Kansas State University

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Assistant Vice President

Kansas State University
Division of Communications & Marketing

Division Overview

The Division of Communications and Marketing works with the campus community and external audiences to communicate, promote, and brand the image of Kansas State University.

Position description

Kansas State University invites nominations and applications for the position of Assistant Vice President for Communications and Marketing.

The Assistant Vice President will play a key leadership role in the Division of Communications and Marketing, which is dedicated to promoting institutional priorities and helping further distinguish the university as a leader in higher education. She or he will act as deputy to the Vice President as appropriate and provide leadership for News and Editorial Services and Marketing Services.

Reporting to the Vice President for Communications and Marketing, the Assistant Vice President for Communications and Marketing formulates strategy and policy and supervises the execution of marketing and communications efforts. The primary role of this position is to develop, implement, and inform strategic communication efforts that support the overall and the specific goals of Kansas State University. The AVP assigns and oversees day-to-day operations of a full-time communications professional staff of 17, plus numerous student employees. She or he has two direct reports including the Director of Marketing Services, which includes a marketing and a design unit; and the Director of News and Editorial Services, which includes news writing, publications writing, and photography. The AVP has a high degree of visibility and serves as a primary contact for university administrators, faculty, staff, students, and colleagues in other universities on issues related to Kansas State marketing and communications.

The successful candidate will have a minimum of 10 years senior level communications experience designing and implementing comprehensive communications strategies and plans for large organizations or institutions with special focus on the writing and development of proposals, case statements, and brochures; also materials intended to inform the public and legislators of higher education issues. Complex higher education and/or non-profit experience is strongly preferred. She or he will have strong and effective supervisory experience, demonstrated experience as a manager and supervisor of staff with at least five years of leadership experience. This individual must have a history of outstanding success working with print communications, as well as significant experience in digital, social, Web-based, and new media tools. She or he should be an accomplished and published writer, have demonstrated ability to write and report persuasively, as well as possess extensive knowledge of marketing or sales communications. The successful candidate will have production management experience (design, layout, copyediting, full publication production). Additionally, she or he will have exceptional verbal communications skills, and must be an effective public speaker comfortable in all situations, including crisis communications.

Salary or Range

This is a full-time, permanent position with excellent benefits. Salary is $87,000-$95,000 depending on work experience.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university with appropriate experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of management experience in a large, comprehensive public affairs/communications/news media organization.
• Prior budget management experience.
• Successful record of high-visibility media placements.
• Proven track record of effectively leading and developing a diverse team.

Preferred qualifications

• A master's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Experience in the execution of social media strategy, including development and integration.
• Demonstrated experience in marketing, strategic communications, and crisis management.
• A strong record of accomplishment in a Research I University.

To apply

Please submit, in PDF format, a letter of interest, resume, and contact information for three references to vpcm@k-state.edu. Subject line: AVP search. Nominations and questions can be sent to vpcm@k-state.edu. Screening of applications begins Nov. 28, 2011. Candidates will be notified before references are contacted. K-State is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Background check required. Kansas State University actively seeks diversity among its employees.