Vice President for Marketing and Communications

Vice President for Marketing and Communications

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Position Details

Position Title: Vice President for Marketing and Communications
Department: Marketing Communications
Pay Type: Exempt
Appointment Type: (A) Continuing Full-Time
Hours per Week: 37.5
Number of Weeks per Year: 52
Benefits: Eligible Full Benefits
Geographical: National
Relocation Reimbursement: Yes
Seniority Level: Executive
Employment Type: Full-time
Job Function: Marketing and Sales
Industries: Higher Education

General Scope of Duties

Connecticut College invites nominations and applications for the position of Vice President for Marketing and Communications (VPMC). This is a dynamic opportunity to lead a talented team and transform the College’s marketing and communications enterprise. This is an exciting moment for Conn: the institution is ready to refresh its brand, embrace digital innovation, and amplify the distinctive strengths that make it a top liberal arts college. The next VPMC will bring creativity, strategic vision, and collaborative leadership to elevate Conn’s visibility and impact in a rapidly changing communications landscape.

General Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting directly to the President and serving as a member of the senior leadership team, the Vice President for Marketing and Communications provides both strategic and operational leadership to ensure that marketing and communications align with Connecticut College’s mission, strategic goals, and fiscal sustainability. In this highly visible role, the VPMC works closely with the President, senior leaders, the Board of Trustees, and campus partners to advance institutional priorities and actively engage in the life of the College.

A trusted and innovative leader, the VPMC builds strong relationships across campus, fosters collaboration within the division, and unites teams around the College’s strategic messaging pillars, reflecting its mission, values, and academic excellence. This individual oversees brand strategy, digital outreach, media relations, creative services, and institutional messaging to ensure that Connecticut College’s story and distinctive strengths are communicated clearly and consistently to prospective students, families, alumni, and the broader community.

The VPMC also staffs the Board of Trustees’ Marketing and Communications Committee and provides counsel on institutional messaging, reputation management, and issues communications. As the Chief College Relations Officer, the VPMC oversees emergency operations communications and serves as the primary spokesperson in times of crisis, ensuring 24/7 readiness. The VPMC will regularly draft and advise on presidential speeches, correspondence, and high-stakes communications, as well as participating in major College events including convocation, commencement, and reunion.

Leading a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy across digital, print, web, and media platforms, the VPMC shapes a unified brand identity through compelling storytelling that reflects academic excellence, student success, and community. This leader drives digital-first strategies—paying and organic social, search, and display advertising—while managing large-scale website projects that enhance design, content, and user experience. They strengthen media relationships, elevate thought leadership, and ensure brand consistency across campus touchpoints, including athletics communications and signage.

Education and Skills

The success of Connecticut College depends on strong leadership and a bold vision for the future. The Vice President for Marketing and Communications will bring the expertise and strategic insight needed to modernize a historically communications-focused department, elevate the College’s brand, and implement innovative, data-driven marketing strategies. A bachelor’s degree is required, and an advanced degree is preferred. The VPMC will have at least 10 years of experience in marketing and communications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven Marketing Leadership : At least ten years of experience, strong record of creating and implementing results‑oriented marketing, communications, and business plans. Deep understanding of the higher education landscape including enrollment trends, branding, digital engagement, reputational enhancement, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strategic and Creative Expertise : Impeccable oral and written skills; ability to evaluate creative work including graphic design and video production. Proven success in telling compelling stories articulating the College’s distinctiveness to diverse audiences; analytical forecasting, tracking, and reporting skills.
• Digital and Technology-Driven Vision : Expertise in digital marketing and advertising across paid/organic social, search, and display. Experience managing large-scale website redesigns and user experience optimization. Advanced analytical skills, KPI setting, dashboard building, and data-driven adjustment. Familiarity with AI-driven marketing tools for high school and emerging Gen Z audiences.
• Collaborative and Inclusive Leadership : Grassroots interpersonal skills, empathy-driven leadership, mentorship, and team building. Ability to inspire confidence, delegating effectively, and fostering high-performing teams.
• Commitment to Core Values : Embrace Connecticut College’s values of academic excellence, justice and fairness, shared governance, and environmental stewardship. Sound judgment, professionalism, discretion, and stakeholder engagement.
• Operational Excellence : Outstanding organizational skills, priority setting, deadline management. Flexibility, adaptability, willingness to travel as required.

Physical Demands

Driving Required: Yes

Salary Range

Compensation will be competitive and determined based on relevant experience and internal equity. Connecticut College is committed to fair and competitive compensation. The final offer will reflect the candidate’s experience, education, and the institution’s pay structure to ensure internal equity.

Applicant Credentialing

Thorough applicant credentialing will be conducted, including criminal records check, DMV check, and, depending on the position, psychological exam and pre-placement physical.

Posting Detail Information

Open Date: 01/07/2026
Applications accepted through: Open Until Filled No

Required Documents

None listed

Optional Documents

None listed

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

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