Chief Marketing and Communications Officer; CMCO

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Southern Connecticut State University seeks a visionary Chief Marketing and Communications Officer (CMCO) to lead its newly elevated marketing and communications division.

Reporting directly to the President and serving as a key member of the President’s Leadership Team, the CMCO will guide the division through a comprehensive operational refresh, defining how Southern tells its story, engages its audiences, and positions itself for long-term success.

The CMCO will oversee a high-performing team; set strategy for marketing, communications, and storytelling; serve as the university’s chief spokesperson; and act as executive editor of all university publications.

This leader will bring a strong command of data-driven marketing, digital strategy, and organizational change, along with a deep commitment to student success, teamwork, and community engagement.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the voice, reputation, and future trajectory of a growing, nationally recognized research university with regional and global impact.

The CMCO manages a team of 10 and oversees all marketing and communications efforts, acting as the university’s primary brand ambassador and creative head. Their duties entail managing the division’s budget and strategic plan while providing leadership across various functions. This position calls for a leader who blends strategic insight with strong operational skills, capable of modernizing systems, aligning teams, and applying best practices in marketing.

The division is poised for change, with a skilled team looking for a leader to foster trust, unify operations, and enhance existing marketing strategies. Key focus areas include implementing brand standards, updating systems, shifting to mobile-first and accessible web designs, and utilizing analytics to guide decision-making. As CMCO, you will:

• Shape and lead a bold, university-wide communications and marketing vision that elevates Southern’s brand, strengthens its reputation, and drives meaningful engagement across audiences.
• Develop and execute integrated marketing and communications strategies that showcase the university’s achievements, academic excellence, and future direction while advancing enrollment growth, fundraising success, and talent recruitment and retention.
• Establish effective processes and standards that deliver high-impact, coordinated and measurable marketing and communications initiatives.
• Serve as a trusted strategic advisor on sensitive matters, including crisis communications, executive messaging, collective bargaining-related dialogues, and effective internal communications.
• Lead and inspire a high-performing, collaborative team while partnering across campus to inspire a brand-driven culture.

• Media Relations Officer
• Social Media and Media Relations Coordinator
• University Writer/Editor
• Southern Magazine Editor
• Director of Marketing and Publications
• Graphics Coordinator
• Graphic Designer
• University Photographer
• Website Manager
• Website Editor

Brand Strategy & Institutional Positioning

• Serve as the chief architect of the university’s brand, ensuring consistent, authentic, and differentiated messaging across all platforms.
• Develop and implement a long-term brand strategy that supports institutional priorities, including enrollment, advancement, academic excellence, and community impact.
• Champion the university’s identity and reputation, both regionally and nationally, through strategic campaigns and thought leadership.

Integrated Marketing & Communications

• Lead the Office of University Marketing and Communications, overseeing marketing, advertising, digital media, public relations, publications, graphic design, and photography.
• Design and execute integrated marketing plans that align with strategic goals and drive measurable outcomes in recruitment, retention, and fundraising.
• Leverage digital tools (SEO, SEM, social media, email marketing) to expand reach and engagement with prospective students, alumni, donors, and the public.

Executive Communications & Public Relations

• Provide strategic oversight of the university’s spokesperson and media relations efforts, ensuring…