Vice Chancellor for Communications and Marketing
The University System of Maryland Office (USMO)
Vice Chancellor for Communications and Marketing
The University System of Maryland Office (USMO) invites applications and nominations for the Exempt Staff position of Vice Chancellor for Communications and Marketing (VCCM).
The position will report to the Chancellor and is a key member of the leadership team at the USMO. As head of the USM Office of Communications and Marketing, the VCCM provides strategic and comprehensive communications and marketing, management, and support for the University System of Maryland, the Chancellor, senior leadership, and the Board of Regents.
The incumbent is responsible for communicating effectively the advancement of USM’s strategic priorities, and for helping to increase various publics’ understanding of and appreciation for the System and its role in advancing opportunities for students and the state. Communications and Marketing encompasses issues management, public and media relations, marketing and branding strategies, drafting/editing (e.g. speeches, remarks, legislative testimony, presentations, and special documents) crisis communications, message development, website management, social media management, special events, and publications production. In addition, the VCCM chairs the USM Communications Council, which comprises chief communications officers from USM’s institutions and regional centers. Through this council, the VCCM develops System wide communications strategies, offers professional development opportunities, and nurtures a community whose members help each other create communication and marketing successes in support of the University System. The VCCM will develop the USM’s communications and marketing plans, strategies, and tactics; implement and monitor the USM’s communications and marketing program across a variety of channels (e.g., print, presentations, video, visual and digital media, media relations, community relations, special events, email and the Web); anticipate and mitigate adverse or potentially negative issues that may impact the reputation of the USM, including creation of crisis communications plans; serve as an ambassador for USM and forge partnerships with outside constituencies to increase reach of System messaging; cultivate relationships with traditional and nontraditional media, including pitching stories proactively and responding to media requests; and work collaboratively with USM government relations to develop communications in support of USM legislative priorities.
The qualified candidate will have an advanced degree and at least 10 years of experience as a member of a senior management/leadership team with knowledge of issues, challenges, and emerging trends in higher education and experience that includes management of staff at middle management level, and management of projects that require coordination of diverse groups, including senior leadership and/or board of directors.
The position requires in-depth knowledge of the communications and marketing professions—including media relations, publications, website development and management, issues management, marketing principles and practices, brand management, social media, strategic planning, the higher education landscape in general, and the USM in particular.
The position requires high-level oral and written communication skills; analytical skills; issues management skills; strong management, organizational, and planning abilities; excellent interpersonal skills; flexibility; the ability to manage and respond effectively to communications crises and other challenges; the ability to juggle multiple priorities effectively; and the ability to manage staff and enhance their professional development effectively.
Salary will be commensurate with relevant experience and education.
The University System of Maryland is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or ancestry, marital status, veteran status, physical or mental disability unrelated to an individual’s ability to perform the job, in accordance with applicable law. As required by the 1986 Immigration Act, applicants should be prepared to present acceptable documentation showing their identities, their U.S. citizenship or alien status, and their authorization to work in the United States.