Texas Southern University (Texas Southern) seeks an experienced and visionary leader to serve as its inaugural Vice President, Marketing and Communications (VPMC). Reporting to President James W. Crawford III, the VPMC will oversee its centralized marketing and communication division and implement comprehensive marketing, communications, and public relations strategies to advance the university’s mission, enhance its brand, and support its strategic goals. The vice president will oversee all aspects of its marketing, media relations, internal and external communications, and community engagement to promote the university’s academic programs, research initiatives, and community services.
Previously, the divisions of marketing and communications were organized under the larger umbrella of “University Advancement”. President Crawford has strategically uncoupled the organizations with investments in each division to achieve the university’s greatest ambitions. The president has elevated the cabinet position to a vice president title and committed resources to grow the unit significantly in the near term to ensure appropriate resources and staffing for the Division of Marketing and Communications.
With over 8,500 students, Texas Southern offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs across ten colleges and schools. This robust offering is supported by 1,400 faculty and staff and an energetic alumni network of educators, entrepreneurs, public servants, lawyers, artists, and more. President Crawford seeks a Vice President to tell the story of this trailblazing institution at a time of exciting distinction, honor, and pride. Recently, Texas Southern was awarded the recognition of a 2024 -2025 College of Distinction, a prestigious honor highlighting its unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional undergraduate education, and in February 2025, the university’s debate team won the 35th Annual International Forensics Association’s Speech and Debate Tournament in Incheon, South Korea.
President Crawford arrived at Texas Southern University in the summer of 2024, bringing great momentum and renewed energy. Having served in global leadership roles for six U.S. Presidents, Crawford previously served as president of Felician University in New Jersey, and having served in the United States Navy for more than 30 years, retiring as a Vice Admiral and its 43rd Judge Advocate General (JAG). As the institution embarks upon the celebration of its 100-year anniversary, President Crawford, seeks a leader to work collaboratively with the university’s faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners to elevate the institution’s commitment to mission, tell the remarkable story of its history and impact, and elevate the visibility of its academic and research agenda to new heights. The VPMC will be deeply committed to meeting the needs of 21st-century students prepared to evolve into lifelong learners, engaged citizens, and visionary leaders who make a global impact.
In addition to the academic and research messaging, the VPMC will partner with the vice president of Development and Alumni Engagement to promote stories about the power of philanthropy through programs, like the Texas Southern Tiger Promise, which will cover tuition and mandatory fees for in-state students from families with incomes below $125,000. This groundbreaking program dismantles financial barriers and opens doors of opportunity for countless future Tigers. Behind every donation are remarkable stories of resilience for students who are transforming their lives through education. The VPMC will also work with the Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics to enhance the Texas Southern Tigers athletics program, part of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, and the flashy and pacesetting Ocean of Soul Marching Band, which has been a point of pride of the university since its founding in 1969.
The university’s rich culture, innovation, research, entrepreneurship, and community engagement continue to capture the world’s attention. The VPMC will capitalize on the strengths of a centralized Division of Marketing & Communications and align with a long-term and dynamic vision for the university’s future. The VPMC is responsible for developing and executing fully integrated data-driven marketing and communications strategies that elevate Texas Southern’s visibility and reputation while driving student recruitment and yield.
The VPMC will be a strategic leader, strong team player, builder, and partner, and highly adept at leading through influence, empathy, and consensus-building. The VPMC must be able to provide both content expertise and disciplinary strength and have broad conceptual knowledge about the challenges facing higher education today. This is a leader who can “see around corners” and anticipate the needs of a complex university of similar size and scope, particularly related to enrollment and yield.
The VPMC and their team will be responsible for measuring the impact of their work to increase regional, national, and global awareness and the reputation of Texas Southern, and serve as a sector leader in higher education marketing. The VPMC will also strategically coordinate the university’s approach to major announcements, developments, crisis and reputational response, an effective and transparent internal communications strategy, and other strategic initiatives.
The vice president will have a minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible, multi-faceted experience in marketing, communications, and public relations, with at least five (5) years in a senior leadership role and a bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred. Additionally, the VPMC will have demonstrated experience developing and executing successful marketing and communications strategies in a higher education setting or a similarly complex organization.
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 profile, available at the bottom of the page.
WittKieffer is assisting Texas Southern University in this search. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. For fullest consideration candidate materials should be received by Tuesday, June 10th. The position will remain open until an appointment is made.
Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal, via the buttons below.
Nominations and inquiries can be directed to: