Assistant Vice President, Marketing & Communications

Position Overview

Clayton State University, located in Morrow, Georgia, offers a collaborative and dynamic environment where professional and personal development thrive. The university is committed to broadening access to high‐quality education and advancing workforce development. We are seeking an experienced, multi‐talented professional to join our leadership team as the AVP Marketing & Communications. In this role, you will provide strategic oversight for brand management, enrollment marketing, internal and external communications, and digital content. You will report to the Vice President of Enrollment, Marketing & Student Success (VPEM&SS) and work as a key member of the President’s Extended Cabinet to advance institutional priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Inspire a culture of collegiality, professionalism, and collaboration across campus and within your supervised departments.
• Plan, develop, and execute a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy that supports the university’s mission, including oversight of visual strategy, multimedia, website, graphic design, social media, digital content, and internal communications.
• Serve as the primary media contact and chief spokesperson when appropriate.
• Assist with strategic initiatives and projects in coordination with the Presidential Office.
• Envision, develop, and implement a university-wide marketing and communications strategy aligned with the institution’s strategic plan and enrollment goals.
• Assess, manage, and lead a high-performing team in marketing, communications, design, media relations, crisis, and digital communications strategy deployment.
• Integrate decentralized marketing and communication efforts to support and achieve university goals.
• Guide communication planning with campus partners including enrollment management, student success, academic affairs, athletics, research, student affairs, advancement, and finance.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with faculty and staff to promote their work and enhance the educational experience.
• Champion clear and concise brand identity for both internal and external audiences.
• Provide ongoing thought leadership to advance the reputation of Clayton State University through creative communication strategies.
• Lead and actively manage the marketing and communications team responsible for publications, website, media, and public relations.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to develop compelling campaign materials, impact reports, and storytelling initiatives that highlight student success, faculty achievement, research impact, and donor support.
• Serve on the University Commencement Committee, coordinating speakers, media, and related procedures.
• Develop a robust digital marketing strategy to increase engagement with key audiences.
• Establish proactive media relations and a comprehensive crisis communications plan as a member of the University’s Crisis Management Team.
• Define metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of all marketing communications programs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, business, or a related field.
• At least 5–7 years of experience in higher education marketing and communications or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years’ supervisory experience managing professional staff.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing strategic marketing plans, with significant experience in brand management and enrollment marketing.
• Proficiency with digital marketing analytics and CRM tools (e.g., Element451, Hootsuite, Google Analytics).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong command of Banner, the Microsoft Office suite, and data analysis tools.
• Experience with marketing and communication strategies related to enrollment and retention.
• Exceptional critical thinking, analytical skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience in higher education marketing, communications, public relations, or business.
• Demonstrated expertise with 7+ years of experience in higher education marketing and communications.