Vice President, Communications and Marketing

Overview

Vice President, Communications and Marketing

Location : Augusta University

Full / Part Time : Full Time

Reporting to the Executive Vice President for Strategic Effectiveness and Chief of Staff, the Vice President of Communications and Marketing at Augusta University serves as the strategic leader responsible for shaping and executing a comprehensive communications and marketing vision that advances the university's mission and brand. This role oversees internal and external communications, media relations, crisis communication, and marketing initiatives across digital and traditional platforms. The Vice President fosters collaborative partnerships with university leadership and stakeholders, ensures alignment with institutional goals, and drives engagement through integrated messaging strategies. With a focus on team development, strategic messaging, and mission-aligned outreach, the position plays a critical role in enhancing visibility, trust, and community within and beyond the university.

The Vice President will strive to develop communications and marketing programs that illustrate AU's competitive advantages and position AU to reach its vision to be a top-tier university that is a destination of choice for education, health care, discovery, creativity, and innovation.

Responsibilities

Brand Management & Communications Strategy

Lead the development and execution of an integrated communications and marketing strategy that aligns divisions and units to build and protect the Augusta University brand and enhance outreach and engagement through earned, owned, and paid media. Ensure that marketing strategy and tactics are tightly integrated with internal communications, student recruitment, and media relations strategies and that they support the business objectives of AU and its affiliates.

Internal Communications

Develop and implement a proactive internal communications program. Ensure it is sustained and substantive. Monitor campus issues regularly. Promote transparency and share timely information with students, faculty, staff, and support personnel, using all appropriate formats web, electronic, and other media. Foster a sense of shared purpose, strengthen shared governance, and build community. Guide internal stakeholders through transitions with clear, empathetic, and transparent communication. Build trust, reduce uncertainty, and support a unified institutional culture.

Team Development

Recruit, develop, and retain highly motivated, talented team members who thrive in a fast-paced environment. Coach team to execute their communications, marketing, digital plans, and strategies to effectively represent the messaging maps, amplifying Augusta University's competitive advantages and increasing stakeholder engagement. Provide oversight, development, training, and constructive feedback to communicators assigned to the academic colleges and other divisions across campus.

Assessment, Evaluation, and Stewardship

Evaluate the effectiveness of communications and marketing efforts across the university to ensure that planned objectives and metrics are attained. Routinely monitor vendor performance to ensure that contracted deliverables are obtained. Vigilantly measure performance and results to optimize return on the university's investment.

Collaborative Partnerships

Form productive, collaborative partnerships with university leaders to develop and execute communications and marketing strategies and plans to advance the mission of Augusta University. Partner with senior leadership to ensure editorial and brand standards are reflected in all messaging on behalf of AU. Foster collaborative working relationships with University System of Georgia staff and AU administrators, faculty, staff, students, and community stakeholders. Serve on the Enrollment Planning Council, the Administrative Cabinet, and the President's Cabinet.

Crisis Communication

Develop and implement crisis communications and continuity of operations plans. Collaborate with Critical Events Preparedness and Response (CEPaR) to ensure that we are prepared to respond to critical events. Develop and maintain drafts of messaging for likely and emerging scenarios.

Qualifications

Required

Bachelor's degree with a major in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism, business administration or a related field is required.

Experience

At least seven years of experience in marketing and / or communications in one or more of the following settings : higher education, research, government, business and / or industry, is required. At least five years of management experience (e.g., staff development, budgeting) is required, as is experience in one or more of these areas : marketing, public relations, media relations, news and information, video production, photography, publications or communications.

Ideal Candidate

Strategic vision and hands-on experience managing comprehensive communications programs, including media relations and marketing initiatives that advance organizational goals; proven expertise in writing and editing across print and digital media; ability to develop and implement strategic communications and research-based marketing plans; and demonstrated ability to make presentations and negotiate with the media.

Preferred Qualifications

A master's degree and / or a professional certification in marketing or public relations is preferred.

Shift / Salary / Benefits

Shift : Days / Mon-Fri (work outside of normal business hours may be required for an exempt position)

FTE : 1.0 (full-time)

Salary and compensation are commensurate with education, experience, and achievements.

Recruitment Period : Until Filled

Benefits for full-time employees may include health, dental, life insurance, retirement plans, vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays. Tuition Assistance Program eligibility may apply after six months of employment.

About Us

Augusta University is Georgia's innovation center for education and health care, training the next generation of innovators, leaders, and healthcare providers across multiple campuses. Our mission and values guide our work. Augusta University and the University System of Georgia hold values of Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect.

Location

Augusta University, Health Sciences Campus : 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912

Conditions of Employment

All selected candidates are required to pass a Background Check. Depending on the duties, a credit check may be required for Positions of Trust. Motor vehicle reports may be required for roles involving driving a university vehicle. Employees must protect sensitive information and adhere to cybersecurity and privacy policies.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Augusta University is an equal opportunity employer welcoming applicants from underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.

How To Apply

Apply by uploading your letter of interest and Curriculum Vitae as one document. The application review process will begin on November 15, 2025. External applicants should apply at the university careers site; internal applicants should follow internal applicant guidance. For assistance, contact 706-721-9365.

Note : This position is also responsible for promoting a customer-friendly environment and providing superior service to our patients, students, faculty, and employees. Augusta University is a tobacco-free environment.

To apply, visit the university careers page and follow the posted instructions.

#J-18808-Ljbffr