Letters of interest and CVs for applicants, as well as names for nomination, may be sent to
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The Vice Chancellor is responsible for guiding the development and implementation of communications and marketing strategy for the University. Specifically, the Vice Chancellor will:

• Demonstrate extraordinary leadership experience, strategic vision, proven skills for conveying both internal and external messages, innovation, creative energy and collaborative spirit.
• Build a proactive comprehensive marketing and communications strategy that is based upon institutional priorities and major university strategic initiatives.
• Identify core messages that leverage and emphasize DU's unique strengths and excellent academic programs, differentiating DU from peers; and convey comprehensive and cohesive messages related to the university's strategic initiatives.
• Review and update university communications and marketing plans, utilizing print and digital mediums, advertising, social media, website and media relations efforts to increase the understanding of and support for University of Denver.
• Align the current array of messaging and communication activities for greater impact and consistent messaging across all channels; ensure the appropriate direction and coordination of key communications that reflect the highest degree of quality, consistency, integrity and effectiveness.
• Oversee proactive media relations and internal communications programs that are aligned and deliver consistent messages; disseminate information, research, culture and institutional values to targeted audiences, including internal constituencies, prospective students, general public, donors and others.
• Proactively promote university faculty and other leaders in the media (e.g., publicize their research and connect them to relevant media as experts and thought leaders in their field). Develop similar strategies to showcase student and alumni achievements, working closely with key stakeholders.
• Continue to build internal communications across the DU community, with focus on and sensitivity to students, faculty, and staff.
• Build robust, positive, and collaborative working relationships with various constituencies, including communications personnel and partners across the University, to ensure championing of consistent, high quality communications. Ensure that Communications and Marketing is a collaborative partner with the schools and administrative divisions able to address opportunities and concerns, and a thought leader whose opinion on all communication matters is valued.
• Counsel the Chancellor, in close coordination with the Senior Vice Chancellor and Chief of Staff, on the strategic direction and integration of executive communications. Help identify opportunities for external positioning, where the Chancellor can play a role as thought leader on a broad range of topics.

Candidate Traits and Qualifications

Functional Expertise

• Vision and insight relevant to the design and implementation of a marketing and communications strategy that advances the University's long-term mission, increases its visibility and enables it to respond effectively to crises and other immediate challenges.
• Demonstrated ability to develop clear, targeted and non-traditional branding and marketing strategies tailored for different audiences and channels.
• Experience strengthening existing branding strategies and a strong familiarity with using traditional and non-traditional media to build and raise awareness. Has keen understanding of the role of social and digital media as platforms to changing public perception and/or behavior.
• Superb organizational and written/verbal communications skills and demonstrated experience in managing communications during crisis situations.
• Experience providing strategic communications counsel to executive leadership.
• Ability to serve as a strategic advisor to the Chancellor on issues of communication and institutional reputation.
• Significant experience and success in working with the media.
• Analytical skills and ability to effectively lead a metrics-driven approach to evaluating campaigns and efforts.
• Understanding of trends in higher education and the ability to deliver innovative communications to segmented audiences.
• Bachelor's degree ideally in communications, journalism, marketing or related fields. An advanced degree is strongly preferred.

Leadership Competencies

• Deep appreciation of and belief in DU's mission and the role it plays within higher education, its
• community and the world.
• A highly communicative and collaborative leadership style that fosters an environment of trust among a broad group of community and functional partners.
• Deep experience with, knowledge about and a passion for higher education.
• A catalyst for cross-functional cooperation and idea generation. An active listener who demonstrates respect for others and, in turn, gains their respect.
• Proven track record as a people manager that builds and enhances strong and diverse teams.
• Skillful advocate and practitioner, as well as an exceptional leader and manager of people; proven ability to develop and nurture talent.
• Strong commitment to and intrinsic motivation related to diversity and inclusion; demonstrated ability to build positive and effective working relationships with people having a wide variety of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.