Baruch College – Vice President for Communications, Marketing, and Public Affairs
Baruch College
Application
Details
Posted: 27-Jan-25
Location: New York, New York
Type: Full Time
Categories:
Public Relations
Baruch College – Vice President for Communications, Marketing, and Public Affairs
Job Description:
“At Baruch College we believe that student success is everyone’s responsibility”
The Vice President for Communications, Marketing & Public Affairs, reporting directly to the President, will lead Baruch College's strategic communications efforts to elevate the College’s visibility, reputation, and public support. This executive role is central to promoting the College's mission, achievements, and strategic priorities to both internal and external audiences through a variety of media and communications channels.
The Vice President will oversee the Office of Communications, Marketing, and Public Affairs (OCMPA), managing personnel, budget, and operations, while driving initiatives across media relations, marketing, internal communications, and public affairs. As a key member of the President’s cabinet, the Vice President will contribute to executive decision-making and advise the President and senior leadership on communication strategies and sensitive political issues. Acting as the College's chief spokesperson, they will handle crisis communications, manage proactive media outreach, and foster relationships with key stakeholders.
Primary Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Leadership in Communications and Marketing: Oversee College-wide communications and marketing initiatives, working closely with schools and divisions to enhance communication processes and engagement. This includes overseeing branding, student recruitment, fundraising, advertising, public and media relations, publications, web content, and digital and print communications. The Vice President is expected to lead the conceptualization and development of innovative marketing and branding campaigns to significantly expand the College’s visibility and support fundraising and student recruitment efforts.
Strategic Communications: Develop, direct, and implement the College’s strategic communications plan, addressing both internal and external constituencies—including faculty, staff, students, alumni, corporate partners, and the New York City community.
Proactive Media Outreach and Crisis Management: Lead proactive media outreach to increase the College's visibility and manage crisis communications effectively, serving as the primary spokesperson for Baruch College. The Vice President will also provide media training for key faculty and staff to ensure consistent and effective communication.
Government and Community Relations: Strategize and manage the College's government and community relations efforts to enhance Baruch’s visibility, public standing, and participation in civic life, while strategically pursuing City, State, and Federal funding in alignment with Baruch's unique value proposition.
Team Management and Development: Manage, develop, and mentor a professional communications team, providing effective leadership, coaching, and opportunities for growth. The Vice President will also oversee relationships with external agencies and service providers.
Speechwriting and Executive Support: Oversee the preparation and content of the President’s major communications, including campus-wide messages and speeches, ensuring alignment with the College’s strategic goals and voice.
Additional Responsibilities: Perform other duties as assigned by the President, supporting Baruch College’s mission and priorities.
Compensation and Benefits:
$170,000 - $235,000; Salary commensurate with education and experience.
CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.
Qualifications:
This position is in CUNY's Executive Compensation Plan. All executive positions require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and eight years' related experience. Specific qualifications include:
Educational and Professional Experience: A bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred) with at least ten years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, marketing, and public affairs, including strategic planning, budget, and staff management. Experience in higher education, fundraising, and alumni relations is a plus. Familiarity with New York City and State political landscapes is desirable.
Skills and Competencies:
o Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage diverse audiences, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, public officials, and media.
o Strong leadership abilities with a proven track record in managing and inspiring a professional communications team.
o Expertise in crisis communications and proactive media engagement, with experience as an institutional spokesperson.
o Strategic, creative thinker with demonstrated skill in planning and executing communications campaigns.
o Experience in speechwriting or overseeing this function.
Candidates must provide a cover letter and resume.
If you wish to nominate a prospective candidate or have questions regarding this role, please reach out to our search consultants at: BaruchVPCommsMarketingPA@storbecksearch.com. All initial inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.
Closing Date:
March 7, 2025
EEO Statement:
CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans, and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.
