Assistant Vice President of Communications & Marketing

The AVP for Communications and Marketing is responsible for the strategic positioning of the college and ensuring the institution’s voice and message resonate with stakeholders. The AVP oversees communications to all constituents through channels including marketing initiatives, the college’s website, print and digital content, social media, and public relations, verifying brand consistency and alignment with the college’s mission. This position is integral to nurturing and enhancing Macalester’s reputation as a preeminent liberal arts college, to attract top students, faculty, and staff.

This is a full-time, hybrid position that requires the employee to be based in the Twin Cities area. 

About The Department: 

The Advancement team—comprising Communications and Marketing, Development, Engagement, and Advancement Operations—is committed to driving Macalester’s mission forward. We foster a vibrant Macalester experience by ensuring clear, campus-wide communication, creating meaningful opportunities for alumni and friends to participate in the life of the college, and building relationships with donors to secure financial support that aligns with both the college’s mission and the donors’ philanthropic goals. We do so grounded in anti-racism, equity, and social justice, and with a commitment to creating positive social and economic change.

• Develop and implement an integrated marketing and communications plan that ensures a clear understanding of Macalester’s mission and values among all stakeholders, including current and prospective students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and families, donors, and the community. 
• Lead creative direction and oversee branding, positioning, and messaging efforts to differentiate the college in a competitive higher education landscape.
• Partner with senior leadership to advance institutional priorities—specifically, the Imagine, Macalester strategic plan and the affiliated  comprehensive fundraising campaign—and communicate progress to internal and external audiences. 
• Provide support to staff who lead crisis communications and media relations, ensuring the college’s reputation is protected in challenging situations. 
• Work closely with campus partners, especially in admissions, advancement, and the office of the president, to ensure marketing and communications strategies align with institutional goals and are timely and effective. 
• Lead a high-performing marketing and communications team, fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and accountability. 
• Use data and analytics to measure the effectiveness of marketing and communications campaigns, adjusting strategies to maximize impact and embracing innovation. 
• Oversee the marketing and communications budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to support strategic initiatives. 
• Manage relationships with external vendors, ensuring high-quality work that aligns with institutional goals.
• Participate as an active member of the advancement leadership team. Participate in department and college activities and support implementation of shared goals and initiatives. Provide backup support to other members of the team. Complete other responsibilities as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years of related experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively. 
• Ability to create comprehensive marketing plans that integrate channels including digital, print, social media, and public relations efforts. 
• Skilled in creating compelling narratives that resonate with audiences including prospective students, alumni, donors, and the community. Ability to communicate in a way that is respectful and inclusive of diverse stakeholders.
• Commitment to equity and diversity not just in public messaging but in internal practices. Dedication to transparency, honesty, curiosity, and learning. 
• Familiarity with marketing technology, analytics, and reporting tools to measure and optimize marketing campaigns.
• Ability to manage multiple initiatives and campaigns simultaneously, ensuring timelines are met and goals are achieved. Capacity to quickly adapt to changing situations and emerging challenges. 
• Experience leading and inspiring a cohesive team of diverse professionals, guiding the team toward achieving key objectives. 
• Skill in delegating responsibilities effectively, ensuring that team members have the autonomy to carry out their work while maintaining accountability. Ability to develop and mentor team members, fostering an inclusive environment of professional growth.
• Proficiency in using data analytics to inform strategies and tactics, monitor trends, and measure campaign success. Adept at adopting new technology to improve messaging and increase efficiency. 
• Experience building effective, collaborative working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders. 
• Experience managing a departmental budget, prioritizing resources, and aligning expenditures with strategic priorities.

Compensation:

The annual salary for this position will be $143,000 - $162,500 depending on experience.

Benefits:

At Macalester, we are proud to offer excellent comprehensive employee benefits. Here are some highlights:

• 10% employer contributions to the retirement plan. 
• Outstanding vacation and sick time packages, plus an additional 10 holidays.
• Generous employer contribution to Health Savings Account.
• Tuition assistance which pays between 75% - 100% of eligible tuition for employee dependents at select institutions.
• Free primary care for most services through Nice Healthcare when enrolled in a Macalester health plan.
• Access to the athletics fitness facility, wellness coaching, and activities.

These are just some of the great benefits Macalester has to offer! To see our full benefits packages and options, please visit our Benefits Page.

Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check is a condition of employment.

Application Guidelines:

For best consideration, please submit your cover letter and resume through the Macalester Employment Opportunities webpage by November 16th. Interviewing will begin after this date, and this role will be posted until filled.

Jaclyn Howard

Talent Acquisition Manager 

jhoward3@Macalester.edu

Founded in 1874, Macalester College provides students with the inspiration, insight, and experience to become successful and ethical leaders. Located in flourishing St. Paul, Minnesota, Macalester enrolls over 2,000 students from across the country and around the world. Macalester is a preeminent liberal arts college recognized for its student service and celebration of internationalism.

At Macalester, we look at our employees through a whole-person, holistic lens. With comprehensive benefits and well-being programs, we provide and enable our community members to grow and care for themselves, their families, and one another. Our whole-hearted fidelity to community-building and social justice exemplify these ideals. Macalester College continuously prioritizes a culturally diverse and pluralistic community. We value individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences. 

Our rich blend of people holding varied identities enhances our strong commitment to multiculturalism and global citizenship. We seek candidates who reflect and strengthen our campus environment. Macalester invites and encourages everyone to apply who would add depth to our community including those from all sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, national origins, genders, religions, abilities, and ages.