Associate Vice President, University Communications
Indiana University
Bloomington, IN - United States
Indiana University seeks a highly skilled and results-oriented communications leader to position and advance the university, building upon its more than 200-year tradition of excellence. With the launch of a new brand strategy, a modernized and strategic University Communications and Marketing organization, and the appointment of a strong senior communications leadership team, the new Associate Vice President for University Communications will assume leadership at a time of opportunity and momentum for the university.
Tracing its roots back to 1820, Indiana University (IU) has served as an influential educational institution, with core campuses at IU Bloomington and IU Indianapolis. Today, IU spans seven campuses and two regional centers across the state and partnerships around the globe. A home for world-class academics, IU includes top-ranked business and music schools, the world’s first school of philanthropy, the nation’s first school of informatics, and the country’s largest medical school. IU’s hundreds of academic programs are among the world’s best, always looking toward what’s next.
Guided by the strategic direction of IU2030, this is a unique opportunity to guide a comprehensive communications effort across all of IU’s campuses. The Associate Vice President for University Communications (AVP) will be a respected thought leader and strategist, advancing and communicating IU’s mission and profile. They will collaborate with other UCM senior leaders to strengthen IU’s brand position and provide strategic communications planning and counsel to key leaders for reputation management.
Reporting to the Vice President and Chief Communications and Marketing Officer Nancy Paton, the Associate Vice President for University Communications will lead a growing team of more than 45 skilled professionals across storytelling and research communications, media relations, internal communications, social media, executive communications, state impact communications, and unit-level communications efforts regarding information technology, human resources and IU Global. This executive will also serve as a member of the Vice President’s senior leadership team, which includes the Associate Vice Presidents of Marketing; Events & Conferences; and Corporate Sponsorships, Licensing & Trademarks.
The AVP will be a visionary leader with long-term organizational goals and growth in mind. The communications division will be nationally recognized for their innovation and boundary breaking. The AVP will design and lead an organization that achieves a best-in-class communications organization that partners with internal IU constituents to create and implement communications strategies that have well-measured returns and resonate across IU’s myriad audiences. These efforts will advance the academic, student success and research profile of the institution and elevate its most promising minds as thought leaders and authorities in their respective fields.
The AVP will influence, counsel, and lead collaboration across the university including schools and departments, many of which have their own communications professionals. This will require a leader of influence and inspiration and one who is a natural bridge builder. Additionally, the AVP will work with these dispersed allies and offer opportunities for professional development, mentorship, upskilling, stretch assignments, and other tools to further enhance the work that can be achieved through collaboration.
The AVP will have the option to choose a primary office based out of either IU’s Indianapolis or Bloomington campus with regular travel between the campuses.
A bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or a related field is required. The candidate will also possess at least ten years of increasing responsibility and leadership in communications strategy, strategic planning, and related functions; demonstrated experience directing, managing, and supervising teams with responsibility in internal and external communications; and experience managing budgets. Higher education experience is strongly preferred.
Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile available at the bottom of the page.
WittKieffer is assisting Indiana University in this search. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal, via the buttons below.
Nominations and inquiries may be directed to Melissa Fincher and Jenna Brumleve at [email protected].