Assistant Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications & Brand Strategy

Elevate Your Career at UCCS\: Innovate, Inspire, and Impact in the Rockies!

Who We Are

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is a premier educational institution that prides itself on academic excellence, research, and community engagement and is actively seeking an Assistant Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications & Brand Strategy to join our team! UCCS is committed to academic excellence, professional development, and fostering an environment that supports innovation and student success.

At the base of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is captivated by its stunning landscapes, making it a paradise for nature lovers. This city is more than its scenery – a mosaic of history, arts, and a vibrant tech scene. We invite you to join a community that cherishes outdoor adventure as much as forward-thinking growth, an exceptional setting for both career and lifestyle.

Salary Range\: $120,000.00 - $170,000.00 annually. Compensation will be commensurate upon experience and qualifications. This position is Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime provisions.

Work Location\: Hybrid

Benefits at a Glance

At UCCS, our employees are our most valued asset. We're proud to offer:

• Generous Time Off\: Enjoy 22 vacation days, 10 sick days, paid parental leave, 13 recognized holidays, and provisions for bereavement, jury duty, and FAMLI Leave.

• Robust Health Coverage\: Our comprehensive medical plans cover preventative care at no cost, including a yearly mental health visit. Plus, benefit from affordable dental, vision plans, and competitive prescription drug prices.

• Financial & Retirement Benefits\: Take advantage of our health savings, flexible spending accounts, and life and disability insurance. Plan for your future with our retirement options.

• Further Your Education\: Avail twelve waived credits per academic year for courses at any CU campus. We invest in your educational and professional growth.

• Wellness & More\: From wellness programs aimed at achieving your best self to various additional benefits through CU Advantage, we prioritize well-being and holistic development.

• Want to know your total compensation? Use our calculator to get the complete picture!

Summary

The Assistant Vice Chancellor (AVC) for Strategic Communications & Brand Strategy provides executive leadership for the University’s integrated marketing, communications, brand, and public relations strategy. This role leads a multifunctional organization comprising University Communications, Marketing, and Video Production, ensuring cohesive, consistent messaging and branding across all channels. Reporting directly to the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, Communications, and Engagement, with dotted-line reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Chief of Staff, the AVC partners with campus leadership to strengthen the University’s reputation, drive student recruitment, advance outcomes, and champion initiatives that support campus engagement and community impact. The AVC is accountable for shaping unified brand identity and storytelling, developing data-driven strategies, and delivering measurable results that advance the UCCS mission.

Essential Functions

The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

(40%) Strategic Leadership & Brand Stewardship

• Provide executive leadership for Communications, Marketing, Video Production, and MarCom Shared Services, aligning all efforts with UCCS’ mission and strategic plan.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive, university-wide, research-informed marketing and communications strategy that drives enrollment and institutional reputation.
• Serve as senior advisor to the Chancellor and Executive Leadership Team on communications & brand strategy, reputation management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and communications initiatives.

(30%) University Communications & Public Relations

• Serve as the University’s primary spokesperson and lead media relations liaison.
• Direct internal and external communications, ensuring transparency, clarity, and consistency of messaging across multiple platforms.
• Oversee crisis communications and issues management, providing proactive counsel and real-time response planning.
• Elevate UCCS’ reputation through compelling storytelling, press engagement, and community partnerships.
• Oversee a coordinated social media strategy, leveraging audience segmentation to reach prospective students, current students, alumni, donors, and community stakeholders.

(20%) Marketing Operations & Digital Strategy

• Lead the development and coordination with multiple campus stakeholders to effectively and efficiently direct the University's web presence and digital ecosystem, ensuring brand alignment and elevation.
• Direct the creation of high-quality marketing collateral, campaigns, and video content that support campus initiatives.
• Collaborate with Enrollment Management, University Advancement, Colleges, and other campus units to create targeted campaigns that achieve measurable outcomes.
• Guide campus-wide adoption of standardized messaging and branding tools.

(10%) Administrative & Fiscal Management

• Manage the Marketing and Communications budget, aligning resources with institutional priorities and demonstrating fiscal accountability.
• Foster a people-centered culture rooted in care, trust, and accountability by investing in staff through mentorship, coaching, and meaningful professional development, fostering collaboration, and creating an environment where individuals feel supported, valued, and empowered to do their best work.

• Education:
  • A Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Business Administration, or a closely related field is required.
  • A Master’s degree in a related field is highly desirable.
• Experience:
  • Exceptional judgment, strategic thinking, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across diverse stakeholder groups.
  • Deep expertise in branding, storytelling, digital marketing, social media governance, and the development and execution of integrated marketing and communication plans that advance institutional priorities.
  • Proven track record of leading a comprehensive marketing and communications enterprise within a complex organization, preferably in higher education.
  • Demonstrated success implementing data-informed marketing campaigns and measuring ROI against institutional goals.
  • Experience serving as spokesperson or senior communications advisor, including crisis communications leadership, public relations, focusing on both internal and external audiences.
  • Evidence of effectively managing large, cross-functional teams and guiding organizational change initiatives while promoting a welcoming work environment.

Tentative Search Timeline

• Priority will be given to applications submitted by\: January 11, 2026.
• Potential interview dates\: January 12, 2026 – January 23, 2026.
• Potential start date\: April 1, 2026.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

In accordance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, UCCS does not discriminate based on sex in our employment or compensation practices.