Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Commensurate with experience.

United States, North Carolina, Greensboro

Mar 25, 2025

Posting Details

Position Information

Position Number	000665
Functional Title	Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications
Position Type	Administration - Staff
Position Eclass	E1 - SAAO I 12 Mo Leave Earning
University Information	Located in North Carolina's third largest city, UNC Greensboro is among the most diverse, learner-centered public research universities in the state, with 18,000 students in eight colleges and schools pursuing more than 150 areas of undergraduate and over 200 areas of graduate study. UNCG continues to be recognized nationally for academic excellence, access, and affordability. UNCG is ranked No. 1 most affordable institution in North Carolina for net cost by the N.Y. Times and No. 1 in North Carolina for social mobility by The Wall Street Journal - helping first-generation and lower-income students find paths to prosperity. Designated an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, UNCG is a community-engaged research institution with a portfolio of more than $67M in research and creative activity. The University's 2,600 staff help create an annual economic impact for the Piedmont Triad region in excess of $1B.
Primary Purpose of the Organizational Unit	The division of University Communications advances the University's mission and goals through strategic communication designed to inform, educate and garner support on behalf of the University. University Communications is a staff of communication professionals who have primary responsibility for internal and external communications through outlets that include print, broadcast and electronic media. University Communications is a unit reporting to the Office of the Chancellor. The UC Mission is "to provide external communications through the print, electronic media, Web and other means to increase public awareness, understanding and support of the University."
Position Summary	Reporting to the Chancellor, the Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications will serve as the university's chief communications and marketing officer, leading and managing internal and external communications and marketing strategy, execution, and evaluation. The Vice Chancellor will be responsible for leading the restructuring of the UC division to enhance efficiency and align with organizational objectives while fostering collaboration and maintaining a positive and productive team environment. This individual will create the vision for and lead the implementation of a proactive, innovative, and comprehensive marketing, communications, and branding strategy that highlights the university's strengths, bolsters its ambitions, expands its regional and national profile, and increasingly engages and informs internal constituents (e.g., prospective students and families, current students, administrators, faculty and staff, alums, and donors) and external audiences (e.g., local community members and leaders; local, state, and national governments; local, national, and international media; and associations, influencers, and thought leaders in higher education). To this end, the Vice Chancellor will provide leadership and oversight of a core total staff of 17 and a non-personnel budget of $800,000, which will be adjusted after the new operational plan is implemented. This individual will work closely with senior leadership across UNCG to set priorities, devise communications and marketing strategies for university-wide objectives, and oversee a comprehensive branding initiative. The Vice Chancellor will also work closely with unit-based teams to create a comprehensive communications and marketing program that serves the needs of the overarching university and the specific colleges, schools, programs, and units. This position will serve as a critical member of the Chancellor's Council and work closely with the Provost, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, Chancellor's Chief of Staff, and other senior leadership on overarching issues both in the long term and day-to-day. In addition to formal duties, the Vice Chancellor must become an integral member of the Greensboro community and take an active interest in the city's economic, political, and cultural vitality and the surrounding region. The Vice Chancellor will reflect and embody the values of UNCG and its leadership, leading the university's communications effort and serving the wider community with integrity, warmth, humility, grace, and humor.
Minimum Qualifications	The Vice Chancellor will bring many of the following professional qualities and experiences: A record of success as an innovative and collaborative leader with substantial experience leading, envisioning, and implementing a successful strategic marketing, communications, and branding program that was successfully leveraged across a large and complex enterprise with multiple constituencies and various audiences. Advanced knowledge of the strategies and industry best practices for all aspects of communications, marketing, positioning, and messaging, including sophisticated and creative use of brand journalism, social media, analytics, and other forms of digital communications. Broad experience in strategic communications, crisis and issues management, communications planning, media relations, public relations, perception management, and internal communications. Record of creative and entrepreneurial management; the ability to inspire, build, lead, mentor, and motivate staff; and to encourage change and growth in both people and programs. A strong commitment to personal and professional development and the ability to build a robust, autonomous, and collaborative team. Ability to build relationships and collaborate across an institution, serving as a resource to others and obtaining their input; persuasive, persistent, and determined. The intellectual depth, experience, and confidence to work with and command the respect and confidence of the Chancellor, senior administrators, deans, faculty, and trustees. Commitment to and experience with promoting and enhancing inclusive excellence and working with a diverse workforce and audience. Ability to increase efficiency and effectiveness of the marketing and communications process without sacrificing quality and impact. Engaging and persuasive in written and oral communications, clearly able to serve as a professional and trusted representative of the university. Sharp eye for operational efficiency and optimal resource use; deep understanding of budgets and proven success managing them. High degree of integrity, character, and emotional maturity, demonstrating respect for individuals at every level of an organization; humility, a sense of humor, and life balance; an outgoing, optimistic personality; strong executive presence; commitment to the highest standards of professionalism. Exceptional diplomacy, discretion, and judgment. Sharp eye for operational efficiency and optimal use of resources; deep understanding of budgets and proven success managing them. An aptitude for using data and metrics in decision-making and evaluating the success of people and programs alike. Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
Additional Required Certifications, Licensures, and Certificates
Preferred Qualifications	A Master's Degree or advanced degree in a relevant field
Special Instructions to Applicants	UNCG has retained Isaacson, Miller has been retained to assist in the search for Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications Please direct all inquiries, nominations, referrals, and applications in strict confidence to: Dan Rodas, Partner (he/him) Tiffany Weber, Managing Associate (She/her) Seema Khan, Senior Search Coordinator (she/her) Isaacson, Miller https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/university-north-carolina-greensboro/vice-chancellor-strategic-communications
Recruitment Range	Commensurate with experience.
Org #-Department	University Communications - 33901
Job Open Date	01/06/2025
For Best Consideration Date
Job Close Date
Open Until Filled	Yes
FTE	1.000
Type of Appointment	Permanent
If time-limited, please specify end date for appointment.
Number of Months per Year	12
FLSA	Exempt