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Kennesaw State University · 4 hours ago

Associate Vice President, Communications

Kennesaw, GA

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

10+ years exp

Kennesaw State University is one of the largest public institutions in the country, striving to transform lives through academic excellence and strong community partnerships. The Associate Vice President of Communications is responsible for developing the University's communication strategy, managing public relations activities, and serving as the main crisis communications officer.

Education

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

Qualification

Crisis communicationsMedia relationsDigital communicationsLeadership skillsStrategic planningStorytelling skillsProject managementTeam buildingEditing skillsCustomer serviceInterpersonal skillsTime management

Required

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

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

Superb storytelling skills with an ability to quickly understand our unique campus culture and help shape the University's story in ways that are on brand and resonate with both internal and external stakeholders

Demonstrated ability to work with executive leadership and governing bodies

Ability to navigate high-stakes, complex issues involving multiple stakeholders with varying interests

Ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels appropriate to their purview of authority and scope of responsibility

Ability to lead diverse teams and deliver results in fast-paced, high-stakes environments

Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time, meeting assigned deadlines

Intermediate or expert knowledge of media relations, internal communications, social media, editorial content, and digital strategies

Knowledge of accessibility standards and inclusive communications best practices

Experience leading crisis communications and managing sensitive or high-profile institutional issues

Strong understanding of digital platforms, content strategy, and emerging trends in higher ed communications

Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e., Microsoft Office suite)

Exceptional editing, oral, and written communication skills

Proven track record of managing large-scale, multi-channel communications initiatives within a complex organization (preferably higher education, healthcare, government, or nonprofit)

Demonstrated leadership, staff development, and team building skills

Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management and presentation skills

Strong attention to detail and follow-up skills

Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette

Preferred

Extensive record of superior leadership/management of complex multi-disciplinary communications teams

An advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a related field

Extensive experience in media relations, crisis communications, and reputation management strategies in higher education, preferably at a Carnegie R1 or R2 university