Associate Vice President for University Communications and Marketing

Associate Vice President for University Communications and Marketing

West Chester University (WCU) is a proudly public, forward-looking university that seeks an innovative andstrategic leader to serve as Associate Vice President (AVP) for University Communications and Marketing (UCM). This is a definingprofessional opportunity for a communicator who is ready to help elevate our voice, strengthen our brand, and expand the impact of aninstitution that is deeply committed to student success, community engagement, and academic excellence.

About the Role

The AVP serves as the university’s principal media spokesperson and communications strategist, leading a high-performing team responsible for media relations, digital and social media, marketing, branding, publications, photography, and internal communications. The UCM team functions as an in-house agency and partners with departments and units across campus to tell compelling stories and engage key audiences. This role offers the chance to shape how WCU presents itself to the world —amplifying its mission, strengthening its reputation, and positioning it for increased prominence. It also offers the opportunity to enhance how UCM serves its university clients to enable them to contribute to that work.

WhatYou’ll Do

• Serve as the university’s chief media strategist and spokesperson, building strong relationships with local,regional, and national media.
• Provide trusted counsel to the president and senior leadership on messaging, strategy, crisisresponse, and reputational risk.
• Lead the development and execution of integrated, institution-wide communications and marketingstrategies that drive visibility, engagement, and impact.
• Partner closely with admissions to align brand strategy and messaging insupport of enrollment management.
• Oversee brand identity and ensure consistent, compelling storytelling across all channels.
• Guide digital strategy, including web and social media, to reach and engage a range of audiences.
• Direct the creation ofhigh-quality publications and marketing materials that reflect the university’s excellence.
• Use data and analytics to measuresuccess, inform strategy, and drive continuous improvement.
• Foster strong internal and external relationships that supporttransparency, collaboration, and storytelling.
• Champion accessibility, inclusivity, and best practices in all communications.
• Manage budgets and external partnerships to maximize effectiveness and return on investment.

Who We Seek

We are looking for a strong communicator, strategic thinker, andinspiring leader who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment; someone who brings both vision and execution—able to see the bigpicture while delivering results. The prime candidate is energized by the opportunity to build, to innovate, and to lead a team that plays acentral role in shaping WCU’s success.

Qualifications

• Exceptionalcommunication and relationship-building skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, orrelated field (master’s preferred).
• 8–10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in communications, marketing, orpublic relations.
• Proven experience as a spokesperson, including media relations and crisis communications.
• Demonstratedsuccess leading integrated marketing and communications strategies and brand management.
• Strong leadership experience managingmultidisciplinary teams.
• Expertise in digital strategy, social media, and how it intersects with overall outreach efforts.
• Sound judgment and the ability to advise senior leaders in complex situations.
• Commitment to inclusive, accessible, andequitable communications practices.

Preferred:

• Experience withinstitutions of higher education.
• Experience in the greater Philadelphia media market.
• Experience with CRM systems,analytics, and marketing technologies.
• Familiarity with emerging tools, including AI, and their application in communicationsstrategy.

Why Join Us

This is more than a leadership role. It’s an opportunity to influence the trajectory of a university on the rise. You’ll join a collaborative leadership team, work with passionate colleagues, and play a central role in telling the stories that define who WCU is and where we’re going. If you are ready to grow with a university that is building momentum, we invite you to apply.

How toApply

Greenwood Asher & Associates is assisting West Chester University in this search.Applications and nominations are now being accepted.

Please submit full application packets here .

Submission of resume and cover letteras PDF attachments is strongly encouraged. The search will be conducted with a commitment to confidentiality for candidates until finalistsare selected.

Initial screening of applications will begin immediately and will continue until anappointment is made.

Nominations and inquiries should be directed to:

Julie Holley, Search Manager and Associate Vice President of Executive Search: [email protected]

Lois Stetson, SeniorExecutive Search Consultant:

[email protected]

Aboutus

West Chester University, a member of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, is apublic, comprehensive institution committed to offering high-quality undergraduate education, selected post-baccalaureate and graduateprograms, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni, and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania. We are acommunity of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.

WCU proudly offers a positive and purposeful work environment; comprehensive employee benefits including health,vision, and dental insurance, generous retirement plans, along with many wellness programs; a commitment to work-life balance includinggenerous paid vacation, paid sick time, military leave and paid time off for most major holidays; and a University mission to supportemployee personal and professional growth including a tuition waiver for self and family members, training and development, and advancementopportunities.

Developing and sustaining a diverse faculty and staff advances West Chester University’seducational mission. West Chester University is an Affirmative Action - Equal Opportunity Employer.

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