Associate Vice President for Strategic and Presidential Communications

Details

Posted: 10-Jan-24

Location: Saint Cloud, Minnesota

Salary: Open

Internal Number: 3777

Location: SCSU Main Campus, 720 Fourth Avenue South, St. Cloud MN 56301

Full/Part Time: Full Time

Employment Condition: At Will

Job Description:

The Associate Vice President for Strategic and Presidential Communications (AVSPC), reporting to the Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management, has responsibility for the development and implementation of a dynamic communications strategy for St. Cloud State University to advance the academic mission, contribute to enrollment, attract faculty and staff, and enhance the university’s reputation throughout the region and beyond. Working with the Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management the AVSPC is responsible for developing and overseeing a broad range of communications (including digital/print/social media), engaging schools and divisions, and cultivating public relations to advance SCSU’s mission. The AVSPC will work to position SCSU as a thought leader of Regional Comprehensive Universities with succinct messaging through a variety of platforms to promote the SCSU brand and the impact of the institution.
Providing oversight to University Communications, the AVSPC will work with a team of 5 to 7 people who specialize in areas that include marketing, design, multimedia, and public relations to create compelling content that tells the story of the student experience and university success. The AVSPC will foster university wide collaboration and articulate policies and procedures for an integrated communications strategy. The AVSPC will evaluate all forms of communication to ensure accuracy and appropriateness of message and adherence to brand guidelines. The AVSPC will present clarity in messaging as it relates to new university initiatives, crisis and issues management, attracting new/prospective students, faculty/student/alumni accomplishments, and program changes that impact the student experience.
Elevating the importance of strategic communication at the university, this role will support the University Cabinet and executive leadership with communication related to topics such as strategic priorities, the introduction of new programs, new initiatives, and policy/procedural changes.
The AVSPC will provide an added level of support to the President’s Office. This includes media preparation and institutional public relations matters. The AVSPC will work closely with the Vice President of Strategic Enrollment Management and the University Cabinet to develop, socialize and ensure uniform delivery of messaging and positioning across SCSU channels; provide quality control for communication materials for internal and external audiences; and proactively lead SCSU’s message development and narration to demonstrate impact to staff, board members, chapter leaders, advocates, volunteers and the community. This role will work to build new channels and mechanisms in support of leveraging user-generated content as a key enabler to amplifying the SCSU story.
Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation and ongoing evaluation of an aggressive and comprehensive communication strategy – This strategy will include a university-wide, systematic, comprehensive, data-driven, research-based plan ultimately designed to stabilize and increase enrollment. The AVSPC will work closely with the VP of Strategic Enrollment Management and other campus leadership to develop and implement communication strategies driven by institutional priorities and provide leadership in fulfilling the University’s marketing, communication, and recruitment, retention, and diversity goals.
• The AVSPC will develop short and long-term communication strategy and establish objectives in support of those strategies. The position requires a commitment to collaboration and shared governance and the ability to facilitate institutional change within a collective bargaining environment.
• Collaborate with all university continents on an integrated communications strategy that supports the University’s strategic planning and includes marketing efforts designed to attract prospective students and retain current students. Partners include but are not limited to: faculty and staff in Student Life and Development, Academic Affairs, Advancement and Alumni Engagement.
• Work collaboratively to design and implement communication strategies for programs, outreach and services to effectively support student learning and success from recruitment through graduation and beyond.
• Representing the University within the Minnesota State System as a key communicator.
• As part of the overall management of the various units, the AVSPC will provide direction in hiring and retention practices, performance management, review of professional development plans, work area plans, and progress reports in accordance with Minnesota State policies, University policies and negotiated contract provisions. Will ensure effective communications, dissemination of information, and pro-active program development within the offices. Oversee the development and implementation of departmental inclusion and diversity objectives.
• Oversee the management of the Strategic Communication Budgets. Develop budget practices and procedures that allow the division to meet its administrative obligations and maintain a balanced budget.
• Engage in an analytical, empirical, data-driven approach to problem solving and decision-making and facilitate a culture of yes within the Strategic Communication division.
• Serve on all University Committees related to institutional communications. Work closely with others across the University who are directly involved with institutional communication.
• Serve as a member of the Vice President of Strategic Enrollment Management’s leadership team and participate in planning and decision-making for the recruitment, retention and marketing efforts.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in higher education administration, student development, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Public Administration or related area.
• 10 years of higher education experience with extensive knowledge of the drivers for student engagement, retention and success as well as the ability to clearly articulate the value proposition of the university.
• Analytical, data-informed and results-oriented.
• Strong leadership, communication, marketing, planning, and organizational skills.
• Experience in strategic marketing and communication.
• High energy with a collaborative style, unquestionable integrity, vision, flexibility, creativity, and sense of humor.
• Skilled at hiring, motivating, and developing staff, fostering teamwork and managing change.
• Must have an understanding of the applications of technology, including social media, used in the areas of supervision.
• Understanding of and appreciation for intellectual growth and career preparation within a liberal arts tradition.
• Must have a collaborative style of leadership conducive to working effectively with diverse populations.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs.
• Effectiveness in reviewing, interpreting, and applying Board and University policies and procedure.
• Ability to work within a collective bargaining environment.
• Commitment to affirmative action and inclusion and diversity.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctorate Degree

About:

Founded in 1869, St. Cloud State is an award-winning regional public university and proud member of the Minnesota State Universities & Colleges system. The 100-acre campus is about an hour northwest of Minneapolis and St. Paul, along the oak-crowned west bank of the Mississippi River. St. Cloud State students prepare for life, work and citizenship by exploring the world around them and making it better. St. Cloud State employees value active and applied learning, community engagement, sustainability, and global and cultural understanding. These commitments complement more than 200 majors, minors and pre-professional programs, 60 graduate programs and 250 student clubs and organizations. St. Cloud State began as a normal school in 1869 and became St. Cloud State Teachers College in 1921. Bachelor’s degrees were first offered in 1925. Master’s degrees debuted in 1957. In 1975, the institution became St. Cloud State University. In recent years, the University added applied doctoral programs in Higher Education Administration and Educational Administration and Leadership. A diverse mix of students from Midwestern towns and U.S. metropolitan areas are learning alongside more than 1,000 international students from about 80 nations.
Additional information on St. Cloud State University can be found here

Benefits Info:

Why Work For Us:

GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! The State of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package including low cost medical and dental insurance, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, retirement plan, tax-deferred compensation, generous vacation and sick leave, and 11 paid holidays each year.

Desired Start Date: 03/01/2024

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About St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud State prepares students for life, work and citizenship in the 21st century. In our rigorous academic programs, students apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Our 200 academic programs, 60 graduate degrees and education abroad choices on six continents emphasize hands-on learning through community engagement and close interaction with professors. Couple that with support from the Career Services Center and you have a clear path to a career. Our 100-acre campus is between downtown St. Cloud and the Beaver Islands, a group of more than 30 islands that form a natural maze for a two-mile stretch of the Mississippi River.
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