Chief Communications Officer #7405

Chief Communications Officer

Christopher Newport University invites applications for the position of Chief Communications Officer.  The position is a direct report to the President and the selected candidate will be an experienced leader who is passionate about the university and its mission and values. The Chief Communications Officer is responsible for developing and implementing a communications strategy that will include innovative approaches and initiatives to increase the university’s profile while fostering and educating the community on university objectives. The position will lead and inspire the branding, public relations and communications functions, collaborating with internal and external partners to align strategy, advance the goals of CNU, and support an array of university activities, including admissions, fundraising, alumni relations, student life, and academic affairs. 

A Master’s Degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or a closely related field; or a Bachelor’s Degree with extensive professional experience that equates to an advanced degree is required.  The successful candidate must have professional experience in private or public-sector communications and marketing; experience in senior management or in a supervisory capacity; advanced writing and editing skills and proven abilities to produce well-articulated communications; possess an understanding of current and emerging technologies to successfully reach targeted constituent populations; demonstrate outstanding strategic planning skills; possess intellectual depth and professional maturity; and must be able to work successfully both individually and as part of a team.  Preference will be given to candidates who have significant professional experience leading communications, marketing, publications or public relations efforts; experience in progressively responsible communication roles; a demonstrated fluency in using persuasive language to promote visionary opportunities; and to candidates who have experience working in a higher education environment.

S​elected by The Princeton Review to be included in The 3​81 Best Colleges: 201​7​ Edition, Christopher Newport University is a public school offering a private school experience -- great teaching, small classes, and a safe, vibrant campus. A “student-first, teaching-first” community, CNU is dedicated to the ideals of scholarship, leadership and service. The University is located in Newport News, Virginia and enrolls 5,​1​00 students. Academic programs at CNU encompass more than 90 areas of study, from biology to business administration and political science to the performing arts. The University has recently completed over $1 billion in capital construction on its 260-acre campus, generated over 7,000 applications for a freshman class of 1,290 and has been ​ranked by U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges guide​ as ​fourth among public regional universities in the South and 11th among all regional universities in the South. In addition, CNU is ranked third among all public schools for having "the highest proportion of classes with fewer than 20 students.”  Christopher Newport University is committed to ensuring that all people are welcomed, honored and fully engaged in the life of our academic community. We seek exceptional and diverse candidates and encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in their profession.  For further details and information about Christopher Newport, visit  www.cnu.edu.

Interested parties are requested to submit a cover letter; current resume; and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references to:

Director of Faculty Recruitment

Chief Communications Officer

Search # 7405

Christopher Newport University

1 Avenue of the Arts

Newport News, VA 23606-3072

Or facultyrecruitment@cnu.edu.

Review of applications will begin March 18, 2018.

Applications received after March 18, 2018 will be accepted but considered only if needed.

Search finalists are required to complete a CNU sponsored background check.

Buffkin / Baker is assisting Christopher Newport University with this search.  For confidential inquires, or to nominate an individual for this position, please email Martin Baker at martin@buffkinbaker.com or call 336-721-9100.

Christopher Newport University, an EO Employer, is fully committed to Access and Opportunity.