions:

The Search Committee invites applications (letter of interest, resume/CV, and a list of three references with contact information) to be submitted via Interfolio.

Confidential review of materials will begin immediately and continue until final candidates are identified. It is preferred, however, that all applications be submitted prior to Friday, April 5, 2024.
 
Please direct any confidential inquires, nominations, or questions to the search firm assisting the University:

Questions regarding the application process should be directed to ClemsonVP-Communications@agbsearch.com.

Nominations and inquiries should be directed to:

Concetta M. Stewart, Ph.D., Executive Search Consultant
concetta.stewart@agbsearch.com | (908) 341-2178

Pamela Krepchin, Executive Search Consultant
pam.krepchin@agbsearch.com | (415) 307-4796

Additional Information

Additional information about Clemson University may be found at www.clemson.edu.

Clemson University is an AA/EEO employer and does not discriminate against any person or group on the basis of of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, pregnancy (including childbirth, or related medical condition), national origin, age, disability, veteran’s status, genetic information, or any other personal characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law. Clemson University is building a culturally diverse faculty and staff committed to working in a multicultural environment and encourages applications from minorities and women.