Chief Marketing and Communications Officer

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Job Details:

Dell Medical School is seeking a Chief Marketing and Communications Officer (CMCO). The Chief Marketing and Communications Officer is responsible for building and leading all strategic marketing and communications efforts supporting the creation of a world-class academic medical center anchored by Dell Medical School and its developing tertiary hospital. The CMCO is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive marketing and communication strategies that align with the healthcare system's goals and enhance its brand image. The role involves managing internal and external communications, overseeing marketing campaigns, and leading crisis communication efforts. The CMCO ensures consistent messaging across all platforms and fosters relationships with media, stakeholders, and the community to maintain a positive public image, and plays a pivotal role in shaping, launching, and building a bold, unified brand that reflects the organization's mission to revolutionize how people get and stay healthy.

As a key member of the senior leadership team, the CMCO will lead strategic communication and marketing efforts that elevate the organization's reputation locally, nationally, and globally. This leader will provide high-level counsel to the Dean, Chief Administrative Officer, and executive leadership team, ensuring cohesive messaging and alignment across academic, clinical, and research enterprises.

Strategic Leadership

• Creates and executes strategic communication and marketing plans aligned with Dell Medical School's mission, vision, and values.

• Builds execute a comprehensive brand implementation strategy and plan.

• Develops and leads comprehensive marketing strategies supporting faculty recruitment, clinical program growth, student enrollment, philanthropy, and research visibility.

• Serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on communication strategy, reputation management, and complex issue navigation.

• Positions the organization as a leading force in academic medicine, education, research innovation, clinical excellence, and organizational impact.

• Collaborates with leaders across UT Austin, UT Health Austin, and key external partners (Ascension) to ensure unified, impactful messaging across all platforms.

Media Relations

• Overseeds creative direction for multimedia campaigns, organizational storytelling, and digital presence.

• Cultivates and maintains positive relationships with media outlets and influencers.

• Serves as a senior organizational spokesperson and prepare university leaders for media engagement.

Crisis Communication Efforts

• Leads proactive media strategies and issues management, including the development of crisis communication plans and transparent communication during crises.

• Responds swiftly to mitigate negative impacts on the organization's reputation.

• Provides guidance to senior leaders during crises.

Internal Communications

• Ensures employees are informed and engaged with the organization's mission, values, and initiatives.

• Fosters a culture of collaboration, transparency, and shared purpose through consistent internal communications to faculty, staff, learners, and clinical partners.

• Oversees leadership messaging and organizational updates to strengthen internal alignment.

• Develops internal newsletters, announcements, and other communication materials.

Modernization and Upskilling Initiatives

• Leads the adoption of advanced technologies: Implement AI and automation tools to enhance communication and marketing efficiency and impact.

• Develops and oversees upskilling programs to ensure the team stays current with industry trends and best practices.

• Encourages the exploration and integration of digital tools and platforms to improve outreach and engagement.

• Monitors technological advancements: Stays informed about emerging technologies, assesses opportunities to drive real impact on communication and marketing strategies, and implements as appropriate.

• Collaborates with IT and other departments: Works closely with IT and other relevant teams to ensure seamless integration of new technologies and tools.

Marketing Campaigns

• Plans and executes marketing campaigns to promote services and initiatives.

• Utilizes market research, data analytics, and audience insights to continually refine digital strategy.

• Drives innovation across digital channels, including the website, social media, video content, and digital storytelling platforms.

• Collaborates with external agencies and vendors.

Budgeting and Financial Oversight

• Allocates resources efficiently to support various communication initiatives.

• Promotes a lean, cost-effective structure focused on organizational integration and continuous improvement.

• Oversees budgeting, financial planning, and vendor relationships to optimize operations and maximize investments.

• Monitors budget performance, addressing variances as needed.

Marginal or Periodic Functions

• Provides training sessions for staff on effective communication practices, developing necessary training materials and resources.

• Represents the organization at Events

• Attends industry conferences and events as a representative of the organization.

• Networks with industry professionals and stakeholders.

• Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency while supporting department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; Serves as preceptor, mentor, and resource to less experienced staff.

• Adheres to internal controls and reporting structure.

• Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Anticipates future trends and consequences accurately; has broad knowledge and perspective; is future-oriented.

• Possesses comprehensive knowledge of communication practices within complex environments, including academic health sciences or healthcare.

• Demonstrated success in reputation management, brand development, media strategy, and crisis communications.

• Proven ability to develop and execute integrated communications strategies aligned with enterprise goals.

• Exceptional executive presence, strategic thinking, and ability to influence and engage senior leaders, faculty, and stakeholders.

• Strong financial acumen, including experience managing operational and capital budgets.

• Ability to develop long-term communication strategies and adapt plans to emerging trends

• Ability to align communication efforts with organizational goals.

• Ability to blend people into teams when needed and create strong morale and spirit in the team, sharing wins and successes.

• Ability to foster a collaborative team environment, recognizing and celebrating team achievements and providing opportunities for team development

• Ability to communicate a compelling and inspired vision or sense of core purpose, talking about possibilities beyond today.

• Ability to articulate the organization's mission and values clearly and inspire others to support the vision

• Ability to connect daily tasks to the broader purpose.

• Ability to relate well to all kinds of people and build appropriate rapport, and constructive and effective relationships.

• Ability to establish strong relationships with stakeholders and navigate complex interpersonal dynamics

• Possesses strong verbal and written communication skills with demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

• Ability to deal with ambiguity and effectively cope with change.

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field. Fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible marketing and communications leadership experience in large, complex, and matrixed organizations with at least five (5) years in a leadership role.Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Master's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field. Fifteen (15) years of experience in marketing and communications, with at least seven (7) years in a leadership role. Experience in academic healthcare or clinical settings. Expertise in navigating university and medical center domains. Knowledge of philanthropic communications and collaboration with advancement teams. Proven success in leading change and building inclusive, innovative teams.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS OR CERTIFICATIONS

Required: None specified.

Preferred:

• Accredited Business Communicator (ABC) from the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).

• Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP) from the Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC).

• Certified Professional Chief Marketing Officer (CPCMO) from the American Institute of Business Management (AIBM).

OPEN

• Standard office equipment

• Repetitive use of a keyboard

• Resume/CV

• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor

• Letter of interest

Importantfor applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers:You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure thatALLRequired Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers:As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questionspresented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.

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Employment Eligibility:

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Retirement Plan Eligibility:

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Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer,complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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Pay Transparency:

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.

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Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

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E-Verify:

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university's company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English) [PDF]
• E-Verify Poster (Spanish) [PDF]
• Right To Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right To Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.