Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
East Tennessee State University · United States
Job Summary
Guided by East Tennessee State University's mission and core values, the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer (CMCO) serves as the institution's senior communications strategist and brand leader. As a member of the University's leadership team, the CMCO advances ETSU's strategic priorities by developing and leading an integrated marketing, communications, and brand strategy that aligns with the University's vision, mission, and goals.
The CMCO is responsible for elevating the visibility and reputation of the University through compelling storytelling, strategic communications, and effective brand stewardship. In partnership with campus leadership, the CMCO supports efforts to attract and retain students, engage alumni and donors, recruit outstanding faculty and staff, and strengthen relationships with community, governmental, and policy leaders. The CMCO also provides leadership during opportunities and challenges affecting the institution's public profile, ensuring consistent and effective communication across audiences and channels.
The CMCO oversees the Office of University Marketing and Communications, leading a team of marketing and communications professionals responsible for advancing the University's goals through integrated communications, media relations, digital strategy, content development, and brand management. Beyond the central communications function, the CMCO provides strategic leadership and coordination for marketing and communications activities across the institution, fostering collaboration, consistency, and alignment among academic and administrative units.
In carrying out these responsibilities, the CMCO models and advances ETSU's core values, fostering a culture where people are treated with dignity and respect, relationships are grounded in trust and integrity, diverse perspectives are valued, excellence is achieved through collaboration and innovation, resources are stewarded responsibly, and a commitment to intellectual achievement remains central to the University's mission.
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Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Demonstrated ability to develop and lead a strategic vision for the University’s marketing and communications efforts.
- Experience developing and leading strategic, data-driven, comprehensive marketing and communications campaigns involving a wide range of stakeholders.
- Exceptional management and coordination experience resulting in unified marketing and communications efforts and collaboration across campus units.
- Exceptional research and analytical skills with experience in measuring the effectiveness of marketing and communications initiatives.
- Demonstrated success in applying a broad range of communication tools, including marketing, public relations, copywriting, design, social media, advertising, web and digital development, SEO, storytelling, creative development, and audio/video production.
- Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
- Experience leading integrated marketing and communications strategies and trends.
- Understanding of higher education trends and audiences.
- Knowledge of brand development and standards, and of co-branding best practices.
- Knowledge of news reporting processes, ethical considerations, and best practices.
- Knowledge of the college enrollment process, including recruitment, admissions, financial aid, registration/enrollment, and student success.
- Demonstrated experience serving as the public spokesperson for a complex organization, representing institutional interests and communicating on sensitive and high-profile matters.
- Supervisory experience, including mentoring and providing professional development opportunities to staff.
- Knowledge of organizational planning, assessment, and budget oversight.
- Ability to function independently with minimum supervision.
- Knowledge of technology tools and systems, including Salesforce CRM, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Website Content Management systems, Project Management systems, data analysis and visualization software, and social media marketing and engagement platforms.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, communications, brand management, or a related field.
- Minimum 4 years of management experience with direct supervision of team members.
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in marketing, communications, public relations, public administration, business administration, or a related field.
- Experience developing and monitoring budgets.
- Experience advising on chief executive communications.
- Experience in crisis communications.
Preferred Qualifications
- Significant experience within higher education, the public sector, or similarly complex mission-driven organizations, with an understanding of shared governance, public accountability, and political context.
- Experience working in a marketing, communications, or creative agency environment.
- Experience managing relationships with multiple clients with diverse needs and subject matters.
- Master’s degree or higher in marketing, communications, public relations, public administration, business administration, or related field.
Compensation & Benefits
- Job Family – Communications and Marketing Management 4
- Market Range – 16 (Salary Schedules)
- For information on benefits, please visit www.etsu.edu/human-resources/benefits/.
- Position is contingent on a satisfactory background check
ETSU Overview
Nestled in the shadow of the Appalachian Mountains in Johnson City, Tennessee, East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is a thriving public research university and the flagship institution of the Appalachian Highlands. Since its founding in 1911, ETSU has remained steadfast in its mission to improve the quality of life for the people of the region and beyond through education, research, healthcare, and community engagement. Today, the University serves approximately 14,000 students through more than 160 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs and is recognized for its commitment to student success, economic mobility, innovation, and public service.
ETSU combines the opportunities of a comprehensive research university with a deeply personal and community-centered culture. The institution is ranked among the nation's leaders for student outcomes and affordability, with a strong reputation for helping graduates achieve social and economic mobility while graduating with comparatively low levels of debt. As an institution grounded in the values of hard work, service, and opportunity, ETSU is a place where students from all backgrounds are empowered to succeed and compete with the best.
A defining strength of the University is its Academic Health Sciences Center, the largest public academic health sciences center in Tennessee. Through the Quillen College of Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, College of Public Health, the Gatton College of Pharmacy, as well as ETSU Health, the University prepares healthcare professionals, advances research, and expands access to care throughout the region. ETSU's integrated approach to education, research, and clinical service has established the institution as a national leader in rural health and community-focused healthcare.
ETSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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