Associate Vice President, Marketing & Communications

California State University, Monterey Bay (Cal State Monterey Bay), a top-ranked comprehensive regional university, seeks a strategic and deeply experienced associate vice president for marketing and communications (AVP) to develop, shape, and amplify the university’s visibility and reputation as it enters an exciting period of impact. 

Reporting to and partnering with the vice president for university advancement and executive director of the CSUMB Foundation (VP), Michael LaPlante, the AVP will play a critical role in helping the university frame and convey its commitment to academic excellence, unique strengths as one of the most residential schools in the California State University system, and role as an engine of upward social mobility in California’s Central Coast. This is an exceptional opportunity to join VP LaPlante early in his tenure and craft a bold vision for an integrated marketing and communications program during a transformative moment marked by the unveiling of its Making Waves, Transforming Futures strategic plan, a new brand campaign, and preparation for the public launch of the university’s second comprehensive campaign.

The AVP is a reimagined role at Cal State Monterey Bay that recognizes the need for a proactive, strategic, and modern approach to marketing, communications, and messaging for internal and external audiences alike. As a key member of the president’s extended cabinet, the AVP will work in close partnership with senior leaders and constituents across the university to develop and execute coordinated multi-channel strategies that elevate Cal State Monterey Bay’s new brand, momentum, and distinctiveness by bringing the university’s untold stories to life through compelling, research-informed messaging that resonates with diverse audiences locally, regionally, and nationally. Leading a talented team of 10, the AVP will focus on collaboration, alignment, innovation, and continuous improvement, ensuring cohesive and consistent communication internally and externally that strengthens the brand, deepens engagement, and positions Cal State Monterey Bay for continued growth and impact—including through partnership with colleagues in enrollment marketing and external partners in media relations. The AVP will also serve as an advisor and counsel to campus administrators on navigating matters related to external relations and issues management.

Rachel Ellenport is leading this search with Christina Garrison and Caroline Corry. 

Cal State Monterey Bay is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action employer seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. We value and celebrate diversity in all its forms and strive to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion. We consider qualified applicants for employment for their anticipated contributions and without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status, or disability.