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 Key Responsibilities ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Percentage Of Time 40% Key Responsibility Champion a shared vision to amplify UNCG’s brand locally and nationally, and successfully target, engage, and activate diverse audiences in times of celebration and crisis. Essential Tasks The Vice Chancellor will develop and execute an innovative, forward-thinking strategic marketing and communications plan that establishes a unified brand identity across all platforms, aligning with the university’s goals. Building awareness around what differentiates UNCG from North Carolina’s 15 other public universities will be necessary to elevate the University’s local, regional, and national profile. From day one, this individual will lead efforts to market the university while building a best-in-class program that leverages traditional and digital media to engage diverse audiences.

Play a pivotal role in shaping the university’s communications strategy by providing leadership in crisis management planning, including developing and implementing effective crisis communications policies and procedures. This leader ensures the university’s resilience and reputation by offering real-time counsel and support during critical situations. Additionally, the Vice Chancellor oversees a dynamic and collaborative communications and marketing planning process that aligns with the Chancellor’s vision while addressing the diverse needs of schools, programs, units, key community partners, government officials, alumni, and students and their families. Through a robust and adaptable messaging framework, this leader will create a unified voice that resonates with various audiences and advances the University’s mission.


Percentage Of Time 40% Key Responsibility Lead the change management necessary to successfully centralize communications and marketing and manage, develop, empower, and retain a talented UC team. Essential Tasks Amid significant transitions at UNCG, the Vice Chancellor must be a skilled change manager who aligns the new organizational design with available resources while fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence. This thought leader will convene, support, and inspire collaboration among marketing and communication professionals, building solid and collegial relationships with unit-based teams and aligning their priorities with the university’s goals. The Vice Chancellor will provide appropriate support, manage expectations, and ensure that communications goals are innovative and achievable by maintaining an open and fluid leadership style that promotes productive workflows by emphasizing active communication and effective delegation. Percentage Of Time 10% Key Responsibility Utilize data analytics and insights to inform and adjust strategies, content, and services. Essential Tasks The Vice Chancellor will establish systems to support data-driven decision-making, ensuring that communications and marketing efforts remain responsive to evolving dynamics and effectively advance the university’s success. This individual will thoroughly evaluate current branding initiatives and strategically invest in market research, competitive analysis, brand refinement, and creative execution. Collaborating with key leaders such as the Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, Director of Athletics, and the Bryan School of Business & Economics communications team, the Vice Chancellor will determine the best approach to leveraging internal resources and external partners to maximize impact and drive institutional goals.

Inheriting a division undergoing significant restructuring, the Vice Chancellor must build trust, assess team expectations, advocate for necessary resources, and build a cohesive, well-supported communications unit. They will strengthen the office’s reputation as a collaborative and responsive partner, fostering excellence in client collaboration, subject matter expertise, comprehensive and integrated strategies, customer service, and problem-solving. By setting clear priorities, integrating efforts across the office, and recruiting and retaining a high-quality, diverse team, the Vice Chancellor will inspire and motivate staff through transparent communication, alignment with UNCG’s mission, and opportunities for professional growth. Percentage Of Time 10% Key Responsibility Serve as a trusted, innovative, and collaborative member of the Chancellor’s Council. Essential Tasks Ensuring the Chancellor is well-briefed and that his time dedicated to communication-related activities is maximized for productivity, the Vice Chancellor will support the Chancellor in his role as the chief spokesperson for the university by serving as a strategic partner in crafting executive communications and shaping messaging. The Vice Chancellor will uphold a high sense of integrity and take a direct and honest approach to guide and support senior staff, deans, faculty, trustees, and other university community members in their roles as formal representatives of UNCG. The ideal leader will foster a culture of innovation, risk-taking, teamwork, and collaboration while celebrating current achievements, setting clear expectations for future success, and contributing to a work environment defined by creativity, openness, candor, and mutual respect. ADA Checklist ADA Checklist

R for Rare (0-30%), O for Occasional (30-60%), F for Frequent (60-90%), C for Constant (90-100%).

Physical Effort Reading - F, Writing - F, Vision-Visual inspection - F, Hearing - F, Talking - F Work Environment Inside - O, Outside - F Applicant Documents Required Documents Resume/CV Cover Letter List of References Optional Documents Supplemental Questions

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