Senior Vice President for Strategic Communications
and External Affairs
Kent State University seeks a strategic, innovative, experienced and high-energy communication leader for the newly reconstituted position of Senior Vice President for Strategic Communications and External Affairs. One of three senior vice presidents reporting to the University President, this individual will provide instrumental leadership in achieving the vision and priorities of the university’s bold six-year plan:A Strategic Roadmap to a Distinctive Kent State.
A leading public research university located in Northeast Ohio, Kent State offers an environment where pushing limits and respecting freedom of expression thrive. With a total enrollment of more than 41,000 students on its eight campuses coming from 50 states and 111 countries, Kent State University is one of the largest university systems in the nation.
Fostering a diverse culture full of visionary ideas and ambitious people, Kent State is ranked among the top 100 national public universities by U.S. News & World Report’s Top Public Schools list, and has earned a coveted spot on its prestigious first-tier list in the Best National Universities category. From the certificate level to the associate, baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral levels, the university offers more than 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
The Senior Vice President leads a divisional team of approximately 85 staff and has departmental responsibility for University communications and marketing, corporate and professional development, and Kent State’s award-winning public radio station, WKSU-FM. Candidates should have at least 15 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing and/or external affairs; at least five years in management at an upper or executive level in a complex organization; experience in a higher education setting highly desirable; superb interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills; demonstrated ability to build and lead effective, diverse management teams; experience with strategic and operational planning and budgeting; familiarity with e-marketing, with particular emphasis on generational strategies; and a minimum bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. An advanced degree is preferred. Knowledge and understanding of higher education is required.
For best consideration, please send all confidential nominations, inquiries and expressions of interest by August 15, 2016 to:
Shelly Weiss Storbeck, Managing Partner
Susan VanGilder, Partner
Beth McCarthy, Associate
Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates, LP
Kent State University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and fully committed to a diverse community. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.
Materials submitted to Kent State University for application for this position may be subject to release in the event of a public records request pursuant to ORC 149.43.