Vice Chancellor for Communications, Outreach, and Engagement

Hiring Department:

Marketing & Communications

Job Description:

Missouri S&T invites nominations and applications for the position of Vice Chancellor for Communications, Outreach and Engagement, a newly reimagined executive leadership role responsible for leading the university's comprehensive strategy in external engagement, marketing and communications, and outreach initiatives. The Vice Chancellor serves as the chief communications officer and senior ambassador for Missouri S&T's public-facing initiatives and will play a critical leadership role in achieving and maintaining the university's North Star goals of Carnegie R1 classification, a U.S. News & World Report Top 100 ranking, and enrollment growth to 12,000 students.

The Vice Chancellor will guide a cohesive and strategically aligned communications and engagement strategy, facilitate high-impact partnerships, and enhance the university's presence and reputation both regionally and globally. This leader will inspire and unify teams across marketing and communications, engagement and outreach, and K-12 educational initiatives under one integrated and agile organization.

This position will be part of the university's senior leadership team and report directly to the Chancellor.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Strategic Communications Leadership
  Serve as Missouri S&T's key communications officer and public voice, responsible for shaping and amplifying the university's narrative, reputation, and visibility. Lead a comprehensive communications strategy and team, including creative services, digital marketing, strategic communications, and media production. Deliver timely, transparent, and effective communication aligned with institutional priorities and responsive to internal and external stakeholders.
• University Outreach and Engagement
  Develop, lead, and assess university-wide initiatives that foster mutually beneficial partnerships with communities, businesses, industries, and K-12 schools. Strengthen S&T's statewide presence and visibility through initiatives such as statewide engagement tours, teacher and student programming, extension partnerships, faculty-led research symposia, and strategic signature events like Celebration of Nations and, Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol.
• Marketing and Branding
  Drive S&T's branding and marketing strategy with measurable outcomes focused on increasing visibility, student enrollment, faculty/staff engagement, and industry partnerships. Champion the university's strategic positioning and ensure alignment of all public-facing content, campaigns, and storytelling with institutional goals and reputation metrics.
• K-12 Engagement
  Provide strategic direction and leadership to S&T's Kummer STEM Education Center and K-12 outreach efforts including summer camps, after-school programs, field trips, and collaborative partnerships. K-12 is one dimension of the larger outreach portfolio, positioned to create pipelines for future students and support Missouri's broader educational ecosystem.
• Organizational Leadership & Culture Building
  Lead and cultivate an integrated team of 40 professionals across three primary functional areas (Marketing and Communications 28; K-; Outreach & Engagement 2+). Direct reports will number fewer than 5. Promote professional growth, cross-functional collaboration, and data-driven decision-making throughout the organization. Build an ecosystem of engagement that reflects the values of participatory, transformative, and research-based outreach.
• Measurement, Assessment, and Reporting
  Define clear metrics for success, including tracking engagement activities, evaluating marketing reach and performance, and assessing the impact of strategic events and partnerships. Regularly report on progress toward university-wide strategic goals and key initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduate degree (MS, PhD, EdD, or equivalent) required
• Minimum of 10 years of executive leadership experience in higher education or related fields
• Demonstrated ability to lead university-wide communications, engagement, and outreach initiatives
• Proven ability to manage large, multifaceted teams and high-impact projects
• Strong commitment to assessment, continuous improvement, and evidence-based practice

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience as a Chief Communications Officer or equivalent leadership in marketing/strategic communications
• Dynamic and visionary leadership with a strategic mindset and a track record of institutional advancement
• Strong supervisory and organizational development skills
• Demonstrated creativity and innovation in communications and engagement approaches
• Background in public event planning, brand strategy, and community-engaged scholarship
• Experience in K-12 education initiatives, fundraising, or advancement is desirable
• Candidates with the appropriate academic and professional credentials may be considered for a tenured faculty appointment

Anticipated Hiring Range:

The salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience. The University of Missouri System offers a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package to all faculty and staff.

Application Materials:

To apply, please submit the following:

• Letter of application
• Curriculum vitae
• List of five professional references (references will not be contacted without prior authorization)

Nominations and inquiries may be directed to:

Carrie Arrowsmith (), Lead Recruitment Consultant, Missouri S&T

Application Deadline:

Applications will be accepted until this position is filled.

Priority deadline: July 11, 2025

Community Information:

Missouri S&T, a land-grant and space-grant institution founded in 1870, is a Carnegie R1 university with over 7,000 students and a reputation for academic excellence in STEM fields. Known for its return on investment, top-tier career placement, and impactful alumni, S&T is pursuing bold North Star Goals under Chancellor Mohammad Dehghani:

• Grow enrollment to 12,000 students
• Elevate national rank and reputation
• Sustain R1 Carnegie classification

Missouri S&T is one of four universities in the University of Missouri System and is located in Rolla, a scenic and welcoming community near the Missouri Ozarks and just 1.5 hours from St. Louis.

Benefit Eligibility:

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at .

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer .

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at .