Vice President for Marketing & Communications

About Clemson

One of the country’s most selective public research universities, Clemson University serves a uniquely driven and highly accomplished student body.

Ranked consistently as one of the best national public university by U.S.News & World Report, Clemson is a science- and engineering-oriented college dedicated to teaching, research and service. Founded in 1889, we remain committed both to world-class research and a high quality of life. In fact, 91 percent of our seniors say they’d pick Clemson again if they had it to do over.

Clemson’s retention and graduation rates rank among the highest in the country for public universities. We’ve been named among the best values by Kiplinger magazine in 2013, and SmartMoney in 2012 ranked us No. 7 in student return on investment.

Our beautiful college campus sits on 1,400 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, along the shores of Hartwell Lake. But we also have research facilities and economic development hubs throughout the state of South Carolina — in Greenville, Greenwood, Columbia and Charleston.

Vice President for Marketing & Communications

JOB SUMMARY:

 

Clemson University is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to develop and implement integrated communications and marketing strategies while leading the Division of Marketing and Communications. Reporting to the President, the Vice President will be responsible for serving as the university's spokesperson and providing recommendations to the president, executive team and board on policy and action in the management of issues and crises affecting the university. 

University Marketing and Communications is Clemson's in-house marketing and communications agency comprised of team members across the university responsible for enhancing the national reputation of the university. The centralized team offers core marketing and communications products and services across brand experiences, strategic communications, presidential communications, marketing operations, social media, marketing strategy and analytics, and advancement marketing. To learn more about the division, please visit our website

JOB DUTIES:

 

The Vice President,

  • Executes a comprehensive and university-wide communications and marketing strategy. Develops and implements innovative, strategic, high-impact communication and marketing initiatives that enhance Clemson's national reputation and support university priorities which align with the Clemson Elevate Strategic Plan. Other key initiatives for integrated communications and marketing include, but are not limited to, overall student recruitment, private fundraising, constituent engagement, faculty and staff impact, student success, legislative priorities, research, corporate partnerships and economic development. 
  • Directs the development and execution of integrated marketing plans that will enhance Clemson University's market position, reputation and visibility as a preeminent public research and land grant university. Improve awareness and academic reputation of the University¿s focus areas among key constituents.
  • Counsels members of the university community on communications of university-wide importance . Ensures articulation and consistent communication of the university's desired mission, image and brand-position across all channels/platforms. Analyzes the scope and effectiveness of marketing and communications messaging through research and analytics that allow for forward-looking and broad customer-based communication methodologies.
  • Provides leadership and supervision over a broad range of communications, marketing, creative, video production and photographic services of the university. Develops and implements a robust program to support the institution's crisis management plan and serves as a resource to the Reputation Risk Management Team. 
  • Develops and implements a highly effective program of internal communications utilizing multi-faceted channels to ensure that faculty and staff are engaged in the life of the university, well informed about university events, programs, issues and priorities. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

 

Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 7 years of proven executive-level leadership with marketing, communications, branding or other related experience.  Experience in higher education is desired preferred, however not required.

Demonstrated success in leading, developing and implementing a broad range of communications, PR, and marketing initiatives in a complex environment requiring coordination, strategic collaboration and superior leadership of a diverse range of stakeholders and staff.

Ability to foster constructive dialogue with different groups across campus, establish ongoing communication structures, and work collaboratively with a wide variety of constituencies. Ability to speak and present effectively before various audiences.

In-depth knowledge of existing and emerging video and digital marketing practices used in marketing and communications related to websites, social media, branding, and other communication tools and platforms used to meet institutional objectives. 

Knowledge of emerging best practices, issues, trends, and opportunities in higher education at the state and national levels. 

Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and oral and written communication skills and the ability to influence and inspire others. Serve as the University's primary spokesperson.

Ideal candidate would have an advanced degree in a related field.

Prior experience aligning and implementing a marketing and communications strategy for a highly reputable, national enterprise.

Excellent leadership and communication skills. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

 

JOB KNOWLEDGE
Comprehensive Job Knowledge - Comprehensive knowledge of theories and practices and ability to use in complex, difficult and/or unprecedented situations

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Manages Work of Others - Manages work of others including hiring, terminating, training and developing, reviewing performance and administering corrective action for staff. Plans organizational structure and job content.

BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Develops Department Budgets - Responsible for developing one or more departmental budget(s). Estimated amount of budgetary responsibility in dollar amount must be added.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

 

No Physical Requirements

WORKING CONDITIONS:

 

 No Work Conditions

COMPENSATION INFORMATION

 

Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.

 

JOB LOCATION:

 

Clemson, SC

HOW TO APPLY:

 

The Search Committee invites applications (letter of interest, resume/CV, and a list of three references) to be submitted via Interfolio.

Confidential review of materials will begin immediately and continue until final candidates are identified. It is preferred, however, that all applications be submitted prior to April 5th, 2024. 

Please direct any confidential inquires, nominations, or questions to the search firm assisting the University:

Dr. Concetta Stewart, Principal, concetta.stewart@agbsearch.com

Pam Krepchin, Executive Search Consultant, pam.krepchin@agbsearch.com

AGB Search

MILITARY AND VETERAN:

 

MILITARY EQUIVALENCY:
Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties.

VETERAN PREFERENCE:
South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.      

State policy for veteran preference states that for qualifying, full-time permanent positions, a veteran applicant may receive preference if they meet the job's minimum qualifications, were discharged under honorable conditions from the military, and submit their DD-214 for confidential review by the Office of Human Resources.

To claim Veteran Preference for qualifying positions, email hrjob@clemson.edu upon submission of your application.         

CLOSING STATEMENT:

 

Clemson University is an AA/EEO employer and does not discriminate against any person or group on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, pregnancy, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or genetic information.