Reference #: 24002387 Description Temple University is searching for an Assistant Vice President for Communications and Content Strategy Temple University has retained the Executive Search Firm, The Ward Group, to lead the search efforts. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to: info@wardgroup.com and reference "Temple University" in the subject line. Organization Temple University is a center of excellence in teaching and research, with an international presence and a commitment to the community.

Our talented faculty lead more than 600 academic programs across 17 schools and colleges, and on campuses and partnerships that span the globe, from Rome to Japan. While retaining our attention to the great city of Philadelphia that is our home, Temple draws students from the region, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the United States and around the world.

Today, more than 30,000 dynamic and diverse students call Temple their educational home. Temple is among the nation's largest educators in the combined fields of dentistry, law, medicine, pharmacy, and podiatry. The university's extraordinary faculty offer world-class teaching and experiences, while our researchers are engaged in solving the most difficult issues that we face today, from eliminating HIV/AIDS to helping communities deal with the impact of climate change.

More than 130 years after its creation, Temple continues to carry forward the vision of its founder, Russell Conwell, who made his university the embodiment of its motto, "Perseverance Conquers." Reports to Angela Polec, Vice President for Strategic Marketing and Communications

Opportunity Proposition The newly created Assistant Vice President for Communications and Content Strategy will have a unique opportunity to elevate Temple University's visibility and marketplace standing under the leadership of President-elect John Fry. As a key member of the Vice President's dynamic senior staff, you will lead an integrated team charged with elevating Temple's external communications efforts in a proactive and sustained way to advance the institution's strategic goals and objectives, as well as its reputation locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. Temple University has retained the Executive Search Firm, The Ward Group, to lead the search efforts. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to: info@wardgroup.com and reference "Temple University" in the subject line. Principal Responsibilities *Issues Management oThe AVP will serve as a key leader in crisis and issues management communications. In collaboration with the VP for Strategic Marketing and Communications (SM+C) and university leadership, the AVP will develop and execute communications across internal and external audiences, creating a unified response across the institution. oServe as a primary media contact and spokesperson for the university.Prepare university leadership for media interactions. oDemonstrate the utmost integrity, discretion, and sound judgement when dealing with sensitive and confidential matters. *Media Relations Strategy oDevelop and execute a comprehensive media relations strategy to substantially increase the volume and quality of positive earned media placements in support of the university's strategic objectives. oLead the proactive identification and cultivation of compelling stories that are aligned to strategic messages and position the university as a leader regionally, nationally, and globally. Oversee the planning and execution of thorough and compelling media pitches to a variety of media outlets to enhance the visibility and reputation of the university. oProactively build relationships with media outlets regionally, nationally, and globally. Lead and train a team in proactive and reactive media engagements aimed at enhancing and protecting the reputation of the university. *Executive and internal communications oCollaborate with university l adership on internal and external messaging on items for topics that have potential to impact the university's reputation or generate significant attention. oDevelop communications initiatives that depict Temple's president as the leader and personification of the university's mission, vision, and strategic initiatives. Create plans that integrate presidential communications with the greater communications efforts of the university. Craft communications materials for the president including but not limited to remarks, keynote addresses, talking points, and campus messages. *Content Strategy oLead an integrated content and communications function that leverages multiple mediums and tactics to deliver timely, compelling, and effective content. oOversee the editorial content strategy across university channels that spans a variety of audiences in support of university objectives. Cultivate and curate compelling and effective content across a wide range of channels with a goal of increasing visibility, reputation and driving KPIs. *Elevate Academic and Research Messaging and Media oIn collaboration with the colleagues across the academic enterprise, increase the volume and visibility of academic and research focused stories across owned, social, and earned media. *Social Media oOversee the strategy and management of the university's flagship social media accounts to increase visibility and drive engagement and conversions across key audiences. oStay abreast of emerging trends, strategies, best practices, and technology in the social media space. *Leadership and Team Management oChampion a forward-looking mindset and culture of continuous improvement in alignment with best practices, university priorities, and current and future market needs. oLead and mentor a team of 15 professionals across news and media relations, content development and social media. Provide mentorship, guidance, and strategic direction to achieve the departmental and University-wide goals and objectives. Helps the team understand the "why" behind initiatives. Motivates the team to work more collaboratively and efficiently across all stakeholders. oEstablish and monitor key performance indicators across the portfolio to measure and assess effectiveness of communications strategies through a data-informed approach. Provide regular and ad hoc reports and analysis to the vice president. oProvide leadership and clarity to cultivate an organization that can balance intentional planning and pursuing long-term goals with the nimbleness and adaptability needed to respond to emerging issues and trends. oLead the development, recommendation, implementation, optimization, and improvement of communication processes, practices, and policies. Identifies issues, challenges, and opportunities within department and university systems. Strategizes and leads team in solutions. oStrengthen our foundation in data, analytics and insights through operational processes and best practices. oServe as a trusted advisor to the vice president on a wide range of communications issues and represent the vice president and the division on projects where needed. Professional and Personal Profile 8+ years of experience in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field.  Experience within a higher education, academic healthcare or similarly complex institutional setting is required.  B.A. required; master's degree preferred. Experience developing and executing media strategies. Has a proven track record of securing positive media coverage, building relationships with journalists and effectively m