What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Vice President for University Communications position at Fordham University?
Position Details
Position Information
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 nine 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.
The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement plans; life insurance; short and long-term disability; employee assistance program ( EAP ); tuition remission; and generous time off.
Successful candidates should have a knowledge of and commitment to the goals of Jesuit Education.
Title of Position Associate Vice President for University Communications
Position Number A00915
FLSA Exempt
Scheduled Hours Per Week 35
Department Marketing & Communications
Campus Lincoln Center
Work Arrangement Hybrid
Hybrid Policy: Please review the Hybrid Policy at www.fordham.edu/hybridpolicy .
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 share 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.
Additional Functions
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.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced Degree
Experience in Higher Education Communications.
Minimum Starting Salary $220,000
Maximum Starting Salary $240,000
Qualifications
Note Salary is commensurate with qualifications, experience, and skills.
Is this a Union position? No
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number A842P
Number of Vacancies 1
Start Date 07/01/2025
Posting Date 04/01/2025
Special Instructions
EEO Statement
Fordham University is committed to excellence through diversity and welcomes candidates of all backgrounds.
Fordham University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Position Information
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 nine 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.
The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement plans; life insurance; short and long-term disability; employee assistance program ( EAP ); tuition remission; and generous time off.
Successful candidates should have a knowledge of and commitment to the goals of Jesuit Education.
Title of Position Associate Vice President for University Communications
Position Number A00915
FLSA Exempt
Scheduled Hours Per Week 35
Department Marketing & Communications
Campus Lincoln Center
Work Arrangement Hybrid
Hybrid Policy: Please review the Hybrid Policy at www.fordham.edu/hybridpolicy .
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 share 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.
Additional Functions
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.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced Degree
Experience in Higher Education Communications.
Minimum Starting Salary $220,000
Maximum Starting Salary $240,000
Qualifications
Note Salary is commensurate with qualifications, experience, and skills.
Is this a Union position? No
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number A842P
Number of Vacancies 1
Start Date 07/01/2025
Posting Date 04/01/2025
Special Instructions
EEO Statement
Fordham University is committed to excellence through diversity and welcomes candidates of all backgrounds.
Fordham University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Salary : $220,000 - $240,000
