Associate Vice President, Strategic and Integrated Communications

Position Information

Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.

Position Summary Information

The Associate Vice President of Strategic and Integrated Communications in Strategic Marketing and Communications (SMC) reports directly to the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Public Affairs. This role will serve as the deputy to the Senior Vice President, leading and managing the university’s strategic and operational communications strategies while managing the department’s strategic direction and day-to-day operations. The Associate Vice President is the primary adviser to the SVP on all matters related to marcomm, communications, staffing, strategy, and division scope; occasionally briefing and advising executive leaders at the highest levels of the organizations. In this way, this role will effectively serve as the chief communications officer for the university.

The Associate Vice President will provide direct counsel and support to leaders across the university. The role’s primary duties include overseeing and engaging in strategic communications, executive communications, operational communications, media and constituent relations, and contributing to and helping to integrate university-wide marketing, outreach, and engagement initiatives with senior leadership and across SMC. This leader will connect dots across Chapman, ensuring the strategic coordination of resources for marketing, communication, and community relations activities. A communication strategist and superb writer, the incumbent will be adept at leveraging paid, earned, owned, and shared channels in comprehensive multimedia campaigns, developing and executing plans and tactics across internal and external audiences.

The role will also have primary responsibility for protecting the university’s reputation through issues management, crisis communications, and strategic initiatives. The Associate Vice President will develop and execute a living plan for these activities while mentoring junior staff to ensure sufficient business continuity of crisis response. The role will work closely with campus partners including general counsel, public safety, risk management, and functional leads across the university.

The Associate Vice President will oversee a communications team of five staff and will serve as a member of SMC’s leadership team. The role will support the SVP in promoting a unit of high-performing professionals through best practices in management, strategic planning, and staffing. The role will lead directors and staff through operations and business processes, developing a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.

This position is located at Chapman’s Orange Campus and is expected to be in the office 5 days per week and on site for any issue, crisis, or special event as directed.