Job No. 158020
- Job Title:
- Vice President for Marketing and Communications
- Employer:
-
The University of Montana
- Location:
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Missoula , MT
- Posting Date:
- 17-Mar-2026
- Description:
-
Description
The University of Montana invites applications and nominations for the position of Vice President for Marketing and Communications. The Vice President for Marketing and Communications (VPMC) serves as the University’s chief marketing and communications officer and a key member of the President’s executive leadership team. The VPMC provides strategic vision, leadership, and oversight for the University’s brand strategy, content and creative services, digital strategy, enrollment marketing, internal and external communications, and trademark and licensing programs. The role also provides executive oversight of the Broadcast Media Center, home to editorially-independent Montana Public Radio and Montana PBS.
The VPMC leads the development and execution of a comprehensive, data-informed, and relationship-driven marketing and communications strategy that strengthens the University’s brand across Montana, the region, and national markets. Working collaboratively across campus and with external partners, the VPMC advances initiatives that enhance stakeholder engagement, support student recruitment, retention, and success, elevate the University’s public profile, and further the mission of the University of Montana as a flagship public research university.
Examples of Duties and Responsibilities
Lead the University’s integrated marketing and communications strategy, aligning brand and engagement initiatives with the University’s mission and strategic objectives.
Serve as chief brand steward, guiding the evolution of the University’s brand identity, positioning, and messaging while ensuring consistency across all institutional platforms and audiences.
Advise the President and executive leadership on marketing strategy, reputation management, communications priorities, and emerging issues.
Build and sustain relationships with campus leaders, statewide partners, alumni, and community stakeholders to enhance institutional visibility, reputation, and public trust.
Establish data-driven performance metrics, analytics frameworks, and market research to inform strategy, measure impact, and enhance institutional differentiation.
Oversee integrated storytelling and creative services that elevate the University’s academic excellence, research impact, student experience, and public engagement.
Lead enterprise-level digital strategy, including web governance, user experience, social media, CRM integration, marketing technology, and digital accessibility.
Partner with Enrollment Management and academic units to drive strategic, data-informed marketing that supports undergraduate, graduate, online, and continuing education enrollment goals.
Direct internal communications, media relations, executive messaging, and crisis communications.
Provide institutional support of the Broadcast Media Center (public radio and television), advocating for this department's public service mission which dovetails into the broader University's goal on expanding the boundaries of knowledge through accessible educational and information programming of news, music, culture and children's programs found on Montana Public Radio and Montana PBS.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and ten (10) years of increasingly responsible experience within a large, complex organization or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Senior-level leadership experience in marketing, strategic communications, brand management, media, or related fields.
Demonstrated leadership in developing and executing marketing and communications strategies that align with and support university goals.
Experience leading high-performing, multidisciplinary teams and ability to create a collegial work environment, motivating staff and cultivating collaborative relationships across functional areas.
Experience in budgeting, fiscal planning, financial stewardship, contracts and procurement, and operational oversight.
Commitment to the transformative power of higher education.
Ability to build collaborative partnerships across academic and administrative units and a commitment to shared governance models.
Ability to build relationships with educational, business, government, and community leaders across Montana.
Strong analytical skills, including experience using data to inform decision-making and measure impact.
Experience advising executive leadership on sensitive, high-visibility issues.
Demonstrated comfort with innovative technologies and the ability to anticipate and embrace new trends and tools in marketing and communications.
Exceptional critical thinking, analytical, writing, speaking, and interpersonal communication skills.
An appreciation and understanding of the Intermountain West and its regional identity.
An appreciation and understanding of Montana’s Tribal Nations, who have generational roots and active relationships at UM.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s or doctoral degree.
Senior-level leadership experience in higher education marketing and communications.
Additional Information
Position Details
Salary Range: $188,457-$198,457 annually, depending on experience and qualifications
Appointment: Full-time, 12-month fiscal year appointment
Position Type: MUS Contract Administrator
Benefits: The University of Montana offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including health insurance, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and employee wellness programs.
- Contact information:
- The University of Montana
- Missoula, MT 59812
- United States
- Employer's Website:
-
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