Job Description

Job ID: 59618Location: Montclair, New Jersey, United StatesSalary: pay range of $300,000 – $330,000Posted: 2026-07-16Company: Montclair State UniversityContact: Jen Meyers PickardContact Email: jpickard@wittkieffer.comMontclair State University seeks an accomplished and visionary leader to serve as its Chief Marketing and Communications Officer. As a member of the President's Executive Council, the Vice President for University Marketing and Communications will shape and elevate the University's public profile, guiding brand strategy, institutional messaging, and stakeholder engagement in support of Montclair's ambitious future. A collaborative, solutions-oriented leader who embraces possibility and partnership, the Vice President will advance the University's enrollment, reputation, and mission through integrated marketing and communications. The division includes approximately twenty-five professionals and an annual budget of approximately $6.9 million.Founded in 1908, Montclair State University is a nationally recognized public research university and one of New Jersey's leading higher education institutions. Designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an R2 doctoral research university, Montclair is the largest HSI in New Jersey and one of only two institutions in the state to hold both distinctions. The University serves more than 23,000 students across fourteen colleges and schools and offers over 300 academic programs. Widely recognized for advancing student success and social mobility, Montclair ranks among the nation's leaders in graduation outcomes and return on investment. More than 40 percent of incoming students are first-generation college students, over 55 percent are Pell-eligible, and the University enrolls a highly diverse student body representing 42 states and territories and 75 countries. Located on a vibrant 252-acre campus just 12 miles from New York City, with direct rail access to Manhattan, Montclair combines the opportunities of a major metropolitan region with a strong commitment to community engagement, research, and public impact.The Vice President is responsible for developing and executing marketing strategies that drive enrollment growth, strengthen institutional reputation, and generate measurable return on investment, while building and protecting the University's brand across a multi-campus and highly diverse environment. Working closely with the Vice Provost for Enrollment, the Provost, the Managing Director of Montclair Unbound, other campus leaders, and the student community, the Vice President will help align marketing and communications efforts with the University's strategic priorities and growth ambitions.The ideal candidate will be a mission-driven leader who embraces Montclair State University's commitment to student success, access, and public impact. This individual will be an empowering manager who inspires trust, fosters a culture of accountability and innovation, and creates opportunities for colleagues and team members to thrive. Rather than seeking the spotlight, they will elevate the achievements of others while cultivating a highly engaged, high-performing marketing and communications organization.The successful Vice President will bring strategic judgment, resilience, and an entrepreneurial mindset to a dynamic and evolving institution. They will be comfortable navigating ambiguity, balancing competing priorities, and identifying creative solutions that advance institutional goals. A proactive and decisive leader, they will anticipate challenges and opportunities, offer thoughtful counsel, and execute with a strong sense of accountability and results.Above all, the Vice President will serve as a trusted advisor to President Koppell and a valued member of the University's senior leadership team. Through strategic counsel, sound judgment, and exceptional execution, they will help advance Montclair's vision, elevate its reputation, and ensure the successful achievement of its most important institutional priorities.A bachelor’s degree; a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, or a related field, with demonstrated success in senior leadership, is required. All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the profile, available below.WittKieffer is assisting Montclair State University in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by September 14, 2026. Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal or via the buttons above and below.Nominations and inquiries can be directed to Jen Meyers Pickard, Ph.D., Melissa Fincher, and Jenna Brumleve.A pay range of $300,000 – $330,000 per year reflects what Montclair State University reasonably expects to pay for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant factors such as work experience, market conditions, education/training, and skill level. Additional information on Montclair State University employee benefits can be found at . Inclusion StatementMontclair State University values access and educational excellence. We are committed to an environment of diverse perspectives which ensures that graduates will be civically engaged, committed to democracy, and prepared to thrive as global citizens. We foster a community that promotes varied experiences and voices. We seek applicants who will contribute diverse ideas and perspectives and who value an environment that promotes educational growth and advancement for all.EEO/AA StatementMontclair State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution with a strong commitment to diversity. Additional information can be found on the website at Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 PolicyMontclair State is required by Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 not to discriminate on the basis of sex or gender, and does not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities. The requirement to not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities extends to admission and employment. For further details, please visit:

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