Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Luther College
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presents Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Luther College Ballinger | Leafblad is proud to present the following information on behalf of our client, Luther College, in its search for Vice President of Marketing and Communications “ Enlivened and transformed by encounters with one another, by the exchange of ideas, and by the life of faith and learning. luther.edu ballingerleafblad.com presenting our client Luther College ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW Founded in 1861 by Norwegian immigrants, Luther College is an esteemed and values-driven undergraduate liberal arts college affiliated with the Lutheran Church (ELCA). Located in the vibrant town of Decorah in northeastern Iowa, the central campus overlooks a breathtaking 200 acres of limestone bluff country. Luther offers more than 60 majors and preprofessional programs leading to the bachelor of arts degree. The college’s learning philosophy highlights connections between disciplines. Its thoughtful and rigorous curriculum moves beyond immediate interests toward engagement in the larger world. This approach to education helps Luther earn inclusion in the top tier of national liberal arts colleges in the U.S. News and World Report’s college guide. luther.edu ballingerleafblad.com presenting our client Luther College ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW The faculty are committed to their areas of expertise—83 percent of them hold the most advanced degree in their field. And because 87 percent are tenured or tenure-track and have earned a permanent position, they’re also committed to Luther. This means that Lu- ther students receive an education from qualified professors who are passionate about what they teach and fully invested in the college and its students. Luther’s nearly 2,200 students are highly engaged in campus life. Almost 27 percent of them compete in one or more of the college’s 19 intercollegiate sports. Nearly 750 stu- dents participate in the school’s six choirs, three bands, three orchestras, two jazz bands, and numerous smaller ensembles, all of which combine to form one of the world’s larg- est, most acclaimed collegiate music programs. In 2014, Luther College named Dr. Paula J. Carlson its 10th president. President Carlson is a 1976 Phi Beta Kappa graduate of St. Olaf College. She holds an M.A., M. Phil., and Ph.D. in English and comparative literature from Columbia University. She has taught at the University of Dubuque, Yale Uni- versity, and St. Mary’s College in No- tre Dame, Indiana. Prior to becoming Luther’s president, Dr. Carlson served as vice president for mission at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. luther.edu ballingerleafblad.com presenting our client Luther College MISSION In the reforming spirit of Martin Luther, Luther College affirms the liberating power of faith and learning. As people of all backgrounds, we embrace diver- sity and challenge one another to learn in com- munity, to discern our callings, and to serve with distinction for the common good. As a college of the church, Luther is rooted in an understanding of grace and freedom that embold- ens us in worship, study, and service to seek truth, examine our faith, and care for all God’s people. As a liberal arts college, Luther is committed to a way of learning that moves us beyond immediate interests and present knowledge into a larger world—an education that disciplines minds and develops whole persons equipped to understand and confront a changing society. As a residential college, Luther is a place of in- tersection. Founded where river, woodland, and prairie meet, we practice joyful stewardship of the resources that surround us, and we strive to be a community where students, faculty, and staff are enlivened and transformed by encounters with one another, by the exchange of ideas, and by the life of faith and learning. CULTURE Faculty and staff at Luther College describe the institution’s culture as unique and special, using words such as collaborative, open, fair, and concerned with social justice. Strong relationships between faculty, students, and administration create a work environment that feels connected, mission-focused, and transformative. luther.edu ballingerleafblad.com presenting the position of Vice President of Marketing and Communications OVERVIEW OF POSITION The Vice President of Marketing and Communications provides strategic direction and oversees programs that enhance and promote the image of Luther College. This is a high-impact role at the institution and works closely with key internal and external con- stituencies including prospective students, alumni and friends, current and prospective donors, the campus community, and local and global communities. Leading a diverse team of creative professionals, the Vice President has responsibility for the institution’s brand and image, and directs the strategy and planning for all com- munications, marketing, and public relations functions. At the heart of this position is a passion for realizing the values and mission of Luther through thoughtful and consistent implementation of creative messaging strategies that engage multiple audiences. The Vice President reports to the President of Luther College and is a member of the President’s Cabinet along with Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College, Vice President for Finance and Administration, Vice President for Enrollment Management, Vice President and Dean for Student Life, Vice President for Development and Dean for Institutional Planning and Mission. He or she will have significant interac- tion with the Board of Regents and will attend the Finance & Enrollment and Marketing Committee meetings. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Marketing and Communications are the Di- rector of Web Content, Director of Publications and Design, Director of Media Relations, Director of Visual Media, Sports Information Director and Coordinator of Music Organiza- tions and Marketing. A total of 18 people work in the department. In partnership with the many stakeholders of Luther College, the vice president will shape the College’s communications vision and strategy and lead the marketing and communications team to share the unique and evolving voice and narrative of the institu- tion with multiple communities in creative and compelling ways. luther.edu ballingerleafblad.com presenting the position of Vice President of Marketing and Communications PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES The Vice President of Marketing and Communications is responsible for the develop- ment of an innovative strategy for the marketing and communications function at the college. The Vice President will be an innovator, relationship builder, strategist and collaborator. He or she will bring oversight abilities along with an exceptional back- ground in the technical aspects of the job. At the core of this vital work is finding, shaping and sharing the narrative stories of Luther College to its many communities. Specific responsibilities include: Strategy and Development • Set a bold and comprehensive marketing and communications plan that fur- thers the college’s existing strategic priorities. Act as the visionary leader toward achievement of the goals of the function’s strategic plan. • Elevate the image of Luther through enhancing a consistent visual and narrative brand throughout all activities and programs. • Work closely with the Vice President for Enrollment Management in recruitment and research efforts that support enrollment goals, affirm institutional strengths, and evaluate constituency perception and satisfaction with Luther. • Support the work of institutional advancement with high quality marketing and communication. • Develop and implement a comprehensive communications plan for the Office of the President. • Continually improve college marketing and communications through the use of carefully selected research and surveys. Leadership and Management: • Provide comprehensive strategic management and direction to the marketing and communications function. • Manage and oversee the following departments: • Web Content • Publications and Design • Media Relations • Visual Media • Sports Information • Music Organizations and Marketing • Hire, train, coach and develop the Directors in the department. Bring a servant leadership style and a sophisticated management approach to the job, with an eye to the ongoing development and engagement of each staff member. luther.edu ballingerleafblad.com presenting the position of Vice President of Marketing and Communications PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES • Create a strong, cohesive and collaborative culture in the marketing and commu- nications department. Reward and recognize staff for outstanding work. Cele- brate success. • Manage department budgets and assure appropriate resource allocation to key priorities of the department. • Serve as a member of the President’s Cabinet, staff liaison to the Marketing Com- mittee of the Board of Regents, and member of ad hoc task groups as assigned. External Relations and Advertising • Develop and maintain professional contacts and affiliations with public relations firms, advertising channels, and other external resources that can assist the col- lege in its marketing efforts. • Proactively seek earned media opportunities to elevate the profile and recogni- tion of Luther’s accomplishments as a leading education institution. • Manage all advertising and promotion campaigns (online, social, and print) to ensure that messages are accurate, brand consistent, and effectively support strategic goals and marketing