Associate Vice President

Description:

Reporting to the Vice President of Strategic Communications and Marketing and serving as an integral member of the leadership team, the Associate Vice President of Communications is responsible for the development of the University's communication strategy and contributes to the department's strategic planning process. The Associate VP of Communications leads the development of the annual communications plan, directly managing communications activities that advance, enhance, and protect the University's brand reputation.

The AVP of Communications is responsible for the development, integration, and implementation of a broad range of public relations activities supporting the strategic direction and positioning of the University and its leadership. As an ambassador for the University, the AVP is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including the media. A senior divisional leader, the AVP serves as the main crisis communications officer, playing a leading role in managing media interactions, including serving as the University's spokesperson when needed, and working closely with the University's Executive Leadership Team and other stakeholders.

Responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
 

• Provides leadership and direction for the University¿s overall communications strategy across internal, external, social media, and crisis channels
• Oversees crisis communications, media relations, editorial content, the university magazine, campus communications, and social media in alignment with KSU¿s mission and values
• Creates and manages crisis communication plans and plays a key role in emergency response efforts
• Serves as University spokesperson or assigns representatives for media and public communications during critical events
• Builds strong partnerships across colleges and departments to promote University initiatives, achievements, and brands
• Ensures all messaging is consistent, clear, and impactful
• Supports executive level communications, op-eds, announcements, and publications
• Oversees development of communication materials across print, digital, web, and media channels
• Leads and mentors a high-performing communications team to foster collaboration and deliver results
• Supervises staff producing storytelling that highlights faculty, students, research, and University initiatives
• Provides timely and constructive feedback to support staff development
• Coordinates communications efforts across departments, colleges, and offices
• Guides strategy, management, and innovation of digital communications and social media
• Tracks trends and emerging technologies to apply best practices to university platforms
• Benchmarks against best practices to ensure high-quality communications services
• Performs other duties as needed to support the University¿s success
   

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in Communications, Media Relations, English, or a related field

Required Experience

Ten (10) years of demonstrated experience in the related field, including progressively responsible management experience and at least 5 years in a senior leadership role