Assistant Vice President Marketing and Communication

Founded in 1854, Hamline was the first university in Minnesota and among the first coeducational institutions in the nation. Hamline University provides a world-class education for undergraduate and graduate students. Our faculty, staff, and students cultivate an ethic of civic responsibility, social justice, and inclusive leadership and service. Hamline University is an Equal Opportunity employer. Hamline University does not discriminate on the basis of race;

color; religion; creed; sex; national origin; marital status; familial status; status with regard to public assistance; membership or activity in a local human rights commission; disability; age; protected veteran status; or any other status protected by applicable law in its education or employment programs or activities. The University will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

The Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Communication is the university's senior strategic leader for marketing, brand, and communications, responsible for advancing Hamline's reputation, enhancing enrollment, and strengthening alumni and donor engagement in direct support of the university's strategic plan. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this individual translates institutional priorities into an integrated marketing and communications strategy, builds and empowers a high-performing team to execute the day-to-day work of the division, and exercises sound judgment in navigating unexpected issues and critical situations without losing sight of long-term priorities.

This is an executive-level role that requires the ability to operate simultaneously at three altitudes: ensuring consistent, high-quality daily execution; responding decisively to the unexpected; and providing forward-looking strategic counsel to the the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief of Staff, and the University Leadership Team (ULT) as a trusted institutional partner.

Strategic Leadership Serve as a strategic partner to the Chief of Staff and the Chief Operating Officer, translating institutional priorities and Hamline's 2026–2030 Strategic Plan into an actionable marketing and communications strategy.

Build organizational capacity by delegating operational and day-to-day execution to a capable team, ensuring reliable delivery of routine work while personally focused on strategic priorities.

Anticipate institutional risks and opportunities, exercising sound judgment to respond quickly and effectively to unexpected issues, while keeping long-term strategic priorities on track.

Represent marketing and communications in University Leadership Team (ULT) discussions and Board of Trustees settings, providing data-informed counsel that connects division work to institutional outcomes.

Partner with the COO to establish an institution-wide Communication Governance Committee.

Lead the communications and messaging strategy that supports organizational change management efforts across campus, ensuring the university community understands and stays engaged with the successful implementation of the strategic plan.

Strategic Marketing and Branding Direct and oversee the team responsible for developing and executing integrated marketing plans that support student recruitment, alumni engagement, and donor development, ensuring plans align with institutional priorities.

Lead efforts to establish and maintain a consistent institutional brand identity across all communication channels.

Conduct market research and analyze trends to inform strategy and decision-making.

Communications Leadership and Development Act as the chief communications professional for the university, overseeing and developing as needed…