Vice President for Communications & Marketing

The Vice President (VP) for Communications and Marketing will be a highly skilled marketing and communications thought leader, responsible for overseeing all aspects of the College's communications and marketing strategies. The VP will play a critical role in shaping the College's public image, driving brand awareness, and supporting and developing strategic goals through comprehensive communications and marketing efforts. This position will lead the Public Relations & Marketing team with the development and execution of integrated marketing campaigns, media relations, digital strategies, and communication efforts. The VP will elevate Penn College's image, driving brand awareness, and promote the institution through comprehensive communications and marketing efforts. The VP will effectively collaborate with campus stakeholders to align communications and marketing initiatives with the institution's vision, mission, and goals, and will be instrumental in the development of future strategic plans. The VP will be a member of the President's Council and will report directly to the President. The VP will serve as the College spokesperson, writing and editing public messages/statements issued by the College. The VP will advise the President and administration on communications related to crisis management, developing strategies and providing timely information to the campus community during emergencies. The VP will serve as the cost center administrator for Public Relations & Marketing, developing and managing the budget for department operations.

Full-time Employee Benefits include: medical and dental insurances, retirement plans, paid time off, educational benefits for employees and dependents at Penn College and Penn State University, and more. For additional information, click here.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's Degree in Media, Marketing, Communications, Journalism or related discipline. Required
• Master's Degree in Media, Marketing, Communications, Journalism or related discipline. Preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

•  Valid and in State Valid Driver's License. Required

EXPERIENCE

• 5-7 years Working in a marketing and communications environment. Required
• 3-5 years Leadership in marketing and communications environment. Required
• 1-3 years in Higher education. Preferred

ABILITIES AND SKILLS

• Excellent marketing, writing and editing skills. Required
• Ability to empower and successfully lead division—leading by example and fulfilling the role of a leader who does the work as well as assigning it to others. Required
• Excellent photography skills. Required
• Excellent computer skills for writing/editing text, digital photography and web site maintenance. Required
• Able to work with tight deadlines and minimal supervision. Required
• Competent to research and report information accurately and completely. Required
• Ability to work extended hours. Required
• Exhibit a professional demeanor and be prepared to interact with senior officials and the media at all times. Required
• Must hold a valid driver's license and have access to a vehicle during the workday. Required

• Strategic Leadership:
  • Develop and implement the College’s communications and marketing strategies to elevate profile, support institutional goals, enhance recruitment, and engage internal and external stakeholders.
  • Routinely collaborate with leaders across campus to ensure alignment of communications and marketing strategies.
  • Provide leadership and guidance to Public Relations & Marketing, fostering a culture of creativity, support, accountability, and results-driven performance.
  • Work closely with other departments (e.g., Admissions, College Relations, Workforce Development, Academic Affairs) to support College’s goals and initiatives.
  • Coordinate special projects as necessary.
  • Serve on College’s Emergency Response Team.
• Marketing:
  • Lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of integrated marketing campaigns to drive engagement across multiple platforms.
  • Ensure marketing efforts appropriately elevate Penn College’s brand and effectively support recruitment, academic programming, workforce development and college relations’ efforts.
  • Manage advertising, social media, website, and email marketing initiatives to support organizational goals.
  • Leverage analytical tools to monitor and report on the effectiveness of marketing efforts.
  • Triangulate data trends and campus insights to inform strategies and planning.
  • Ensure effective and consistent use of the Penn College brand/logos across all communication channels and materials.
  • Advise on the use of logos, visual identity, messaging, and public relations to maintain a unified and strong organizational image.
• Media Relations:
  • Oversee media outreach efforts, including drafting press releases, managing media inquiries, and cultivating strong relationships with key media contacts.
  • Serve as the spokesperson for the College, managing public relation complexities and ensuring positive media coverage.
  • Develop and maintain positive media contacts in order to effectively promote Penn College as a national leader in applied technologies.
  • Coordinate the notification of media for emergency closings and other public announcements.
  • Coordinate media interviews with faculty, staff and students; provide appropriate background preparation and media training for selected spokespersons.
• Budget Planning:
  • Oversee the Public Relations & Marketing budget, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently to maximize impact.
  • Provide regular financial reports and analysis to track spending and return on investment.

None

This is not a complete itemization of all facets of this position. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. The College has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without prior notice.

Penn College is committed to equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce.

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