Associate Vice Chancellor for Strategic Marketing & Communications

Job Description

Located in the heart of the Northern Puget Sound region, the University of Washington Bothell is one of the UW’s three campuses. Known for its student-centered approach and commitment to access, equity and community-engaged learning, UW Bothell prepares students to be leaders throughout the region, Washington state and beyond. The university is distinguished by its focus on cross-disciplinary teaching, research, scholarship and creative practice that address society's most complex challenges. Serving approximately 6,500 students across five academic schools, UW Bothell combines the strength and reputation of a world-class public research university with the close-knit, innovative campus culture. At UW Bothell, faculty and staff are united by a shared commitment to fostering belonging, advancing opportunity and creating meaningful impact through education, community partnerships and student success. As part of this mission, the Advancement division works to elevate the university's reputation, inspire engagement and catalyze resources that help ensure UW Bothell can continue delivering a transformational public education for current and future generations.

UW Bothell has an exciting opening for an Associate Vice Chancellor for Strategic Marketing & Communications. This is a full-time, permanent position.

The Associate Vice Chancellor for Strategic Marketing & Communications serves as the senior marketing and communications leader for UW Bothell, providing strategic direction for the university's brand, reputation, storytelling and engagement efforts. Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Advancement and partnering closely with the Chancellor, the Vice President for Marketing & Communications and other campus leaders, this role leads an integrated marketing and communications team responsible for brand strategy, media relations, digital communications, content development, executive communications and advancement communications.

This influential leader will help shape and amplify UW Bothell's story, advancing institutional priorities through innovative marketing and communications strategies that strengthen visibility, deepen engagement, support enrollment and philanthropy goals, and showcase the university's impact across the region and beyond. As a key member of the Advancement leadership team, the Associate Vice Chancellor will foster collaboration, elevate UW Bothell's distinct identity and position the university for continued growth and success.

What You Will Do

Leadership & Team Management (continuously overlaid across all duties)

• Provide strategic leadership for UW Bothell's integrated marketing and communications team, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities.
• Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing team of 11 professionals responsible for marketing, communications, storytelling, digital engagement, creative services and advancement communications.
• Foster a collaborative, innovative and inclusive team culture that encourages creativity, accountability and continuous learning.
• Establish priorities, workflows, resources and partnerships that enable effective execution and organizational impact.
• Build strong relationships across UW Bothell and the University of Washington system to drive alignment and collaboration.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to Bothell’s leadership on marketing, communications, reputation management and organizational change.
• Foster a culture of creativity, experimentation, and continuous improvement.
• Foster collaboration across Development, Alumni & Stakeholder Engagement, Events and Marketing & Communications to deliver a cohesive constituent experience.

Institutional Marketing, Brand Strategy & Reputation (35%)

• Lead the development and execution of integrated marketing and brand strategies that advance awareness, engagement, enrollment and philanthropic support.
• Elevate and communicate UW Bothell's distinctive identity while strengthening alignment with the broader University of Washington brand.
• Drive initiatives that enhance the university's visibility, reputation and impact at the regional, state and national levels.
• Partner with academic and administrative leaders to ensure consistent messaging, effective brand stewardship and audience-centered marketing strategies.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen institutional reputation through strategic communications, storytelling and public engagement.
• Use data, research and audience insights to inform strategy, measure effectiveness and optimize results.
• Contribute to university-wide planning efforts and provide strategic marketing counsel that advances institutional priorities.

Strategic Communications, Content & Storytelling (30%)

• Lead integrated communications strategies that engage key audiences and advance UW Bothell's institutional priorities.
• Drive innovative, audience-centered communications informed by data, analytics and user insights.
• Ensure consistent and coordinated messaging across platforms, audiences and institutional priorities.
• Provide strategic oversight for media relations, public relations, crisis communications and issues management.
• Partner with the Chancellor and senior leaders on executive communications and institutional messaging.

Advancement & Campaign Communications (20%)

• Partner with Advancement leaders to develop communications strategies that support fundraising, alumni engagement and campaign priorities.
• Align marketing and communications strategies to advance fundraising efforts and institutional goals and strengthen constituent engagement.
• Oversee the development of campaign messaging, donor communications, stewardship materials and related content.
• Leverage storytelling to communicate impact, inspire engagement and strengthen philanthropic support.

Digital Strategy, Innovation & Governance (10%)

• Lead UW Bothell's digital communications strategy across web, social media, email, and emerging platforms.
• Provide strategic oversight for web governance, digital experience, content standards and quality assurance.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools, to enhance marketing and communications effectiveness.
• Champion responsible, ethical and mission-aligned adoption of innovative technologies.
• Leverage data, audience insights and performance metrics to inform strategy, improve engagement and support decision-making.

Campus & Tri-Campus Partnerships (5%)

• Build and strengthen strategic partnerships across UW Bothell, the University of Washington tri-campus community and external stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to enhance effectiveness through strategic partnerships, shared resources and coordinated initiatives.
• Represent UW Bothell in University-wide and professional forums, helping advance the institution's visibility and influence.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, your application must demonstrate that you meet the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications will not be forwarded to the Hiring Department.

Bachelor’s degree AND a minimum of eight years of leadership experience in marketing, communications, branding, advancement, public relations, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven success leading multidisciplinary marketing and communications teams within complex, highly collaborative organizations.
• Deep expertise in strategic marketing, brand positioning, reputation management and audience engagement.
• Strong executive presence and experience serving as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on communications strategy, messaging, reputation, and organizational change.
• Demonstrated success leading teams through change, navigating ambiguity and making sound decisions in evolving environments.
• Exceptional relationship-building and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence across organizational boundaries and bring diverse stakeholders together around shared goals.
• The ability to translate complex ideas into compelling, audience-centered narratives and identify creative, innovative ways to share stories and build connections.
• An understanding of how brand, storytelling, reputation and engagement contribute to fundraising, philanthropy and long-term institutional success.
• Familiarity with digital communications strategy, emerging technologies, web governance, analytics and AI-enabled tools.
• Experience using data, analytics and audience insights to inform strategy, measure effectiveness, and drive continuous improvement.
• Experience in higher education, public institutions, or other mission-driven organizations is preferred.

What You Can Expect

• Hybrid-work schedule with three days in the office and two days eligible for telework per week.
• Cubicle/open workspace environment that may result in higher noise levels and visual distractions.
• Workload and schedule may vary based on business needs, including occasional evening and weekend work, sometimes on short or limited notice.
• Ability to travel locally on a regular basis, with access to reliable transportation.

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About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81 .

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at View phone number on aiapply.co or View email address on aiapply.co.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.