Chief Marketing & Communications Officer
Portfolio Responsibilities
The Global Communications & Reputation Portfolio
Elevate Darden’s intellectual capital and brand equity worldwide;
Strategically position the School within the highly competitive peer set and global rankings;
Craft the foundational narrative for the School and its affiliated fundraising efforts;
Oversee executive communications and global thought leadership platforms for the Dean and other key leaders;
Provide media training and ensure internal alignment;
Lead a high-profile strategic initiative to merge Darden’s flagship print magazine and two distinct digital publications into a single, AI-enabled world-class media asset;
Oversee the editorial direction, content strategy and digital architecture of this new omni-channel platform, transforming it into the definitive global vehicle for the School’s news, thought leadership and faculty research;
Leverage multi-platform social media management, high-impact video production, and influencer and content strategies tailored to diverse global audiences;
Drive proactive, international public relations and media strategy;
Partner with Advancement and Alumni Services to inspire philanthropic investment and lifelong affinity among a global network of 20,000 alumni across 90 countries;
Serve as the strategic architect for global issues management and crisis communications;
Safeguard institutional equity across different regulatory and media environments.
The Marketing & Growth Engine Portfolio
Own the international brand experience and degree program marketing funnel;
Deploy sophisticated, data-driven strategies to catalyze global growth and enrollment;
Champion the visual identity and overarching brand experience of Darden, ensuring absolute consistency and premium positioning across all marketing efforts;
Lead a high-velocity, full-funnel marketing machine for degree programs that is powered by predictive data analytics, AI-driven lead scoring, and dynamic personalization to maximize quality lead generation;
Optimize national and international recruitment and retention marketing to secure top-tier global talent;
Oversee the evolution of Darden’s digital ecosystem in the age of AI;
Drive a sophisticated web and mobile strategy rooted in advanced UX/accessibility and high-performing, multi-region SEO strategy.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will be an inspiring leader of people, a culturally adept diplomat, and a sharp, metrics-driven strategist who thrives in a collaborative academic environment.
Required Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree and 10+ years of relevant professional experience required.
Experience must include 5+ years of formal managerial experience.
Advanced degree (MBA, Master's in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, International Relations, or a related field) is highly preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Global Leadership Breadth: A proven track record of senior leadership experience directing integrated marketing and communications portfolios within higher education, professional services, corporate environments, or highly complex, multinational global organizations.
C-Suite-Level Experience: Demonstrated experience counseling and collaborating with executive boards, trustees, and C-suite leaders on high-stakes branding and reputation matters.
Operational Excellence: Proven success establishing shared services models, internal agencies, or centers of excellence that scale operations through technology, standard operating procedures, and clear ROI metrics.
Reputation & Advisory Acumen: Exceptional emotional intelligence, cross-cultural competence and judgment, with a track record of serving as a trusted advisor to chief executives in navigating complex international reputation matters, global media and change management.
People Leadership & Talent Development: Proven ability to build, lead, and inspire high-performing, multidisciplinary teams by fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, continuous learning, and professional growth.