Vice President of Marketing & Communications

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About Holy Family University

Holy Family University is a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth founded in 1954. The University is a private institution in the Catholic tradition with campus locations in Philadelphia and Newtown PA. The main campus is nestled in the heart of a historic residential neighborhood in Northeast Philadelphia that is vibrant and just minutes from the excitement of Center City. The Newtown campus is located in Bucks County surrounded by nature and a step away from parks, farmers’ markets and great dining.

One of the best parts of Holy Family University is our inclusive atmosphere--and that's not by chance. Our mission centers on creating an environment that is welcoming and encourages all members to get to know one another, learn from one another, and experience a range of perspectives and worldviews. Our diversity is what makes us a strong community.

University Benefits

Holy Family University takes pride in offering a range of meaningful and flexible benefits designed to promote the health and wellness of our employees and their dependents. Our comprehensive benefits and resources focus on physical, mental and financial wellness to include medical, prescription, dental and vision. We did not stop there; we also offer our employees the following fringe benefits and more.

  • Commuter Benefits: Transit and park benefits through pre-tax payroll deductions
  • Half-Day Fridays: Enjoy half day Fridays in the summer
  • 403(b) Retirement: Discretionary match up to 5%; vested immediately
  • Time Off: 12 Paid Holidays, Vacation, Personal, Sick Days and a week off for Winter Break
  • Tuition Benefits: Employees or dependents pursuing a first Undergraduate Degree receive 100% tuition remission; employees pursuing a first Master’s or Doctoral degree, receive 100% tuition remission; eligible dependents pursuing a first Master’s or Doctoral degree, receive 50% tuition discount
  • Alpha House: 50% Discount for Nursery, Pre-K and Kindergarten 

Position Summary

The Vice President for Marketing & Communications is responsible for strategically guiding the institution’s branding, marketing, and communications initiatives to advance the University’s priorities. The Vice President manages the department’s core strategic functions of branding, marketing, media and public relations, and print and digital communications. Additionally, this position leads a marketing and communications department that requires this position to perform both strategic and tactical functions.

Essential Functions

Job duties that must be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation, and may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This job description is illustrative and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents in this position.

Provide vision, leadership, strategies and management of the University’s marketing and communications activities.

  • Develop, integrate, and execute strategic institutional marketing, branding, and communications campaigns, initiatives and plans to increase brand differentiation and competitive market position to support enrollment, fundraising, and other revenue-generating objectives; provide leadership for enrollment marketing and fundraising communications strategies and initiatives, and partner with those units to execute effective programs.
  • Create and oversee implementation of a strategic marketing/communications plan in collaboration with key stakeholders to expand visibility and understanding of the University’s Strategic Plan and to promote its outcomes.
  • Oversee market research programs that continually assess and improve how the University tells its distinctive story to key audiences and constituencies, and that inform communications and marketing priorities and messaging; evaluate campaigns for effectiveness, impact and planning.
  • Provide leadership and enlist others to develop, integrate, and execute short- and long-term strategic and tactical planning.
  • Serve as chief steward of the University’s image and brand identity and ensure consistent messaging and standardized visual design for all University communications and marketing. Guide branding, marketing, traditional and digital communications, and advertising plans for the University’s schools, sites, programs, and other subunits with the goal of moving the institution toward the accomplishment of strategic initiatives in alignment with the University Vision, Mission and Strategic Plan.
  • Oversee the development, management, and content strategy for the university’s website, social media presence, and other related digital communication channels, ensuring they align with Holy Family’s brand and messaging.
  • Manage the financial and human resources necessary to fulfill the department’s mission. Oversee the department’s budget and expenditures. Manage a marketing and communications staff and advise the University on best use of staff and contract expertise.
  • Oversee all areas of content production to include the Holy Family University Magazine or other publications, and media releases. Assist in writing speeches, introductions, executive summaries, reports, and letters on behalf of key stakeholders as appropriate.
  • Prepare and edit copy for advertising and publications, including editorial releases.
  • Engage with key stakeholders across the University, including the President, senior administrators, key enrollment and fundraising stakeholders, division personnel, academic deans, faculty members, and others; serve on various committees and working groups as assigned.
  • Engage interpersonally with administrative, professional, and technical staff members and faculty members to provide strategic vision for the University’s marketing and communications objectives. Consult regularly with the University President, and assume a leadership role on permanent and ad hoc committees and working groups as necessary to advance the University, as well as fulfill the department’s Mission.
  • Support the University President in her role as chief spokesperson for the institution; provide leadership for the University’s issue management activities and serve as the primary point person on the communications strategies and response team; provide counsel and strategies to other senior administrators regarding marketing, media, and public relations issues.

Non-Essential Duties/Responsibilities

Any other duties as assigned.

General Expectations

Employees are expected to accomplish assigned duties in an efficient, effective and competent manner and to strive for improvement and excellence in all work performed. Employees must understand the Mission and demonstrate the Core Values of the University. Additionally, demonstrate the ability to work with diverse personalities, and harmoniously with students, faculty and staff, and the public. Employees are expected to follow and abide by all University policies, rules, regulations and guidelines.

Work requires communication, analytical and organizational skills generally acquired through completion of a master's degree in communications, business, marketing or a related field.  Bachelor’s degree in related field required.

Education & Experience Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in related field required; work requires communication, analytical and organizational skills generally acquired through completion of a master's degree in communications, public relations, marketing or a related field.
  • At least 7 years of progressive experience managing marketing and communications in a leadership role, focused on developing and executing strategic communications, marketing, and branding plans, processes, projects, policies, budgetary and supervisory responsibilities.
  • Direct marketing and communications experience in higher education marketing and communications preferred.
  • Evidence of a highly collaborative style and experience developing and implementing marketing and communications strategies is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Knowledge of and ability to follow university policies and procedures
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, faculty and staff, students and the public
  • Ability to relate to a diverse population and to maintain composure when faced with difficult situations
  • Exceptional editing, oral, and written communications skills, visual/graphic communication skills
  • Ability to take knowledge and information and transform it into exciting and relevant messages, and disseminate it to the right audiences through the best distribution channels
  • Reliable judgment, trusted discretion, confidentiality, and strong interpersonal skills to relate to numerous and varied constituencies of the University and the community
  • Proven track record as a people manager that builds and enhances strong and cohesive teams
  • Deep experience with, knowledge about and a passion for higher education
  • Self-starter, able to work independently and collaboratively
  • Effective management skills including personnel, budget, projects, time and evaluating effectiveness
  • Demonstrated ability to speak persuasively to small and large audiences. Strong presentation skills
  • Maintain active membership in professional associations to support marketing and communications professional development and networking
  • Proficient with MS Office; familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite; knowledge of InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator, as well as website CMS platforms
  • Strong experience with social media applications and platforms (Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook) as well as working knowledge of digital tools and services

Work Environment

Operates in an office environment, that may have frequent interruptions. The area is well-lit, temperature controlled and free from hazards.  Noise level is generally quiet to moderate.

Physical Requirements

Communicates frequently, in person, over the phone, or via a computer.  Hearing is needed for extensive telephone and in person communication. Regularly required to sit for long periods of time; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms. Manual dexterity is needed in order to operate a computer keyboard. Operates standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Must be able to travel (usually by car) for hours at a time and to adapt to a constantly changing (hours of work) schedule.

Certification/Licensure

A valid driver’s license is required as this position requires attendance at off-campus meetings and events that are accessible only by automobile.

Other Important Information

Flexibility and ability to work outside of standard University hours is required.

It is appropriate for this position to be required to attend various University events, including opening and closing liturgies, and other all-university observances or celebrations, including academic and social events.

Non-Discrimination Statement

Holy Family University seeks to foster an inclusive and healthy educational and work environment based on respect, the dignity of each person and the oneness of the human family. Holy Family is dedicated to ensuring an environment free of discrimination or harassment of any kind, and promotes equal opportunity and inclusion in its employment and education.

For more details on our commitment to nondiscrimination click here.

We invite qualified applicants to view our open positions and apply directly at our career center by submitting a cover letter and resume.