Chapman University seeks a Vice President for Marketing and Communications to provide vision, strategy, and oversight for all marketing and communications functions. Serving as the chief spokesperson for the university, the Vice President will bring a strategic approach to leadership of the Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications, telling the university’s story in a compelling way; raising its profile across the region, nationally, and internationally; and supporting the priorities and initiatives set forth in the university’s strategic plan. A collaborative, collegial leader, the Vice President will motivate and empower a team of approximately 35 talented marketing and communications professionals and build on the strengths of the current operation to maintain a collaborative office that is sought out and relied upon by campus partners across the institution. The Vice President will have experience building and maintaining an efficient team structure that can manage workflow and processes effectively from conceptualization to implementation; focus on key institutional priorities that enhance and support enrollment, philanthropic giving, and the institution’s reputation; and evaluate progress toward key performance indicators, implementing changes for continual improvement. The Vice President will oversee four primary areas including communications and brand strategy, which includes public relations, content marketing, publications, copywriting, and writing for executive support; brand identity and visual strategy, which includes print and digital design, photography, and videography; marketing strategy and audience engagement, which includes campaign development, media planning, digital marketing, web development, and social media; and marketing operations and insights, which includes project management and data analysis and reporting. The Vice President will advise executive leadership, senior staff, vice presidents and provosts, deans, and department leadership on a variety of communications matters.

Chapman University, founded in 1861, is a nationally ranked, mid-sized private institution, known for its commitment to excellence through research and innovative teaching, as well as its distinctive approach to personalized education. Located just 15 miles from the beach in Orange, California, Chapman’s main campus is close to industry leaders in fields from science to screenwriting that propel and jumpstart student careers. The Rinker Health Sciences campus serves graduate students in nearby Irvine, California, which is home to numerous hospitals, labs, and medical and pharmaceutical businesses. Channeling the entrepreneurial spirit of the West Coast, Chapman’s proximity to Los Angeles helps students land internships, job prospects, and other opportunities with industry leading organizations. University facilities offer an array of the latest educational and technological resources. Chapman University is ranked in the top 15% of American colleges and universities. According to The Princeton Review, Chapman is an “extraordinary blend of liberal arts, science, and professional programs,” and one of the nation’s best institutions for undergraduate education. Chapman also has been identified as a top producer of Fulbright Scholars for three years running and was named one of the top fifty-two “Most Innovative” universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Chapman University is deeply committed to enriching diversity and inclusion through on-going efforts to cultivate a welcoming campus climate for all members of the Chapman community. It strives to provide an inclusive academic curriculum, promote equity and access in recruitment and retention, and develop meaningful outreach programs and partnerships within a diverse local community.

"Our next Vice President for Marketing and Communication will have an exciting opportunity to lead a talented and dedicated team to reach new heights in our marketing, branding, and communications efforts. With the momentum we are experiencing and under your leadership, the SMC team is poised to elevate our storytelling, advance key institutional initiatives, and help Chapman actualize its strategic plan and successfully complete the comprehensive campaign. Just as importantly, you will have the opportunity to lead this team in continuing the success we have enjoyed, while innovating and designing a forward-looking strategy that will help fuel Chapman’s future success." — Matt Parlow, Executive Vice President and Chief Advancement Officer

For more information, including core competencies and qualifications, please refer to the full prospectus.