Position
St. Bonaventure University invites applications for the position of Chief Marketing and Communications Officer (CMCO). The Chief Marketing and Communications Officer is a strategic executive leader responsible for shaping and advancing the brand identity, reputation, and market position of St. Bonaventure University, bringing strong news judgment and editorial vision alongside expertise in modern marketing and brand strategy.
Serves as a strategic advisor to the President and President’s Cabinet on communications, messaging, and reputational risk.
Key Responsibilities
- Communications (30%)
- Responsible for developing, refining and disseminating internal and external communications for the university broadly and the university president more specifically.
- Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive internal communications strategy that promotes transparency, alignment, and engagement across faculty, staff, students, and the Franciscan community.
- In collaboration with MarComm staff, oversee development of all print and digital communications and video productions including the alumni magazine, marketing collateral materials, institutional website and enrollment-driven videos.
- Marketing (30%)
- Strategic Brand Leadership: define and steward the University’s brand voice, ensuring a consistent and compelling narrative across all platforms (digital, print, social, and earned media). Oversee the development of data-driven marketing campaigns to support undergraduate and graduate recruitment, retention, and fundraising initiatives.
- In concert with the Office of Enrollment, create and execute a marketing and communications strategy to enhance the brand of the university to bolster enrollment and develop affinity with internal and external constituent groups, such as alumni. Serve as the primary architect for the University’s media relations strategy, proactively securing high-profile coverage and managing the University’s public profile.
- Oversee the University’s digital ecosystem, including website strategy, content architecture, and digital engagement channels, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and user experience best practices.
- Public Relations & Media (15%)
- Serve as the primary architect for the University’s media relations strategy, proactively securing high-profile coverage and managing the University’s public profile.
- Crisis Communication: act as the lead strategist and spokesperson during critical issues, providing expert counsel to the President and Board of Trustees to protect institutional reputation.
- Advancement Communications (10%)
- In partnership with Advancement and Alumni Relations, develop and execute integrated communications strategies that support donor engagement, campaign priorities, alumni participation, and stewardship efforts.
- Administrative (15%)
- Oversee the departmental budget, ensuring high-impact ROI on marketing spend and managing external agency partnerships. Handle budgetary and clerical duties of the Office of Marketing & Communications, including the development and maintenance of a primary divisional budget. Nurture relationships with marketing vendors/partners to enhance the brand of the university.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for marketing and communications efforts, including enrollment, engagement, and advancement-related metrics. Regularly report outcomes and insights to senior leadership to inform strategy and resource allocation.
- Supplemental Functions
- Ensures continuity of operations through effective team leadership, cross-training, and resource planning.
- Other duties as requested by the President.
Qualifications
A bachelor's degree is required; a master's or doctoral degree is preferred.
Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in marketing, communications, or related fields. Experience in higher education is preferred, though high-level corporate or non-profit experience will be considered. Demonstrated experience and leadership in managing a comprehensive strategic communications, media relations, and marketing program to advance an organization’s mission and goals.
Benefits
- 4 weeks of Paid Time off
- 21+ University Paid Holidays
- Tuition Remission:
- 100% undergraduate tuition remission for employee, spouse, and dependents
- 80% graduate tuition remission for employee (online and ground programs)
- 50% for spouse (ground programs only)
- Full Benefit package:
- 403b Retirement Plan + 10% Employer contribution after 2 years
- Health Insurance with $250 Wellness card
- Dental Insurance
- Employer Paid Life insurance
- Short-term Disability
- Employer Paid Long-term Disability
- Employee Assistance Program
- Other Perks:
- Free access to campus fitness center
- 2 free Division 1 Men’s Basketball Season tickets
- Golf course membership discount
- Other National and Local discounts available