Fast Facts

Fordham University is seeking an innovative communications leader for the role of Associate Vice President for University Communications, responsible for enhancing the university's brand and reputation through strategic communication efforts.

Responsibilities: Develop and implement comprehensive communications strategies, oversee media relations, and manage crisis communications while serving as the university spokesperson.

Skills: Exceptional communication and leadership skills, experience in crisis communications, strategic planning, and media relations.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 10 years in communications, including 5 years in a leadership role; advanced degree preferred.

Location: New York, New York, USA

Compensation: $220000 - $240000 / Annually

Associate Vice President for University Communications

Marketing & Communications, Lincoln Center

Fordham University

Fordham University has an excellent reputation as a dynamic institution located in New York City. Founded in 1841, Fordham enrolls more than 16,000 undergraduate and graduate students in its 9 Colleges and Schools. 

• Fordham University offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to its employees, which includes medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• We offer tuition remission  for employees and their dependents 
• A generous employer match towards a 403(b) retirement plan .
• As a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), Fordham is considered a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness  (PSLF) program, a federal program designed to forgive student loan debt for employees of certain public and certain nonprofit employers.
• As part of its work-life balance program, the University provides generous PTO including 15 vacation days, 12 sick days, 2 personal days, 6 summer Fridays, and holidays that include paid time off between Christmas and New year.  
• University employees have access to the  Employee Assistance Program  (EAP) . EAP provides no-cost, professional, and confidential services, to help employees and family members address a variety of personal, family, life, and work-related issues.

Position Summary

Fordham University seeks a highly accomplished and innovative communications leader to serve as the Associate Vice President (AVP) for University Communications. Reporting to the Vice President for Marketing and Communications, this pivotal role is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining a comprehensive communications strategy that builds and protects Fordham’s brand, strengthens its reputation, and elevates the University’s profile through earned and owned media. Serving as University Spokesperson, the AVP will play a critical role in positioning Fordham as a leading institution of higher education, recognized for its academic excellence, commitment to Jesuit values, and vibrant New York City presence.

The AVP will oversee a dynamic team of communications professionals responsible for media relations, internal and external communications, executive communications, and crisis communications. This individual will serve as a key advisor to University leadership, providing strategic counsel on all aspects of communications, reputation management, and crisis communications. The AVP will also collaborate closely with colleagues across the University, including schools, colleges, and administrative departments, to ensure on-brand, consistent, and integrated messaging.

The ideal candidate will be a seasoned communicator with a proven track record of success shaping reputation through modern communication practices in higher education or similar industries. This individual will possess exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills, along with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing higher education today. The AVP will be a collaborative and results-oriented leader, committed to advancing Fordham’s mission and values through effective communications.

The AVP must be an exceptional writer and seasoned storyteller, capable of coaching team members in the art of compelling narratives that resonate with audiences while articulating Fordham’s value proposition. Furthermore, the AVP will foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement within the communications team and across the University.

Essential Functions        

University Communications (Internal and External)

• Develop and execute comprehensive communications strategies to advance the University’s mission, strategic priorities, and brand identity.
• Oversee the creation and dissemination of compelling storytelling content across various channels, including the University website, newsletters, publications, and digital platforms.
• Ensure successful implementation and execution of programming to engage faculty, staff, and students and foster a strong sense of community and trust.
• Accountable for consistent and effective communication of University news, events, and initiatives to internal and external stakeholders.
• Engage in elevating Fordham’s research and impact storytelling to shape reputation and grow awareness of Fordham’s research prowess.

Media and Public Relations

• Develop and implement a proactive media relations strategy to enhance Fordham’s visibility and reputation in local, national, and international media, including managing relationships with external PR agency support.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key media contacts, influencers, and thought leaders.
• Serve as a University spokesperson and accountable for management of media inquiries, interviews, and press conferences.
• Oversee the development of press releases, media advisories, and other media materials.
• Monitor media coverage and analyze its impact on the University’s reputation.

Reputation Management

• Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive reputation management strategy integrating communications, media/PR, thought leadership and crisis preparedness to shape and protect the University’s reputation.
• Monitor and analyze public perception of the University and identify potential reputational risks and opportunities.
• Provide strategic counsel to University leadership on issues management and reputation-related matters.
• Ensure brand consistency and adherence to brand guidelines across all communications channels.

Crisis Communications

• Develop, maintain, and execute the University’s crisis communications plan, ensuring its effectiveness and readiness.
• Serve as a key member of the University’s crisis management team, providing communications expertise and guidance.
• Manage communications during crises, serving as University Spokesperson and ensuring timely, accurate, and consistent messaging to all stakeholders.
• Coordinate with internal and external partners to ensure a coordinated and effective response to crises.
• Conduct post-crisis reviews and implement improvements to the crisis communications plan and processes.

Essential Functions Note

This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list.

The University may assign additional related duties as necessary.

Management Responsibilities  

Provides strategic leadership and supervises others who supervise. Responsible for hiring, training, developing, managing performance, administering corrective action, makes compensation decisions and for managing strategic views at a high level.

Required Qualifications: Education and Experience        

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in communications positions of progressively greater responsibility.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience leading teams.

Required Qualifications: Knowledge and Skills     

• Excellent communication skills.
• Extensive experience in managing crisis communications and reputational risks, strategic planning, managing media contacts, and crafting policy statements.
• Successful candidates should have a knowledge of and commitment to the goals of Jesuit Education

Preferred Qualifications 

• Advanced Degree
• Experience in Higher Education Communications.

Minimum Starting Salary: $220,000

Maximum Starting Salary: $240,000

Note: Salary is commensurate with qualifications, experience, and skills.

START DATE: ASAP

APPLY HERE: https://careers.fordham.edu/postings/9208

ABOUT FORDHAM

Founded in 1841, Fordham is the Jesuit University of New York, offering an exceptional education distinguished by the Jesuit tradition to more than 16,000 students in its 9 colleges and schools. It has residential campuses in the Bronx and Manhattan, a campus in West Harrison, N.Y., the Louis Calder Center Biological Field Station in Armonk, N.Y., and the London Centre in the United Kingdom. 

Fordham University is committed to excellence through diversity and welcomes candidates of all backgrounds.

Fordham is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories