Aboutthe RoleAs App State's senior marketing and communications executive, the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer reports directly to the Chancellor and will lead the university's integrated marketing and communications efforts and serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership. The CMCO will oversee University Communications, guide strategies that strengthen App State's brand and reputation, and foster collaboration across the university to advance institutional priorities. The role also provides leadership for crisis and executive communications, digital engagement, creative services, internal communications, and emerging technologies.
Key areas of responsibility include:
- Provide strategic communications and marketing counsel to the Chancellor, Cabinet, and university leadership.
- Direct university-wide marketing and communications planning in support of institutional priorities.
- Oversee the development and management of App State's brand across channels, audiences, and university units.
- Guide creative, digital, media, and internal communications strategies and establish expectations for quality and consistency.
- Strengthen coordination among communicators across colleges, divisions, departments, and campuses.
- Lead communications planning and response for significant institutional issues, major announcements, and crises.
- Use research, analytics, and audience insights to inform strategy, evaluate effectiveness, and guide investment.
- Oversee external agencies, vendors, partnerships, and resources supporting university marketing and communications.
- Recruit, develop, and support a talented multidisciplinary team while fostering collaboration and accountability.
- Evaluate emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, and establish responsible approaches to their use in university communications.
MinimumEducation, Experience, and Skills- Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public affairs, or a related field; advanced degree (Master's or MBA) strongly preferred.
- Minimum 12-15 years of progressively senior marketing and communications experience, with demonstrable leadership at the executive or near-executive level.
- Proven cross-sector experience: substantial track record in both commercial/corporate environments AND public, government, or mission-driven institutional settings.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and develop large, multi-disciplinary teams of creative and strategic professionals.
- Significant experience bridging creative and strategy functions.
- Proven crisis communications experience with demonstrable judgement under pressure.
- Fluency in digital marketing tools, analytics platforms, and content management systems at a strategic and supervisory level.
- Meaningful, hands-on experience with AI tools in a professional communications or marketing context, including generative AI for content, image, or workflow applications, and the ability to set strategic direction and policy for their use.
- Outstanding written, verbal, and visual communications skills; persuasive presenter to diverse audiences.
PreferredEducation, Experience, and Skills- Direct experience in higher education, healthcare, government, or other publicly accountable institutional environments.
- Experience managing communications through political or legislative scrutiny, including testimony, FOIA/open-records, or public accountability processes.
- Familiarity with enrollment marketing, alumni engagement, and development/fundraising communications.
- Track record of successful brand repositioning, institutional reputation management, or multi-year strategic communications campaigns.
- Experience with marketing technology stack assessment and procurement.
SpecialInstructionsTo apply, please submit a cover letter and CV/resume. Confidential review of applications will begin immediately and the position remains open until filled. For best consideration, please submit your application by October 21, 2026. All candidate names and materials will remain confidential; however, finalists invited to campus may be asked to waive confidentiality to engage with the broader campus community.
Salary is commensurate with education and experience. This is a full-time, onsite position in Boone, NC.
Contact Information
Appalachian State University has retained the UNC System Office Executive Search Team to support this recruitment. Confidential inquiries and nominations should be directed to [redacted].
