Chief of Marketing and Strategic Communications
Company:
Austin Peay State University
Job Location:
Clarksville, 37044
Category:
Other Executive
Type:
Full-Time
Position Summary
The Chief of Marketing and Strategic Communications serves as the university's chief storyteller and lead strategist for internal and external communications. As a key member of the senior leadership team, the position is responsible for shaping and delivering a consistent and compelling narrative about the university's mission, values, and impact.
This role leads the Office of Public Relations and Marketing, including Print Services, and collaborates closely with university leadership to develop integrated communication strategies that enhance institutional reputation, inform key stakeholders, and engage community partners. The Chief of Marketing and Strategic Communications ensures that communication efforts are coordinated, reflect the university's goals, support its strategic initiatives, and foster a strong, unified voice across all platforms.
Austin Peay State University is a four-year public, doctoral-level university, with six colleges and four Chairs of Excellence. The University has an enrollment of over 10,000 students and is located in Clarksville, Tennessee, a community of an estimated 180,000 people located approximately 40 miles northwest of Nashville, TN.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Storytelling & Messaging
The Chief of Marketing and Strategic Communications serves as the university's chief storyteller and lead strategist for internal and external communications. As a key member of the senior leadership team, the position is responsible for shaping and delivering a consistent and compelling narrative about the university's mission, values, and impact.
This role leads the Office of Public Relations and Marketing, including Print Services, and collaborates closely with university leadership to develop integrated communication strategies that enhance institutional reputation, inform key stakeholders, and engage community partners. The Chief of Marketing and Strategic Communications ensures that communication efforts are coordinated, reflect the university's goals, support its strategic initiatives, and foster a strong, unified voice across all platforms.
Austin Peay State University is a four-year public, doctoral-level university, with six colleges and four Chairs of Excellence. The University has an enrollment of over 10,000 students and is located in Clarksville, Tennessee, a community of an estimated 180,000 people located approximately 40 miles northwest of Nashville, TN.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Storytelling & Messaging
- Develop and package stories that promote the university's strengths, achievements, and values for both internal and external audiences.
- Identify opportunities to showcase faculty, student, and institutional success across various media platforms.
- Draft speeches, statements, and communications for the university president to internal and external constituencies.
- Assist the president and other senior leaders in effectively conveying complex or sensitive messages.
- Serve as the university spokesperson.
- Lead communication efforts that keep faculty, staff, and students informed, engaged, and aligned with the university's goals and initiatives.
- Ensure appropriate and timely and dissemination of institutional news and updates.
- Support the university's engagement with community leaders, public officials, and regional stakeholders.
- Craft messaging that reinforces the university's role and value as a public institution.
- Develop and implement communication plans that address both positive and challenging circumstances.
- Provide clear and thoughtful messaging around institutional decisions, policy changes, and emergency situations.
- Provide vision and direction for the Office of Public Relations and Marketing.
- Supervise and mentor marketing and public relations staff.
- Collaborate with other members of the senior leadership team to ensure a coordinated, proactive communications approach across all university departments
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively at the executive level.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with community leaders and other external stakeholders.
- Proven ability to communicate complex or sensitive information clearly and effectively.
- Ability to work some evenings and weekends for events or crisis response.
- Ability to travel when necessary.
- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
- A minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in strategic communications in higher education or other non-profit institutions.
- Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
- Experience managing crisis communication and high-profile messaging.
- Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
- Must live in or relocate to Clarksville, TN for the duration of employment.
- A background check will be required of the successful applicant.
- Master's degree in Communication, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing or a related field.
- Experience as an executive-level leader in higher education or other non-profit institutions.
- Have an understanding of how the university fits into the social, political, and economic environments of Clarksville and the state of Tennessee.
- Demonstrated success in brand management.
- Demonstrated confidence and clarity in public interviews.
