Vice President, Communications and Marketing

Job Summary

Reporting to the Executive Vice President for Strategic Effectiveness and Chief of Staff, the Vice President of Communications and Marketing at Augusta University serves as the strategic leader responsible for shaping and executing a comprehensive communications and marketing vision that advances the university's mission and brand. The role oversees internal and external communications, media relations, crisis communication, and marketing initiatives across digital and traditional platforms.

The Vice President fosters collaborative partnerships with university leadership and stakeholders, ensures alignment with institutional goals, and drives engagement through integrated messaging strategies.

The Vice President will strive to develop communications and marketing programs that illustrate AU's competitive advantages and position AU to reach its vision of being a top‑tier university, a destination of choice for education, health care, discovery, creativity, and innovation.

• Brand Management & Communications Strategy – Lead the development and execution of an integrated communications and marketing strategy that aligns divisions and units to build and protect the Augusta University brand and enhance outreach and engagement through earned, owned, and paid media. Ensure tactics are tightly integrated with internal communications, student recruitment, and media relations to support business objectives.
• Internal Communications – Develop and implement a proactive internal communications program. Monitor campus issues; promote transparency and share timely information with students, faculty, staff, and support personnel using web, electronic, and other media. Build a sense of shared purpose and a unified institutional culture.
• Team Development – Recruit, develop, and retain highly motivated, talented team members. Coach the team to execute communications, marketing, and digital plans that represent the messaging maps, amplifying AU’s competitive advantages and increasing stakeholder engagement.
• Assessment, Evaluation, and Stewardship – Evaluate the effectiveness of communications and marketing efforts, monitor vendor performance, and measure results to optimize return on investment.
• Collaborative Partnerships – Form productive, collaborative partnerships with university leaders and external stakeholders to advance the mission of Augusta University. Serve on the Enrollment Planning Council, the Administrative Cabinet, and the President’s Cabinet.
• Crisis Communication – Develop and implement crisis communications and continuity of operations plans. Collaborate with Critical Events Preparedness and Response (CEPaR) and maintain drafts of messaging for likely and emerging scenarios.

• Bachelor’s degree with a major in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism, business administration, or a related field.
• At least seven years of experience in marketing and/or communications in higher education, research, government, business, or industry.
• At least five years of management experience, including staff development and budgeting, and experience in media relations, public relations, news and information, video production, photography, or publications.
• Strategic vision and hands‑on experience managing comprehensive communications programs, including media relations and marketing initiatives that advance organizational goals.
• Proven expertise in writing and editing across print and digital media; ability to develop and implement strategic communications and research‑based marketing plans; expertise in presenting and negotiating with the media.

• Master’s degree and/or a professional certification in marketing or public relations.

Shift: Days, Monday through Friday (work outside normal business hours may be required). FTE: 1.0 (full‑time). Salary commensurate with education, experience, and achievements. Benefits include health, dental, life insurance;
Teachers Retirement System or optional retirement plan; earned vacation and sick leave; 13 paid holidays. Tuition Assistance Program for eligible full‑time employees.

• Successful background check review prior to start.
• Credit check for positions of trust and/or approved departmental purchase card usage, if applicable.
• Motor vehicle reports for positions requiring driving an Augusta University vehicle.
• Adherence to cybersecurity and privacy policies regarding confidential, sensitive information.

Augusta University is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer welcoming applicants from underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.