Vice President of Communications and Strategy

The Kentucky Community & Technical College System (KCTCS) invites applications and nominations for the position of Vice President of Communications and Strategy. System leadership and the appointed search committee expect to see applicants with the ideal combination of experience in the broader communications arena, strategic planning and execution, knowledge of governmental relations, and an understanding of business and workforce issues. The Vice President of Communications and Strategy reports to and works closely with the KCTCS President to create and execute strategic communications to internal and external audiences.

Now in its 25th year, established in 1998, KCTCS has a budget of over $900 million and comprises 16 comprehensive community and technical colleges. The successful candidate is expected to assist in the support of some 94,000 students in the delivery of exceptional learning opportunities in over 100 technical programs, five transfer programs, and three general education certificates. KCTCS enrolls more than 33 percent of all undergraduates in Kentucky and 44 percent of undergraduates in the public sector. The colleges are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The KCTCS mission addresses the determination to improve the quality of life and economic vitality in Kentucky. Toward fulfillment of that directive, the duties of the Vice President of Communications and Strategy include, but are not limited to:

COMMUNICATIONS

• Joining with members of the President’s Leadership Team and Cabinet to advance coordinated, clear communications systemwide and statewide;
• Developing and executing a comprehensive executive communications strategy in keeping with the mission, strategic priorities, and values of KCTCS;
• Understanding the Commonwealth of Kentucky's industry trends and issues;
• Managing the President’s and system office social media and website content; and
• Developing media interview opportunities, speeches, op-eds, and other external and internal communications for the President and system office.

MARKETING

• Lead marketing in development and execution of marketing campaigns for KCTCS;
• Use innovative approaches to effectively raise awareness of the system, both nationally and globally; and
• Effectively improve the image of KCTCS.

STRATEGIC PLANNING AND EXECUTION

• Lead and support strategic planning for KCTCS, including execution and reporting of strategic plans;
• Advance KCTCS data strategy, leveraging data as a strategic asset for promoting and growing the system’s visibility and reputation;
• Lead and align KCTCS strategic initiatives and projects with internal and external needs; and
• Collaborate with the President, government relations team, and college presidents on strategic legislative priorities.

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

• Provide leadership and support to the Office of Research and Policy Analysis;
• Provide leadership and support to Marketing;
• Provide leadership and support to the Project Management Office; and
• Meet changing deadlines and manage competing priorities.

The Vice President of Communications and Strategy must be adept at guiding crisis communications and comprehensive messaging that promotes, preserves, and protects the reputation of KCTCS, especially on behalf of students, faculty, and staff. A high level of professionalism, integrity, and the ability to handle confidential information with discretion is required. The vice president also works closely with the Director of Emergency Operations to align emergency and communication plans.

REQUIREMENTS

• Strong strategic thinking, analytical, and written and spoken communication skills with the ability to translate business objectives into clear and concise communications;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationships and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels of the organization;
• Maintain a nimble, entrepreneurial, and forward-looking perspective to capture new opportunities and adjust to changing environments;
• Ability to translate complex concepts and ideas into concise, engaging content for a variety of audiences and voices;
• An understanding of modern marketing and advertising concepts and best practices;
• Management experience with large, diverse teams and/or experience with change management and staff development;
• Proven ability to make data-driven decisions;
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in a high-demand communication position; and
• Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field required; relevant master’s degree is preferred.

The KCTCS community looks forward to cutting-edge presence in this critical area. The new vice president will be a multi-modal, versatile, and exceptionally creative communicator. The preferred candidate will have experience managing external activities, including speaking engagements, political engagements, press and public relations events, and other media opportunities.

Additional information about the Kentucky Community & Technical College System may be found at Home | KCTCS.

Nominations and Applications 

For best consideration, nominations and applications should be received by December 15, 2023. The application must include:

• a letter of interest (not more than three pages);
• a current résumé (or curriculum vitae);
• and the names of five professional references with each person's position, office or home address, e-mail address, and telephone numbers. References will not be contacted without prior authorization.

Nominations and applications should be sent electronically (in PDF format) to KCTCSvpcommunications@agbsearch.com. It is anticipated that the Vice President of Communications and Strategy will be selected by January 2024.

The search is being assisted by:

James McCormick, Senior Executive Search Consultant
jim.mccormick@agbsearch.com / (651) 238-5188

Janice Fitzgerald, Senior Executive Search Consultant
janice.fitzgerald@agbsearch.com / (717) 580-0663

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System is an equal educational and employment opportunity institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, gender presentation, national origin, age, disability, family medical history, or genetic information. Further, we vigilantly prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation, parental status, marital status, political affiliation, military service, or any other non-merit-based factor.