Vice President for Communications

Oberlin College and Conservatory (Oberlin), one of the nation’s premier liberal arts colleges and conservatories of music, seeks an experienced leader to serve as the Vice President for Communications (VP). The VP will be the strategic architect of communications at Oberlin. Working across the institution, the VP will be responsible for ensuring strategic alignment and execution across all communications and marketing, leading the promotion of a consistent, unified, and effective brand, and positioning Oberlin to amplify its role as a leading institution of higher education.

Oberlin comprises two internationally recognized bodies. The College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) enrolls approximately 2,400 students across 49 majors. The Conservatory offers world-class musical instruction to more than 600 students. Of that total, approximately 200 students pursue degrees simultaneously in both the College and Conservatory.

Oberlin is deeply committed to access and equity as the first institution of higher education to adopt policies admitting African American students and awarding bachelor’s degrees to women. With its heritage and continued commitment to such ideals, Oberlin fills a leadership role with impact far beyond the scope of a liberal arts college. The exceptional quality of the academics and artistic programs, along with principled leadership on issues of social justice, firmly positions Oberlin as a public leader in higher education.

The VP will oversee and influence all communications efforts across the institution. They will work closely with President Carmen Twillie Ambar as the principal advisor for the President and her Executive Leadership Team on all communications-related matters and will serve as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT). This is a tremendous opportunity for a visionary, dynamic, and experienced communications professional to define and build an innovative strategic approach to communications that unifies messaging for Oberlin, supports and furthers the goals of the institution, supports and strengthens the brand, and engages all constituencies on and off campus. Working as a partner to the President, Chief of Staff, ELT, trustees, staff, alumni, and students across the community, the VP will assess the existing communications infrastructure, develop an institution-wide strategic communications plan, lead effective crisis communications, work to position an effective brand that contributes to enrollment, serve as a public spokesperson for Oberlin, support advancement efforts, and manage a high performing communications staff. The VP will report to President Ambar and work closely with Chief of Staff David Hertz.

APPLICATIONS, INQUIRIES, AND NOMINATIONS

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent below. Electronic submission of materials is strongly encouraged. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, participate in an interview, or otherwise take part in the selection process, please contact Harley Bartles at hbartles@imsearch.com.

Andy Marshall is leading this search with Rebecca Swartz of counsel, Karson Freeman, and Harley Bartles.

Oberlin College is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer with a strong institutional commitment to the development of a climate that supports equality of opportunity and respect of differences based on gender, ethnicity, disability, and sexual orientation. Oberlin was the first coeducational institution to grant bachelor’s degrees to women and historically has been a leader in the education of African Americans; the College was also among the first to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation.