Associate Vice President for Marketing & Communications

Conducted under the auspices of the Dominican Friars, Providence College is a Catholic, Dominican, liberal arts institution of higher education and a community committed to academic excellence in pursuit of the truth, growth in virtue, and service of God and neighbor. We seek candidates who can affirm and contribute to our mission.  

Providence College is also an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a Beloved Community— an environment that reflects the rich diversity of the human family and is marked by justice, charity and the promotion of the common good and flourishing of all. We invite applications from qualified individuals who possess the experience, knowledge and commitment to develop the diverse learning environment envisioned as part of the Beloved Community. Women and minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The College’s Non-Discrimination policy can be found Notice of Non-Discrimination (PDF document) (Download PDF reader)

Develop and implement marketing and communications strategies that support the college’s pursuit of its strategic goals.  Oversee brand development and stewardship, implementation of unified creative expression of the associated brand strategy, and practices that ensure the cost-effective, efficient, and measurably impactful application of resources to accomplish communications goals across a variety of print and digital platforms.

1. Provide the strategic and creative vision that will foster an ongoing assessment of the college’s brand strategy and the effective implementation of a unified, consistent design and editorial style language that portrays the college’s high quality and widespread impact.  Take primary responsibility for advising admission and advancement leadership on collaborative marketing and communications strategies that reflect contemporary approaches known to be effective in higher education marketing.   (30%)
2. Lead the design, implementation, and optimization of integrated, multi-channel marketing campaigns—across digital, print, and experiential platforms—that measurably increase undergraduate and graduate student inquiries, applications, and enrollments against defined KPI targets.  Manage collaborations with colleagues in media relations, government and community affairs, web services, athletics, and other related units.   (20%)
3. Guide the ongoing, cost-effective integration of college communications efforts to ensure accurate, consistent communications rooted in the established brand strategy involved in public-facing communications efforts.  Foster the strategic use of technology platforms to support marketing efforts, especially those related to admission and institutional advancement.  Provide oversight to ensure the appropriate use of social media resources and platforms college-wide, consistent with established policy.  (20%
4. Work with the Office of Mission & Ministry to ensure the appropriate application of the college’s Catholic and Dominican philosophies and ideals to communications and marketing work and processes.  Model a deep understanding of, and respect for, the college’s history, heritage, and contemporary impact on its students, its other constituents, and all communities affected by it.  (10%)
5. Serve as the creative lead for the college’s highest-profile communications efforts, including copywriting in support of signature events such as commencement, copywriting and creative direction for certain priority print pieces including major gift solicitations, editorial support for the executive office and vice presidents as needed, and the production of major video projects including those for television broadcast/streaming purposes and major events.   (10%)
6. Work with the Director of Media and Public Relations as a member of the college’s emergency response team.  Participate in regular training for these purposes and serve as a key member of the emergency response policy coordination group.  Manage the college’s faculty, staff, and parent email distribution lists and ensure the appropriate application of the associated guidelines.   (10%)

MARGINAL DUTIES:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution required. Master’s degree in communications-related discipline preferred.
• Seven to ten years’ experience in marketing or similar field required
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Exceptional verbal and written communications skills
• The ability to work well under pressure of deadlines
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of people
• Advanced multimedia production proficiency, especially in video production.
• Advanced familiarity with live event production techniques.
• Experience in crisis communications.
• Basic Adobe Creative Suite experience.
• Intermediate Microsoft 360 and social media application experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods of time
• Reaching by extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction
• Finger dexterity required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than with whole hand(s) or arm(s), for example, using a keyboard
• Communication skills using the spoken word
• Ability to see within normal parameters
• Ability to hear within normal range
• Ability to move about

DISCLAIMER:  This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent.  It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the incumbent.  Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.