Chief Marketing and Communications ...

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) seeks an accomplished, innovative, and collaborative leader to serve as its next Chief Marketing and Communications Officer (CMCO). Reporting to President Brian Noland through the President's Chief of Staff and serving as a member of the President's Cabinet, this role will lead the institution's marketing and communications enterprise.

About the Role

The CMCO will provide strategic vision and executive oversight for branding, media relations, digital strategy, reputation management, and related initiatives. This leader will oversee the highly respected Office of University Marketing and Communications and serve as a trusted advisor to University leadership on institutional positioning, public perception, issues management, and stakeholder engagement.

ETSU, known as the "Flagship of Appalachia," is a public research university in Johnson City, Tennessee, with a mission centered on improving the quality of life for the region and beyond. Serving approximately 14,000 students, ETSU offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs and is home to Tennessee's largest Academic Health Sciences Center, including the Quillen College of Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, College of Public Health, and the Gatton College of Pharmacy.

The University is experiencing significant momentum, with record-breaking student success, retention, graduation rates, research activity, and employee engagement. Research expenditures have grown dramatically over the past decade, supported by the Strategic Vision, Strategic Enrollment Management Plan, and Research Strategic Plan.

The next CMCO will build on a strong foundation, advancing key initiatives such as a comprehensive website redesign, implementation of the research strategic plan, expanded community engagement, and integrated enrollment marketing strategies.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for branding, media relations, digital strategy, and reputation management.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the President and senior leadership on institutional positioning and public perception.
• Lead the Office of University Marketing and Communications, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and professional growth.
• Oversee crisis communications and issues management.
• Advance key initiatives, including website redesign, research strategic plan implementation, and enrollment marketing strategies.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a marketing and communications executive in a complex organization.
• Expertise in strategic communications, storytelling, digital engagement, and team leadership.
• Strong commitment to ETSU’s mission and the transformative impact of higher education.
• Ability to foster partnerships across campus and serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership.

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by October 9. Leadership profile and application details are available via WittKieffer’s candidate portal. Nominations and inquiries may be directed to Zach Smith, Ph.D., and Jenna Brumleve at CMCO-ETSU@wittkieffer.com.