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Associate Vice President - Strategic Comm Management
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Position Number: 5981040
Location: Orem, UT
Position Type: Public Relations, Marketing and Communications

Associate Vice President - Strategic Comm Management

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Job Type: Executives
Job Number: FY2503913
Closing: 2/18/2025 11:59 PM Mountain
Location: 800 W University Parkway, Orem
Division: VP Communications/Chief of Staff

Position Announcement

Come work for Utah Valley University as the Associate Vice President (AVP) of Strategic Communications.

This university is transforming higher education, helping all students to achieve success in work and life. With its open admissions policy and robust suite of student support and resources, UVU believes all students deserve the transforming benefits of higher education. The university is located in Utah County, touted for its thriving economy and high quality of life. UVU provides students a relevant, engaging, and flexible education to help them achieve their academic goals from certificates to associates, bachelor's and master's degrees.

As the AVP of Strategic Communications for this innovative, forward-thinking, and student-centric university, you will be responsible for:

Developing and leading the annual strategic communications plan, strategy, and team
Maintaining the university's messaging framework and editorial standards and ensuring compliance across all marketing and communications channels
Working closely with the vice president of Marketing and Communications and others on the university's executive leadership team, as well as cross-functional teams across UVU to create cohesive and effective messaging that supports the institution's mission and strategic objectives.
Overseeing the editorial team to ensure and maintain a relevant and compelling university messaging
Oversee the media relations function including developing local, national, and international plans and strategies that garner positive earned media placements that tell the UVU story and build reputation
Leading UVU's issues management team and develop, implement, and manage the execution of comprehensive, proactive, and reactive communication strategies that address crises and emerging issues that may adversely impact the university's reputation or operations.
Lead the team responsible for the creation and oversight of university-wide employee communications strategies, programs, and messaging regarding key university initiatives.
Working with the digital team to maximize digital channels to reach target audiences
Building a thought leadership program to enhance the reputation of the university
Directing and supporting research collection, analysis, and interpretation of data for short- and long-term trends and reports
Working with internal partners to secure third-party endorsements and awards
Building, managing, and coaching a high-performing communications team
Working closely with internal partners to align enrollment, advancement, and communications strategies
Managing communications budgets and expenditures

The ideal candidate for this position will:

Have proven experience in a senior communication role, preferably within a complex organization that is proactive in crisis and issues management
Demonstrate strong leadership skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams and stakeholders
Have a digital first' mindset, ensuring that communications strategies are maximizing digital channels to achieve UVU's objectives
Demonstrated ability to fully integrate communications into an organization's overall brand and reputation strategy
Possess exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with an eye for strategic thinking and innovative problem-solving
Have a proven track record in developing and implementing successful communication strategies
Exhibit expertise in employee communications, engagement, and internal brand development, with a deep understanding of data-driven decision-making
Thrive in a fast-paced, high-impact environment, managing multiple priorities while maintaining a focus on long-term objectives
Be committed to UVU's mission and vision
Foster a collaborative work environment that empowers teams to deliver high-impact communication solutions

Summary of Responsibilities

Communications Strategy, Vision, and Leadership Develop and implement an integrated strategic communications plan to advance UVU's reputation and brand identity; broaden awareness of its programs and priorities, and increase the visibility of its people and programs across key stakeholder audiences. Create communications/public relations strategy that will allow UVU leadership to cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with targeted, high-level external audiences, including the media and key influencers. Identify challenges and emerging issues faced by the organization. Work with leadership team and staff to recognize internal and external communications opportunities and solutions and define and execute appropriate strategies to support them.

Ensure proper metrics and reporting measures are in place to track progress, trends, and impact of strategic communications.

Communications Operations

Oversee the development of all UVU's internal and external communications including the annual report, marketing collateral materials, and digital communications including UVU's website and social media; also oversee and/or manage relationships with associated vendors.

Serve as a spokesperson and/or strategic point person on media interactions that help promote and/or impact the organization.

Exercise judgment to prioritize media opportunities, and oversee the preparation of talking points, speeches, presentations, and other supporting material as needed

Oversee the active engagement, cultivation, and management of press relationships to ensure coverage surrounding UVU's programs, special events, public announcements, and other projects

Oversee the integration of key communications channels for the organization, ensuring that there is a comprehensive editorial calendar is in place to strategically manage and disseminate appropriate messages through the most effective communications channels.

Oversee the day-to-day activities of the communications function including budgeting, planning, and staff development

Team Development/Management

Recruit and manage a communications team to support the development and execution of the communications strategy.

Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality.

Mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach on a consistent basis

Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities, conduct annual performance appraisals, and administer salary adjustments.

Qualifications / Licenses / Certifications

Graduation from a regionally accredited institution with either a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree in a related field.
A minimum of 10 years of recent experience in a related field within education, marketing, or communications in a strategic leadership role, including management of departments and programs.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's or doctoral degree in a directly related field plus agency and/or integrated team management experience.
Minimum of 15 years equivalent experience in in-house/client-side roles.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Knowledge and Experience:
Should have knowledge and experience with the following:

Strategic, integrated communications planning and execution
Reputation management, including crisis management
Media relations and thought leadership
Social media, website strategy, and SEO
Message development and editing
Employee communications strategy and execution
Agency/vendor relations and oversight
Managing budgets and personnel - holding teams accountable for performance while maintaining a positive and healthy work environment.

Skills

Effective interpersonal, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Skills in budget preparation and fiscal management.
A proven record of people and project management with strong leadership and interpersonal communication skills.
Interpersonal and collaboration skills to create memorable experiences to build lasting relationships.
Oral and written communication.

Abilities

Ability to demonstrate leadership, communication skills, commitment to diversity, and consensus building.
Ability to interpret analytical data to make informed decisions and optimize return on investment.
Ability to develop and deliver presentations.
Ability to use independent judgment and to gather, manage, and impart information to internal and external audiences.
Ability to build bridges of understanding amongst people from various cultures, lifestyles, languages, and political persuasions.
Ability to cultivate relationships with government, business, civic, education, and religious leaders through hosting, creating/attending special events, personal visits, phone calls, and written correspondence.

EEO Statement:

UVU employment decisions are made on the basis of an applicant's qualifications and ability to perform the job without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and over), disability, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, or pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or other bases protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

To apply, please visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/uvu/jobs/4819562/associate-vice-president-strategic-comm-management

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