Vice President Marketing and Communications

Overview

The University of Toledo (UToledo) seeks a bold, strategic, and collaborative leader to serve as its next Vice President for Marketing and Communications (VPMC). This visionary executive will shape and implement comprehensive enterprise‑wide marketing and communications strategies that reflect the University’s purpose and honor its promise to the region.

UToledo was founded in 1872 and became a member of the Ohio state university system in 1967. In 2006 the University merged with the Medical University of Ohio. It is an R1 research university and academic health center that offers full‑time and part‑time degree programs at the associate, bachelor, graduate, and doctoral levels. The University is committed to student success, community health, interdisciplinary research, and a strong regional presence in northwest Ohio.

President Dr. James Holloway began his tenure in July 2025, and with his leadership the University is launching new initiatives such as Advantage Toledo, Innovate Toledo, and Healthy Toledo. The new Vice President for Marketing and Communications will partner with the President, Cabinet, and Board of Trustees to lead an integrated brand, marketing, communications, and digital organization, ensuring the University is positioned as a leader in higher education, research, health care, and athletics.

• Build on the strengths of the current marketing and communications team of 32 professionals to elevate UToledo’s visibility.
• Unify complex narratives into a clear and compelling institutional identity, delivering strategies with measurable outcomes.
• Connect marketing outcomes directly to business results—enrollment growth, clinical volume, philanthropic engagement, reputation enhancement, revenue growth, and long‑term institutional sustainability.
• Lead the evolution of a growth‑oriented marketing strategy that leverages data, research, and modern marketing practices to expand reach and improve conversion.
• Apply audience‑centric marketing, grounded in rigorous primary and secondary market research, segmentation, and insight development.
• Drive the integrated brand “The Power to Do” and ensure alignment across the University’s higher education and health care entities.
• Engage with the local and regional marketplace to differentiate UToledo in an increasingly competitive environment.

• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary marketing and communications teams in a higher‑education or health‑care environment.
• Proven ability to develop and implement enterprise‑wide strategies that link marketing initiatives to measurable business outcomes.
• Strong knowledge of market research, segmentation, analytics, and performance measurement.
• Experience managing demand generation and reputation enhancement programs.
• Ability to collaborate with senior university leaders and manage complex stakeholder relationships.

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile. Candidate materials should be received by March 20, 2026.

Submit application materials and nominations through Witt Kieffer’s candidate portal.

Direct nominations and inquiries can also be addressed to Zachary A. Smith, Ph.D., Melissa Fincher, and Jenna Brumleve at UT

The University of Toledo does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex/gender, age, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information, familial status, political affiliation, or participation in protected activities. The University provides reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities.

Applicants who require accommodation to complete an application or for testing or interviewing should apply online for an accommodation request.