Vice President for Marketing and Communications
Alfred University
Alfred, NY - United States
Alfred University—nestled in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains and the Finger Lakes wine region of Western New York State—an impactful, private, comprehensive doctoral-degree-granting university invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of Vice President for Marketing and Communications.
Founded in 1836, Alfred University’s mission can be encapsulated in five words: Helping Students Realize Their Purpose. It fulfills that mission through three core strengths: Intersections, through the broad range of curricular and co-curricular opportunities that students can select from in creating their educational pathways; Mentorship, through a commitment to fostering a relationship-rich educational environment that positively influences students’ personal and professional trajectories; and Inclusivity, through promoting a sense of belonging among all members of the campus community.
Nearly 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students live, learn, and play on Alfred University’s idyllic 500-plus acre campus. Among its academic units, Alfred University has a College of Liberal Arts and Sciences with a Phi Beta Kappa Chapter; a School of Art and Design that is ranked in the top 10 nationally and is a world leader in ceramic and glass art; a College of Business that is AACSB accredited; a Performing Arts Division blessed with breath-taking facilities; an Inamori School of Engineering that is rated in the top 50 in materials science and offers the world’s top programs in ceramic engineering and glass engineering science; and a Graduate and School Psychology program with significant offerings in Western New York as well as New York City. Alfred University punches well above its weight with respect to inspiring philanthropic support and securing research grants.
Reporting to President Mark Zupan, the Vice President serves on the President’s leadership team and is an active participant in all aspects of institution-wide planning, policy development, and communications. As the University’s chief brand and marketing officer, the Vice President for Marketing and Communications leads the creation and execution of a multi-channel strategy that identifies target markets and audiences, develops products that convincingly articulate Alfred’s unique position in higher education, and drives forward enrollment and advancement communication priorities.
The VP MarComm also leads the creation of compelling media (web, social, and print) that promote Alfred’s vibrant academic and co-curricular community to internal and external audiences and that support efficient university operations and administration. As a member of the President’s Cabinet, the VP MarComm works collaboratively with leadership to understand individual and collective priorities and to align their work with colleagues’ project timelines. The VP MarComm leads a talented, creative, energetic team and, in alignment with Alfred’s culture, must demonstrate a commitment to their professional growth.
The University seeks a forward-thinking, community-minded leader who empowers others while exercising a collaborative vision for communicating Alfred University’s strengths and potential. A master’s degree is preferred; a bachelor’s degree is required, preferably with a concentration in communications, marketing, journalism, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Significant relevant leadership experience in marketing and communications within an academic, nonprofit, or business environment is required.
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the profile.
WittKieffer is assisting Alfred University in this search. Candidates should be aware that this search is moving on a quick timeline. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by March 10, 2025.
Application materials should be submitted to WittKieffer’s candidate portal using the buttons below.
Nominations and inquiries can be directed to: