Mission Officer and AVP Marketing and Communication

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

This combined role serves as both Mission Officer and Associate Vice President (AVP) for Marketing and Communications, ensuring the college’s Catholic and Dominican identity is integrated into its culture, messaging, and strategic priorities, while also leading all marketing and communications efforts to advance the college’s brand. Reporting to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement, the position collaborates closely with senior leaders and works directly with the President on Mission Officer responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities as Mission Officer

● Serve as a mission officer, working to integrate the college’s Catholic and Dominican values across institutional culture, programs, and strategic initiatives.

● Collaborate with Campus Ministry, faculty, and student life to support mission education and visibility.

● Act as the primary liaison to the local Diocese and the Dominican Sisters, fostering strong relationships and representing the college at mission-related events and gatherings.

● Support the President on matters of board governance, particularly as they relate to mission alignment and trustee engagement.

Key Responsibilities as Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communications

● Provide day-to-day leadership for the marketing and communications team, guiding content development, digital marketing, social media, publications, and internal communications while fostering creativity, collaboration, and excellence.

● Partner closely with Admissions to develop and implement integrated marketing and communications strategies that support student recruitment, enrollment growth, and yield.

● Serve as the official college spokesperson, overseeing media relations and guiding public messaging in alignment with institutional values and priorities.

● Lead the college’s brand research and refresh initiative, ensuring a mission-centered, data-informed process that includes stakeholder engagement and generates specific strategies for growth.

● Manage relationships with third-party vendors and agencies for brand, marketing, public relations, and digital strategy projects.

● Partner to support strategic fundraising efforts, particularly by shaping messaging and donor engagement strategies and by providing guidance on campaign branding, storytelling, and donor communications.

● Provide strategic counsel to the President, Cabinet, and Board of Trustees as needed on matters of communication, reputation management, and mission alignment.

● Perform other duties as assigned that support the success and mission of the college.

Qualifications and Preferred Attributes

● Master’s degree in marketing, communications, theology, higher education, or related field

● 7–10 years of progressive leadership in marketing, communications, or mission integration, ideally in higher education or faith-based settings

● Strong understanding of the Catholic intellectual tradition and Dominican values

● Proven success in marketing and branding, including agency and cross-functional collaboration

● Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

● Strategic, hands-on leader able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

● Mission-driven, collaborative, and values-based professional

● Skilled storyteller who balances brand integrity with creativity and engagement

● Relationship-builder who thrives in dynamic, team-oriented settings