Gustavus seeks a talented and experienced Chief Communications Officer (CCO) to provide strategic leadership for institutional communications. The successful candidate will bring a deep understanding of how communications advances enrollment, strengthens reputation, and connects communities through a clear and compelling institutional voice. How to apply: Continue here or visit https://gustavus.edu/jobs/ to complete the online application and submit a resume and cover letter. Employment Status: Full-time (1.0 FTE), Exempt (Salaried), and Benefits-Eligible Salary Range: $100,000-$120,000 The Chief Communications Officer (CCO) serves as the senior leader responsible for institutional communications strategy, messaging, and execution across internal and external audiences. Reporting to the Vice President of Enrollment Management, and a member of the President's Executive Leadership Team, the CCO ensures that Gustavus communicates with clarity, consistency, and purpose-strengthening trust, alignment, and engagement across campus and beyond. The CCO serves as a co-leader within the Marketing & Communications division, working in close partnership with the Chief Marketing Officer to ensure that brand strategy and institutional communications are fully aligned and mutually reinforcing. The CCO provides executive leadership for internal communications, media relations, editorial strategy, and communications operations. In close partnership with the CMO, the CCO translates institutional brand strategy and priorities into clear, coordinated, and timely communications that advance enrollment, reputation, and community connection. The CCO ensures that communications at Gustavus are not only compelling in vision, but integrated, coordinated, and effective in execution. MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES: Institutional Messaging & Voice
Serve as the senior steward of Gustavus' institutional voice, tone, and narrative. Establish and uphold communications principles, editorial standards, and messaging frameworks across the College. Lead executive communications, including leadership messaging and high-visibility institutional narratives.
Internal Communications & Campus Alignment
Lead internal communications strategy, ensuring timely, coordinated, and transparent messaging for faculty, staff, and students. Support major institutional initiatives, change communications, and campus-wide priorities. Build systems and processes that improve coordination, reduce fragmentation, and strengthen clarity.
Executive & Presidential Communications
Partner with the President and Chief of Staff to support executive communications, including speeches, messaging, and high-visibility institutional narratives. Ensure presidential communications are aligned with institutional strategy, brand positioning, and key priorities. Provide strategic counsel on tone, timing, and audience alignment.
Media Relations & Reputation Management
Lead media relations, public relations strategy, and external communications. Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and national media. Oversee earned, owned, and shared media strategies, including story development and pitching. Serve as a key advisor during issues management, crisis communications, and reputational risk moments, in coordination with senior leadership.
Communications Operations & Execution
Own communications workflow, prioritization, and project management across internal and external initiatives. Provide leadership and oversight for communications staff and contracted partners. Ensure communications move efficiently from strategy to execution, with clear accountability and follow-through. Oversee KPI development, tracking, and reporting related to communications effectiveness.
Cross-Divisional Collaboration
Partner closely with Marketing, Admission, Advancement, Alumni Relations, Student Life, Athletics, Fine Arts, and Academic Affairs to ensure aligned messaging. Collaborate with the CMO to ensure communications execution supports institutional brand and enrollment priorities. Align communications efforts with external partners and sponsors, as appropriate.
Direct Reports
Editorial Lead / Writer Internal Communications & Media Relations Manager Others as assigned