Oakland University
Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan, us, 48308
Position Information
Minimum Qualifications
Oakland University has retained the Executive Search Firm, The Ward Group, to lead the search efforts. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to : info@wardgroup.com and reference “Oakland University” in the subject line. A seasoned and strategic marketing leader who brings a deep understanding of integrated marketing and communications—especially how brand, content, and digital strategies align to support enterprise goals across student recruitment, advancement, and reputation. The successful candidate will bring the insight to shape a clear, enterprise-level strategy and the leadership to build and elevate a marketing and communications program that delivers measurable results. Experience in Higher Education is preferred. Fluency in performance marketing principles, go-to-market strategy, segmentation, and ROI measurement is important—especially the ability to guide and evaluate such efforts. Aptitude for and adeptness at tracking and leveraging data to inform strategy and tactics aligned with the university’s strategic plan and mission. An understanding of shared governance and collaborative decision-making is essential as it relates to consensus building around programs and messaging. Familiarity and comfort in a highly collaborative work environment, willing to contribute by building internal partnerships and establishing trust with faculty, staff, students, and alumni to inspire creative thinking and foster problem solving. Understands higher education issues and market drivers and can manage internal stakeholder interests and dynamics. Consummate problem-solver with the ability to assess and grasp details quickly, and to move from listening and learning to action and solutions. Able to and interest in developing strategies and ensuring their effective execution. In short, “can think and do.” Operates comfortably at 60,000 feet but can pivot to ground level when needed. Proven success in managing, motivating, and supporting creative people and building a cohesive marketing and communications unit. Experience with identifying talent, building teams, and recommending appropriate staffing models to support overall goals and objectives. Strong collaborative skills and high emotional intelligence. Able to maintain respect and strong relationships while challenging the status quo and leading innovative thinking and approaches. An effective communicator (written and verbal) who inspires, shapes opinions, overcomes objections, and persuades others of vision. Can articulate and evangelize the organizations’ mission. Displays a high degree of organizational agility – the ability to handle large-scale change programs, the comfort to influence without always having direct control, and the savvy to navigate complex situations with multiple stakeholders. A perceptive, proactive, energetic individual who can affect change in a dynamic environment and be a collaborative evangelist for a sophisticated, effective marketing and communications effort. Intellectually curious with a bias towards innovation to achieve results. Entrepreneurial mindset. Demonstrates resourcefulness in making prudent business decisions. An accomplished juggler with the ability to keep multiple projects moving forward simultaneously, while anticipating the future. Confident decision-maker; strong character, integrity; and common sense. Sense of humor. Position Details
Position Purpose
Serve as the university’s senior leader for marketing, communications, and brand strategy—advancing efforts aligned with the President’s vision and the goals of Strategic Vision 2030 to elevate OU’s visibility, strengthen its reputation, and support institutional growth.
Lead and empower a team
responsible for developing and executing a transparent, integrated plan with strategic, operational, and fiscal oversight for branding, digital engagement, external marketing / communications, and internal communications across all platforms and audiences. Working within a center-led model, the CMCO will collaborate across the university—with senior leadership, faculty, staff, and partners in schools, colleges, centers, and administrative units—to ensure that marketing and communications efforts are cohesive, inclusive, and results-oriented. The CMCO and their team will play a key role in supporting student recruitment and retention, enhancing community and donor engagement, and contributing to future campaign planning and fundraising success—amplifying OU’s impact at both the enterprise and unit levels.
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Minimum Qualifications
Oakland University has retained the Executive Search Firm, The Ward Group, to lead the search efforts. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to : info@wardgroup.com and reference “Oakland University” in the subject line. A seasoned and strategic marketing leader who brings a deep understanding of integrated marketing and communications—especially how brand, content, and digital strategies align to support enterprise goals across student recruitment, advancement, and reputation. The successful candidate will bring the insight to shape a clear, enterprise-level strategy and the leadership to build and elevate a marketing and communications program that delivers measurable results. Experience in Higher Education is preferred. Fluency in performance marketing principles, go-to-market strategy, segmentation, and ROI measurement is important—especially the ability to guide and evaluate such efforts. Aptitude for and adeptness at tracking and leveraging data to inform strategy and tactics aligned with the university’s strategic plan and mission. An understanding of shared governance and collaborative decision-making is essential as it relates to consensus building around programs and messaging. Familiarity and comfort in a highly collaborative work environment, willing to contribute by building internal partnerships and establishing trust with faculty, staff, students, and alumni to inspire creative thinking and foster problem solving. Understands higher education issues and market drivers and can manage internal stakeholder interests and dynamics. Consummate problem-solver with the ability to assess and grasp details quickly, and to move from listening and learning to action and solutions. Able to and interest in developing strategies and ensuring their effective execution. In short, “can think and do.” Operates comfortably at 60,000 feet but can pivot to ground level when needed. Proven success in managing, motivating, and supporting creative people and building a cohesive marketing and communications unit. Experience with identifying talent, building teams, and recommending appropriate staffing models to support overall goals and objectives. Strong collaborative skills and high emotional intelligence. Able to maintain respect and strong relationships while challenging the status quo and leading innovative thinking and approaches. An effective communicator (written and verbal) who inspires, shapes opinions, overcomes objections, and persuades others of vision. Can articulate and evangelize the organizations’ mission. Displays a high degree of organizational agility – the ability to handle large-scale change programs, the comfort to influence without always having direct control, and the savvy to navigate complex situations with multiple stakeholders. A perceptive, proactive, energetic individual who can affect change in a dynamic environment and be a collaborative evangelist for a sophisticated, effective marketing and communications effort. Intellectually curious with a bias towards innovation to achieve results. Entrepreneurial mindset. Demonstrates resourcefulness in making prudent business decisions. An accomplished juggler with the ability to keep multiple projects moving forward simultaneously, while anticipating the future. Confident decision-maker; strong character, integrity; and common sense. Sense of humor. Position Details
Position Purpose
Serve as the university’s senior leader for marketing, communications, and brand strategy—advancing efforts aligned with the President’s vision and the goals of Strategic Vision 2030 to elevate OU’s visibility, strengthen its reputation, and support institutional growth.
Lead and empower a team
responsible for developing and executing a transparent, integrated plan with strategic, operational, and fiscal oversight for branding, digital engagement, external marketing / communications, and internal communications across all platforms and audiences. Working within a center-led model, the CMCO will collaborate across the university—with senior leadership, faculty, staff, and partners in schools, colleges, centers, and administrative units—to ensure that marketing and communications efforts are cohesive, inclusive, and results-oriented. The CMCO and their team will play a key role in supporting student recruitment and retention, enhancing community and donor engagement, and contributing to future campaign planning and fundraising success—amplifying OU’s impact at both the enterprise and unit levels.
#J-18808-Ljbffr