Job Details

Associate Vice President for University Communications

Position Number: 6119590
Location: New York, NY
Position Type: Public Relations, Marketing and Communications

Associate Vice President for University Communications

Marketing & Communications, Lincoln Center

Fordham University

Fordham University has an excellent reputation as a dynamic institution located in New York City. Founded in 1841, Fordham enrolls more than 16,000 undergraduate and graduate students in its 9 Colleges and Schools.

Fordham University offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to its employees, which includes medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.

We offer tuition remission for employees and their dependents

A generous employer match towards a 403(b) retirement plan.

As a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), Fordham is considered a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, a federal program designed to forgive student loan debt for employees of certain public and certain nonprofit employers.

As part of its work-life balance program, the University provides generous PTO including 15 vacation days, 12 sick days, 2 personal days, 6 summer Fridays, and holidays that include paid time off between Christmas and New year.

University employees have access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). EAP provides no-cost, professional, and confidential services, to help employees and family members address a variety of personal, family, life, and work-related issues.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Vice President for Marketing and Communications, the Associate Vice President (AVP) for University Communications is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining a comprehensive communications strategy that builds and protects Fordham €™s brand, strengthens its reputation, and elevates the University €™s profile through earned and owned media.

The AVP plays a critical role in positioning Fordham as a leading institution of higher education, recognized for its academic excellence, commitment to Jesuit values, and vibrant New York City presence. The AVP oversees a dynamic team of communications professionals responsible for media relations, internal and external communications, executive communications, and crisis communications. They serve as a key advisor to University leadership, providing strategic counsel on all aspects of communications, reputation management, and crisis communications.

The AVP collaborates closely with colleagues across the University, including schools, colleges, and administrative departments, to ensure on-brand, consistent, and integrated messaging.

Essential Functions

Develops and executes comprehensive communications strategies to advance the University €™s mission, strategic priorities, and brand identity.

Oversees the creation and dissemination of compelling storytelling content across various channels, including the University website, newsletters, publications, and digital platforms.

Ensures successful implementation and execution of programming to engage faculty, staff, and students and foster a strong sense of community and trust.

Responsible for ensuring consistent and effective communication of University news, events, and initiatives to both internal and external stakeholders, while maintaining brand consistency and adherence to guidelines across all channels.

Engages in elevating Fordham €™s research and impact storytelling to shape reputation and grow awareness of Fordham €™s research prowess.

Develops and implements a proactive media relations strategy to enhance Fordham €™s visibility and reputation in local, national, and international media, including managing relationships with external PR agency support.

Cultivates and maintains strong relationships with key media contacts, influencers, and thought leaders.

Serves as a University spokesperson and accountable for management of media inquiries, interviews, and press conferences.

Oversees the development of press releases, media advisories, and other media materials.

Monitors media coverage and analyzes its impact on the University €™s reputation.

Provides strategic counsel to University leadership on issues management and reputation-related matters.

Develops, maintains, and executes the University €™s crisis communications plan, ensuring its effectiveness and readiness.

Serves as a key member of the University €™s crisis management team, providing communications expertise and guidance.

Essential Functions Note

This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list.

The University may assign additional related duties as necessary.

Management Responsibilities

Provides strategic leadership and supervises others who supervise. Responsible for hiring, training, developing, managing performance, administering corrective action, makes compensation decisions and for managing strategic views at a high level.

Required Qualifications: Education and Experience

Bachelor €™s Degree

Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in communications positions of progressively greater responsibility.

Minimum of 5 years of experience leading teams.

Required Qualifications: Knowledge and Skills

Excellent communication skills.

Extensive experience in managing crisis communications and reputational risks, strategic planning, managing media contacts, and crafting policy statements.

Successful candidates should have a knowledge of and commitment to the goals of Jesuit Education

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced Degree

Experience in Higher Education Communications.

Minimum Starting Salary: $220,000

Maximum Starting Salary: $240,000

Note: Salary is commensurate with qualifications, experience, and skills.

START DATE: ASAP

APPLY HERE: https://careers.fordham.edu/postings/9201

ABOUT FORDHAM

Founded in 1841, Fordham is the Jesuit University of New York, offering an exceptional education distinguished by the Jesuit tradition to more than 16,000 students in its 9 colleges and schools. It has residential campuses in the Bronx and Manhattan, a campus in West Harrison, N.Y., the Louis Calder Center Biological Field Station in Armonk, N.Y., and the London Centre in the United Kingdom.

Fordham University is committed to excellence through diversity and welcomes candidates of all backgrounds.

Fordham is an Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories