Pacific Lutheran University is hiring: Associate Vice President of Marketing and

Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communication

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

Position Title: Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communication

Position Type: Administrator

Benefits Status: Benefits Eligible

FLSA: Exempt

Hiring Range: $110,000 - $130,000 per year + excellent benefits package

Location: Tacoma, WA 98447

Department: Marketing and Communications Office

Posting Date: 10/18/2024

Closing Date: When a sufficient number of qualified applicants has been identified.

Work Schedule: Full-time position. Variable schedule, with core hours being Monday – Friday; 8am – 5pm. Team operates in a hybrid format. Some weekends may be required.

General Description: PLU seeks an Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communications who will report to the Vice President of University Relations and be an integral part of a collaborative leadership team focused on advancing the university’s strategic goals. In this role, you will lead the charge in shaping and elevating PLU’s brand, overseeing all marketing, branding, and communication efforts to enhance the university’s visibility. From attracting prospective students to deepening alumni engagement and building relationships with internal and external stakeholders, the AVP will play a crucial role in amplifying the university’s mission.

You’ll work alongside a diverse group of campus leaders and community partners in the South Sound region, ensuring that PLU’s messaging is cohesive, impactful, and aligned with its core values. The AVP will oversee a talented fifteen-person team, including the Executive Creative Director and the Director of Digital Communications, driving innovative strategies that resonate with our audiences.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Vision

• In partnership with the Vice President of University Relations, develop and implement a comprehensive, data-driven marketing and communications plan that advances the university’s strategic vision and goals.
• Provide inspirational leadership and mentorship to the Marketing and Communications team, by fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends and best practices in higher education marketing and communications, adapting strategies to maintain and grow PLU’s position.

Brand Management and Marketing

• Cultivate and strengthen the university’s brand identity, ensuring consistent messaging and visual representation across all channels, both digital and traditional.
• Oversee the development and execution of integrated marketing campaigns that target key audiences, including prospective students, alumni, donors, and the broader community.
• Collaborate with Enrollment Management to develop and implement effective recruitment marketing strategies that drive enrollment growth and support the university’s enrollment goals.
• Partner with Constituent Engagement to develop and implement communication strategies that support development efforts, engage alumni, and cultivate partnerships.
• Utilize market research and analysis to inform decision-making, optimize marketing strategies, and measure the effectiveness of communication campaigns.

Public Relations and Communications

• Serve as the principal communications officer for the university, ensuring clear, consistent, and compelling messaging across all platforms.
• Oversee the development, management, and content strategy for the university’s website, social media presence, and other digital communication channels, ensuring they align with PLU’s brand and messaging.
• Cultivate strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure buy-in, support, and alignment for marketing and communication initiatives.
• Manage crisis communications effectively, safeguarding PLU’s reputation and ensuring transparency. Build and maintain relationships with local, regional, and national media to generate positive coverage of the university’s achievements and initiatives.

Team Management and Administration

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing marketing and communications team.
• Develop and manage the department’s budget effectively and efficiently.
• Cultivate and steward a culture of learning, collaboration, and psychological safety, providing ongoing opportunities for personal and professional development.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Outstanding written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing integrated marketing communications strategies, including oversight of external market research and data analysis.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire a high-performing team, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Exceptional project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Well-developed intercultural competency and a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and build relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Strategic and analytical thinker with seasoned judgment and the ability to make data-informed decisions, justify recommendations, and communicate clearly and persuasively.
• Adaptable and agile, with the ability to navigate a complex working environment and influence others effectively.
• A service-oriented approach, strong listening skills, and empathy in working with various constituents within the PLU community.
• Demonstrated expertise in budget management, characterized by a comprehensive understanding of strategic resource allocation, robust justification of investments, and reporting on project outcomes.
• Enthusiastic, with the ability to engage, inspire, and influence others with innovative ideas.
• Excellent computer skills, including proficiency with relevant marketing and communications software and platforms.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Commitment to PLU’s mission, vision, and values, with a passion for advancing the university’s strategic goals.

Required Qualifications:

• Substantial and progressively responsible experience in marketing and communications, preferably in a complex organization, such as higher education. Education may substitute for some experience.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Finalist applicants must satisfactorily complete pre-employment background checks.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or equivalent work experience related to marketing and communications.
• Familiarity with the Tacoma and South Sound communities and the Pacific Northwest region is desirable.

Work Conditions:

• Majority of work is in an office setting, but occasionally organizational duties and special events require long periods of standing and moving.
• Occasional evening and weekend work is required for special events.
• Team operates in a hybrid format, with a blend of in office and remote work.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time ranging from 4 to 6 hours.
• Ability to speak clearly and enunciate when speaking with constituents.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Other Information: PLU is a small, private university where caring means more than kindness and consideration — it means a bold commitment to expanding well-being, opportunity, and justice. Because PLU is a community committed to the creation and advancement of knowledge through diversity and inclusion, the university actively recruits a diverse faculty, staff, and student body. PLU is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from members of historically underrepresented and minoritized groups, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and others who would bring broadly diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds in educational, research or other work activities.

PLU offers an excellent benefits package including tuition remission for employees and their dependents, retirement plan, medical, dental, paid vacation and sick leave, major holidays off (including Christmas/New Year’s break), additional flexible time off, and many other great university benefits. PLU is a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program as a 501(3) tax-exempt organization. Click here for detailed benefits information.

For general application questions or if you need accommodations at any point in the application and/or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 253-535-7185 or humr@plu.edu.

Supplemental Questions

• * Do you have a High School Diploma or GED?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Are you 18 years of age or older?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Are you legally eligible to work in the United States on your hire date AND legally authorized to work in the United States for Pacific Lutheran University without sponsorship now or indefinitely into the future?
  • Yes
  • No