Jobs at Member Institutions & APLU

At a pivotal time for both the University of Missouri (Mizzou or MU) and for public higher education, Mizzou seeks a dynamic, innovative officer with the expertise and leadership to advance an essential strategic function. The Vice Chancellor for Communications & Marketing leads efforts to shape and implement communications and marketing strategies that support the University of Missouri’s position as a premier institution of higher education and economic driver for the state, region and beyond. The role’s core purpose is to drive outcomes that enhance the reputation and visibility of MU as well as further its position as a leading land-grant and AAU institution. In short, the University seeks a leader who brings both a passion for and an understanding of the convergent activities that fuel the institution’s visibility and identity.

The Vice Chancellor leads and advances the Joint Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing, a robust, centralized team of over 100 talented communication professionals, all committed to helping the university reach its many missions and serve Missouri. To excel, our next Vice Chancellor should be on the cutting edge of the communications and marketing professions and embrace the opportunity to maximize impact at a mission-focused institution.

MU is the flagship university of the four-campus University of Missouri System and one of only 34 public U.S. universities with membership by invitation in the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). It is the state’s land-grant university and one of the most comprehensive universities in the United States. MU’s broad undergraduate programs and its graduate, professional and research programs attract an annual enrollment of more than 30,000 students. MU is centrally located in Columbia, Missouri, a place consistently ranked as one of America’s most livable cities.

OPPORTUNITIES:

• Lead integrated, comprehensive and aligned strategic marketing and communications initiatives —working with communications partners across the university by coordinating shared goals, messages, issues management strategies, branding, and reputation-building for schools and colleges, Government Relations, Advancement, the MU Health Care system, MU Athletics, Extension and Engagement and the UM System.
• Work with senior university leaders to shape and communicate key messages related to the institution’s highest priorities and key initiatives.
• Foster a proactive, long-term approach to the development and implementation of marketing and communication plans with a distinct willing to challenge status quo modes of operation and thinking in support of MU’s institutional priorities.
• Effectively manage the communications and marketing needs that support the varied and important relationships of both the University of Missouri System and MU, as well as enhance the public understanding of and support for the University as a contributor to the vitality and well-being of the state.
• Lead and manage the Joint Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing with overall responsibility for effective and efficient operations and services, budgetary planning and management, and personnel management and
• Strengthen partnerships with academic deans, as well as college-based communications leaders at the campus level
• Coordinate crisis/event management efforts involving both MU and UM System entities.
• Enact a vision for the strategic evolution of the marketing infrastructure university-wide, including partner and leadership relations, and promotion and advancement of strategy and goals.

The University anticipates this appointment will be made in the Summer of 2023. Confidential applications and nominations will be accepted until the position is filled. Review of applications will begin immediately. For full consideration, applicant material should be provided by April 7, 2023. Candidates should include a cover letter outlining leadership qualifications that address the priorities described above as well as a detailed curriculum vitae.

Nominations and inquiries of interest may be sent in confidence to the University’s executive search partner:

Tim McIntosh, Senior Director of Recruitment

University of Missouri System

umhrexecutivesearch@umsystem.edu

Applications can be submitted online HERE

The full position profile is available online: https://umurl.us/vcmarcomprofile

The University of Missouri is fully committed to achieving the goal of a diverse and inclusive community of faculty, staff, and students. We seek individuals who are committed to this goal of collaboration and inclusion, and value the many unique qualities and experiences a diverse environment offers. The University will recruit and employ qualified personnel and will provide equal opportunities during employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.