Vice President for Marketing University of South Carolina | Columbia, South Carolina The University of South Carolina (USC or university) seeks a highly strategic, collaborative, and results-oriented marketing leader as its first vice president for marketing (VP) to position, elevate, and advance the university during a pivotal time of growth and momentum. Recognized for its thriving academic and research excellence, the University of South Carolina has a distinguished history that proudly provides an inclusive, lively, and welcoming community experience. As the state’s flagship institution, USC offers an unrivaled on-campus experience that has been sought by students, faculty, and academic researchers for more than 200 years. Today, it serves over 36,000 students on the Columbia campus and approximately another 17,000 across the state, offering 350 degrees across many highly ranked academic programs. As a system, USC is an anchor in the region, awarding 40 percent of all higher education degrees and contributing more than $6 billion in economic impact for the state of South Carolina. It is an exciting time to join USC as it embarks on a new chapter under the leadership of its 30th president, Dr. Michael Amiridis, who took the helm in 2022, with clearly defined priorities based on a five-year tactical and strategic plan; an anticipated master plan for the university, including an ambitious, comprehensive capital campaign; and an experienced and expert executive leadership team eager to partner across the institution. Reporting to President Amiridis, the vice president for marketing will serve as the chief marketing and branding officer for the University of South Carolina and will be tasked with crafting a cohesive marketing and branding platform based on the university’s current accomplishments, strategic goals, and community values. This newly defined “North Star” will resonate as strongly with external audiences (e.g., prospective students and families; peer institutions; state and local government; neighborhood communities) as it does with internal constituents (e.g., faculty, staff, and students; board members; alumni and donors). This is an exceptional opportunity for a dynamic and creative marketing and branding executive to partner with a President and Cabinet with clear, ambitious goals for the university. This new role was created to ensure that marketing efforts across the university are consistent while also allowing for distinct sub-brands and messages for schools and units, as appropriate. As a member of the President’s Cabinet and in close partnership with the office of university communications, the VP will provide counsel to and support for the President and university leaders, elevating awareness and reputation using data-informed strategies and an innovative marketing and branding program. Through market research, analytics, and a deep understanding of an optimal constituent experience, USC’s new marketing division will be charged with enhancing and protecting the university’s reputation, visibility, and reach throughout the state, nationally, and globally. The VP will lead a team of approximately 45 staff to oversee marketing, brand management, creative strategy and services, and digital and traditional marketing channels toward the university’s strategic goals and priorities. The VP will simultaneously influence and lead collaboration across a diverse set of colleges, units, and departments, many of which have their own marketing and/or communications teams. In maintaining and strengthening relationships with varied constituents, the role will establish strategically driven marketing and brand equity for the university and all of its constituent units. The new VP will have a clear record of accomplishment as an innovative and collaborative leader in a large, complex organization, with substantial experience in developing and implementing multi-faceted, integrated brands as well as marketing programs that position and elevate the perception of an entire institution with multiple audiences. This individual will possess keen strategic and planning skills, a thorough understanding of all traditional and digital media, and comprehensive knowledge of the marketing and branding process, from creative conception through fulfillment. Demonstrable leadership, vision, and managerial skills are key, as is a collaborative and collegial nature. The successful candidate would be intellectually curious and would be committed to active engagement in the campus and local communities.Jack Gorman and Elizabeth Neustaedter are leading this search with Christina Garrison and Ryan Cheung.The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions APPLY NOMINATE contact Christina Garrison Full Description