Associate Vice President, Marketing and Communication

Job Title

Associate Vice President & Senior Writer, Marketing & Communications

Essential Job Functions

Division Leadership & Operations

• Assists the VP/CCO in leading the communications functions of the Division of Marketing & Communication, with direct supervisory responsibility for the Communications Specialist and Digital Media Specialist
• Manages divisional communications workflows, project pipelines, and production schedules to ensure timely, high-quality delivery of all communications products
• Tracks and reports on divisional activities, project completion, and key performance indicators in support of the division’s commitment to data-informed decision-making, including SEO performance, website analytics, and content engagement metrics
• Serves as acting head of the division in the absence of the VP/CCO, including representing the division at cross-divisional meetings and institutional functions as designated
• Supports onboarding, professional development, and coaching of direct reports; contributes to a division culture of excellence, morale, and recognition

Strategic Communications & Enrollment Support

• Implements integrated marketing and communications strategies in alignment with the brand direction and strategic priorities established by the VP/CCO, with particular emphasis on supporting enrollment growth and brand awareness
• Ensures message clarity, editorial quality, and brand voice consistency across all written communications, publications, and platforms produced by the division
• Provides communications counsel and execution support to the VP/CCO on messaging, media strategy, and stakeholder communications
• Coordinates with the Office of Admissions and Recruitment to obtain CRM data and inform enrollment-driven communications strategies
• Supports the development and distribution of internal newsletters and communications designed to engage students, faculty, staff, and alumni audiences

Qualifications

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Deep knowledge of AP Stylebook and editorial standards; demonstrated ability to apply brand voice and institutional messaging across multiple platforms and audiences
• Strong command of integrated communications strategy, including content planning, content calendars, and cross-channel execution in support of enrollment and brand awareness goals
• Proven supervisory skills with demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and evaluate communications staff
• Proficiency in Meltwater Media and Consumer Intelligence Software, with a minimum of three (3) to four (4) years of demonstrated hands-on experience using the platform for media monitoring, earned media tracking, consumer insights, and communications performance reporting
• Proficiency in data-informed communications, including familiarity with Google Analytics, SEO principles, CRM platforms, and digital performance metrics
• Knowledge of digital marketing platforms, content management systems, email marketing tools, social media management platforms, and emerging AI-driven communications technologies
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to adapt tone and style for executive communications, public audiences, media, and internal stakeholders
• Strong media relations skills, including experience pitching stories, managing press inquiries, and cultivating journalist relationships for regional and national placement
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain collaborative relationships across campus departments, community partners, and external stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound editorial and strategic judgment under pressure, including in crisis or sensitive communications situations
• Strong understanding of higher education, HBCU culture, and mission-driven institutional communication

EEO Statement

Alcorn State University is expressly committed to providing equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry age, religion or religious creed, disability or handicap, sex or gender identity and/or expressions, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Further, the University will not tolerate any instances of harassment/sexual harassment. This policy applies to all employees, regardless of position, consultants and applicants for employment. Additionally, it is the responsibility of all personas making employment decisions to adhere to this policy.