Vice President for University Communications and Marketing

University of Richmond

Richmond, Virginia

The University of Richmond invites nominations and applications for the Vice President for University Communications and Marketing (VP). This leader will oversee and influence all communications efforts across the University. Reporting directly to President Kevin Hallock, this VP will be his principal advisor on all communications-related matters. As the University seeks to build on the remarkable momentum of recent years, the Vice President for Communications and Marketing will be an important member of the President’s Cabinet and senior administrative team, helping to sustain and strengthen the University’s standing among the nation’s leading institutions. This position presents a compelling opportunity to play a key role in shaping communication and marketing strategies in support of the priorities of a new presidential administration as the University enters the next era in its dynamic trajectory.

Working closely with the President, his cabinet, students, staff, faculty, trustees, and alumni across the Richmond community, the VP will conceive of and establish a comprehensive, high-level communications strategy and program capable of meeting the University’s ambitious objectives and further enhancing its reputation and resources. This executive leads a staff of approximately 25 talented professionals and partners with schools, departments, programs, athletics, and other stakeholders to provide integrated management and craft compelling institutional messages for print, video, web, social media, and public relations that enhance the internal and external knowledge of—and appreciation for—the hallmarks of the University and the educational experience it provides. This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic communications leader to define and build an innovative and ambitious approach to communications that advances messaging for the University as a whole by reaching each of the University’s distinct audiences through tailored, effective, and impactful approaches.

The ideal candidate will have substantial experience developing and implementing multi-faceted communications efforts that position and elevate the perception of an entire organization with multiple audiences, preferably in a higher-education context. This person will have keen strategic and planning skills, a thorough understanding of traditional and emerging media, and a comprehensive understanding of the communications process, from creative conception through fulfillment. Demonstrable leadership and managerial skills and institutional savvy are key, as are a collaborative and collegial nature, and a high degree of emotional intelligence, intercultural competence, and a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. The successful candidate will be intellectually curious and will be committed to active engagement in the campus and local communities.

The University of Richmond has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in conducting this important search and to help identify outstanding candidates. Confidential inquiries, nominations/referrals, and applications (including resumes and one- to three-page letters of interest responding to the opportunities and challenges outlined above) should be sent electronically to the search team via the link below.

Kate Barry, Partner

Kennedy Kearney-Fischer, Managing Associate

Isaacson, Miller

www.imsearch.com/8503

The University of Richmond is committed to developing a diverse faculty, staff, and student body, and to modeling an inclusive campus community which values the expression of differences in ways that promote excellence in teaching, learning, personal development, and institutional success. In keeping with this commitment, our academic community strongly encourages applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds and candidates who support diversity.