VICE PRESIDENT, UNIVERSITY MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

VICE PRESIDENT, UNIVERSITY MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONSLoyola University Chicago seeks a highly effective, mission-driven, and action-oriented Vice President for University Marketing and Communication (VP-UMC) to elevate the University's visibility, reputation, and institutional storytelling. At a time of significant opportunity—including an upcoming Capital Campaign, growing national stature, strengthened enrollment strategy, and an ambitious institutional vision—the VP-UMC will translate strategic priorities into compelling, coordinated communications and high-quality execution.Reporting to Father Thomas Neitzke, S.J., EdD, Senior Vice President and Special Assistant to the President and Interim Vice President for University Marketing and Communications, the Vice President for University Marketing and Communication serves on the President's University Leadership Council and oversees University Marketing and Communication functions including brand strategy, creative production, marketing, social media, media relations, executive and internal communications, reputation and crisis communications, content, and web and digital presence.Key Priorities:Advance the University's vision.Translate priorities into clear, compelling, and actionable communications for internal and external audiences. Ensure Loyola's messaging reflects the University's mission, values, ambitions, and distinctive place in Jesuit higher education.Strengthen national reputation and visibility. Build Loyola's profile as a leading national Jesuit Catholic university with deep roots in Chicago and growing influence across the country. Identify opportunities to tell stories that demonstrate academic excellence, student achievement, Faculty expertise, civic engagement, innovation, and impact.Create a culture of production and execution. Lead a team known for getting work done. Establish clear priorities, timelines, ownership, and standards.Leverage emerging digital technology. Provide a vision and strategy for Loyola to leverage emerging digital technology to reach target audiences using social media, podcasts, video, in addition to traditional distribution channels like email, magazine, and print publications.Partner closely with Admissions. Work closely with enrollment and admissions leadership to produce effective, audience-specific marketing that supports undergraduate, graduate, transfer, and professional enrollment goals.Support the upcoming capital campaign. Partner with Advancement to oversee campaign messaging, donor communications, case materials, event communications, digital content, alumni engagement strategies, and reputation-building efforts that support philanthropic growth.Serve as the University's public voice. Represent Loyola in media and public-facing moments with sound judgment, preparation, and credibility. Ensure the University speaks clearly and promptly when events or issues require a response.Align brand, message, and execution. Ensure consistency across Loyola's public presence, including web, social media, media relations, executive communications, internal communications, marketing campaigns, admissions materials, advancement communications, and major University events.Applications and Nominations Process: Loyola University Chicago is assisted by Academic Search. To apply, applicants should visit the following link: Please note, while negotiable, the Start Date is expected in December 2026. Additionally, applications should consist of a substantive Cover Letter addressing the qualifications and expectations in the Position Summary and a Curriculum Vitae, both submitted as PDFs. A list of professional references will be required later in the process. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled; however, those received by October 28, 2026, can be assured full consideration. Semifinalist interviews may begin immediately on a rolling basis.Nominations and expressions of interest can be submitted in confidence to View email address on click.appcast.io. To learn more about this opportunity and discuss your qualifications and interest, potential applicants are encouraged to send a copy of their curriculum vitae to View email address on click.appcast.io for review by the Senior Consultant, Lisa Ryan.Minimum Education and/or Work ExperienceQualifications - Desired Qualifications:Significant senior-level experience in marketing, communications, public affairs, media relations, or reputation leadership.Experience in higher education, mission-driven organizations, complex nonprofits, health care, government, journalism, agency leadership, or other highly visible institutions.A record of producing excellent communications work under deadline.Strong writing, editing, messaging, and judgment.A deep appreciation for Jesuit Catholic education and Loyola's mission.Demonstrated success leading teams.Experience supporting enrollment, advancement, fundraising, campaign communications, or revenue-generating institutional priorities.Experience managing crisis communications, reputational issues, media inquiries, and rapid-response situations.Ability to work closely and confidently with a President, Leadership, Board Members, Deans, Faculty, Staff, Students, Alumni, and Donors.A practical, execution-focused leadership style.High emotional intelligence, discretion, resilience, and integrity.Computer Skills - MS Office Suite, proficient with MAC, Web DesignSupervisory Responsibilities - YesRequired operation of university owned vehicles - NoDoes this position require direct animal or patient contact? - NoPhysical Demands - Repetitive MotionsWorking Conditions - Irregular HoursOpen Date - 10/15/2026Position Maximum Salary or Hourly Rate - $300,000/annPosition Minimum Salary or Hourly Rate - $250,000/annSpecial Instructions to Applicants - As a Jesuit, Catholic institution of higher education, we seek candidates who will contribute to our strategic plan to deliver a Transformative Education in the Jesuit tradition. To learn more about Loyola University Chicago's mission, candidates should consult our website at For information about the university's focus on transformative education, they should consult our website at Loyola University Chicago - Founded in 1870, Loyola University Chicago is one of the nation's largest Jesuit, Catholic universities, recognized for its academic excellence, commitment to community engagement, and leadership in sustainability. A Carnegie R1 research institution, Loyola leverages its status as one of an elite group of universities with the highest level of research activity to advance knowledge that serves communities and creates global impact. With 15 schools, colleges, and institutes—including Business, Law, Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences—Loyola operates three primary campuses in the greater Chicago area and one in Rome, Italy, that provide students a transformative, globally connected learning experience. Consistently ranked among the nation's top universities by U.S. News & World Report, Loyola is a STARS Gold-rated institution that is ranked as one of the country's most sustainable campuses by The Princeton Review and has earned distinctions from AmeriCorps and the Carnegie Foundation for its longstanding record of service and community engagement. Guided by its Jesuit mission and commitment to caring for the whole person, Loyola educates ethical leaders who think critically, act with purpose, and strive to create a more just and sustainable world.