University of St. Thomas Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communications

The University of St. Thomas, a Catholic liberal arts institution in Houston, Texas (UST), invites applications for the position of Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communications.

Interested candidates must submit a complete application, resume, and cover letter demonstrating their interest in the position. Cover letters should highlight the applicant's familiarity with the coveted teachings and principles of Ex Corde Ecclesiae and how the applicant would support and uphold these values in this role.

SUMMARY

The Associate Vice President (AVP) for Marketing and Communications provides strategic, mission driven leadership to elevate the visibility, reputation and brand of University of St. Thomas-Houston (UST). The AVP is responsible for developing and managing integrated marketing and communication initiatives that support student recruitment, alumni engagement, fundraising, academic programs, and institutional priorities. This role reports to the Senior Vice President of University Advancement and External Relations and will lead a team of professionals in content development, digital media and production, graphic design, and public and media relations. The AVP will collaborate closely and nurture relationships with campus partners to ensure consistent, effective messaging and a cohesive Catholic brand identity across all platforms.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES

Strategic Leadership & Planning

Assist in the development and execution of comprehensive marketing and communication strategies aligned with the University's mission and goals to elevate the UST brand.
Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on messaging, brand positioning, and communication approaches.
Lead efforts to assess brand perception and implement strategies that enhance visibility locally, regionally, and nationally.
Weave University's unique Catholic Identity strategically and authentically into all brand assets including storytelling, brand expression, and strategic communications.

Marketing & Brand Management

Oversee the creation and implementation of marketing campaigns that support the Office of the President, enrollment management, advancement initiatives, academic branding, and internal communication.
Ensure brand consistency across all print, digital, and multimedia materials.
Implement brand strategies to the internal University community so external audiences see a consistent brand when interacting with faculty and staff.
Collaborate with the Office of the President, Admissions, Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and University Advancement to support targeted marketing initiatives.

Communications & Media Relations

In collaboration with the Senior VP of University Advancement and External Relations, provide direction for university-wide communications, including newsletters, announcements, institutional updates, and executive messaging.
Be key player on the Incident Management team and lead crisis communication messages and responses on behalf of the University.
Strengthen the University's media relations efforts by building relationships with local, regional, and national press.
Implement creative practices for local and national media to understand the Catholic identity of UST through brand initiatives that effectively communicate the voice of UST.

Digital Strategy

Guide the development and management of digital content strategies, including website content, social media presence, and digital advertising.
Drive digital marketing strategies to be data-informed, iterative, and aligned with enrollment and advancement goals.
Empower team members to use their creativity in digital content creation while articulating the mission and brand of UST.
Keep up with digital and marketing trends to amplify the brand of UST through its unique Catholic lens.

Team Leadership & Management

Supervise professional staff across communications, marketing, creative services, public relations, and digital media.
Foster a collaborative and creative team environment focused on strategic results and service excellence.
Lead initiatives in professional development for team members and facilitate a healthy team culture through annual retreats, days of prayer and creative brainstorms to keep the team aligned.
Coach team members to understand innovative and trending marketing ideas and strategies to enhance the professional prowess of the team.
Manage budgets and vendor relationships effectively; Present annual budget suggestions to the Senior VP of University Advancement and External Relations.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism, business, or a related field.
Minimum of 7–10 years of leadership experience in marketing, communications, brand management, or public relations.
Demonstrated experience developing and implementing successful strategic marketing plans and brand campaigns.
Strong leadership and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Supervisory or team leadership experience.

Preferred

Master's degree in marketing or leadership field.
Experience in higher education, Catholic institutions or nonprofit settings.
Experience with crisis communication.
Familiarity with digital analytics, paid marketing strategies and contemporary digital marketing strategies.

The University of Saint Thomas is committed to the religious, ethical, and intellectual traditions of Catholic higher education. As permitted by law, practicing Catholics who will advance the mission of the school are preferred for this position. However, the University invites all qualified applicants to apply.

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Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communications