Executive Searches

Associate Vice President, Marketing & Communications

Salary: $120,000 to $145,000 DOE

Apply Now

Join Whitworth University as the Associate Vice President of University Marketing & Communications!

The AVP of Marketing & Communications will be joining a dedicated, productive, collaborative and healthy President’s Cabinet. The cabinet provides university leadership, including oversight and execution of the university’s recently adopted five-year strategic plan. Whitworth University has an enduring mission and an exceptional story to tell, to a host of interested and supportive constituencies, about the transformative experiences provided by our students and graduates equipped to honor God, follow Christ and serve humanity. Highly ranked by peer rating organizations and publications for excellence, undergraduate teaching and value. Whitworth seeks a talented leader who can help the university tell its exceptional story.

Key Responsibilities

Marketing & Communications Leadership

Bring your expertise to lead the development and execution of a comprehensive marketing & communications strategy, aligning with Whitworth's mission and strategic plan. Spearhead branding initiatives that showcase the unique Whitworth educational experience through digital and web mediums, marketing, advertising, media relations, publications, graphics and social media. As a strategic thinker, you will oversee the university's media relations program to garner local, regional and national media coverage, raising awareness and profile. Join the President's University Cabinet to provide leadership and consultation in aligning Whitworth's marketing & communications program with the strategic plan.

Crisis and Issues-Related Management

Take charge of developing and implementing crisis communication strategies, crafting a comprehensive crisis communication plan. Coordinate efforts with the university's emergency response plan to ensure effective communication in emergency situations. Oversee the utilization of communication channels, such as WhitAlert and InformaCast systems, webpage, email systems and Pirate Port, for crisis assistance. As a member of the Emergency Management Task Force, lead preparedness efforts through drills, exercises and FEMA trainings. Serve as the primary spokesperson for the university when necessary.

Management

Demonstrate your leadership skills by overseeing a diverse range of functions and employees, providing direct supervision and development for key personnel in marketing & communications, printing services, the mail center and the post office. Manage budgetary aspects for these areas, ensuring effective resource allocation.

Other Opportunities

Stay ahead of the curve by seeking professional development opportunities for your team and monitoring industry trends. Contribute to the university community by serving on various campus committees and task forces, providing invaluable marketing & communications leadership.

Qualifications

Education

• A master's degree in a field related to the job is preferred, and Whitworth considers candidates with a wide range of educational backgrounds. We value the skills and knowledge candidates bring to Whitworth, regardless of the paths they have taken to acquire them.

Experience 

• Eight years of progressively responsible senior leadership experience.
• A highly developed relationship builder, having served as a trusted advisor to organizational leadership.
• Track record of delivering superior strategic communication services and extraordinary audience experiences.
• Experience applying data to test, learn, iterate, inform and measure the results of strategic communications decision-making.
• Extensive experience in storytelling, message development and strategic communications that can engage a wide variety of audiences.

Whitworth Values

• Demonstrated growth in cultural competence, awareness of societal and structural inequities, and proven experience in effectively establishing relationships and positive communications with students and other constituents across multiple dimensions of diversity including, but not limited to, race, gender, varying abilities, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity, class or religious perspectives.
• A personal commitment to the Christian faith and to the integration of faith and learning.
• A commitment to the educational mission of Whitworth University as a comprehensive Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church.

Our Benefits

Whitworth University provides a robust offering of benefits and services to enhance the quality of life of its faculty and staff. Employees who are eligible for benefits may participate in health plans including medical, dental, and vision; a generous retirement plan (up to 8% employer match); life insurance and long-term disability insurance. Well-being services include spiritual enrichment, the employee assistance program, and free access to the University Recreation Center and the Megan E. Thompson Aquatic Center. Free tuition for employees and tuition remission programs for spouses and dependents round out the offerings. Additionally, Whitworth employees enjoy 17 paid holidays each year.

Visit our benefits page HERE to learn more.