Chief Marketing and Communications Officer

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) seeks an accomplished, innovative, and collaborative leader to serve as its next Chief Marketing and Communications Officer (CMCO). Reporting to President Brian Noland through the President's Chief of Staff and serving as a member of the President's Cabinet, the CMCO will lead the institution's marketing and communications enterprise, providing strategic vision and executive oversight for branding, media relations, digital strategy, reputation management, and related initiatives.

The CMCO will lead a highly respected Office of University Marketing and Communications and serve as a trusted advisor to University leadership on matters of institutional positioning, public perception, issues management, and stakeholder engagement.

This opportunity comes at an especially exciting moment in ETSU's history. Known as the "Flagship of Appalachia", ETSU is a public research university located in Johnson City, Tennessee, with a mission centered on improving the quality of life for the people of the region and beyond. Serving approximately 14,000 students, the University offers a comprehensive portfolio of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs and is home to Tennessee's largest Academic Health Sciences Center, including the Quillen College of Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, College of Public Health, and the Gatton College of Pharmacy.

This distinctive combination of academic, research, and clinical enterprises positions ETSU as a regional leader in education, healthcare, innovation, and public service.

ETSU is experiencing extraordinary institutional momentum. The University recently welcomed the largest first-year class in its history and has achieved record levels of student success, retention, graduation, research activity, and employee engagement. Research expenditures have increased dramatically over the past decade, and ETSU continues to advance its ambitious goals through the ETSU Board of Trustees-approved Strategic Vision, Strategic Enrollment Management Plan, and newly developed Research Strategic Plan.

University leaders consistently point to the institution's upward trajectory, strong financial position, growing reputation, and deep community support as evidence of a university on the rise.

The next CMCO will inherit a communications and marketing enterprise that has been transformed over the past five years into a modern, integrated operation that serves as a strategic partner across the University. Supported by a highly talented team and a culture grounded in collaboration, trust, innovation, and professional growth, the division is well-positioned for continued success. Building on this strong foundation, the new leader will help advance key initiatives already underway, including a comprehensive website redesign, implementation of a new research strategic plan, expanded community engagement efforts, and continued growth of integrated enrollment marketing strategies.

ETSU seeks a visionary and collaborative leader who combines strategic insight with operational excellence. The ideal candidate will be an accomplished marketing and communications executive who can strengthen the University's brand and reputation, foster meaningful partnerships across campus, and serve as a trusted advisor to the President and senior leadership team. Success in this role will require expertise in strategic communications, storytelling, digital engagement, crisis communications, and team leadership, along with a genuine commitment to ETSU's mission and the transformative impact of higher education.

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile.

Candidate materials should be received by October 9.

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to:
Zach Smith, Ph.D. and Jenna Brumleve at

ETSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.