Full-time

Reports to: Vice President of Brand and Technology
Location: Buena Vista, VA
Position Type: Full-Time, On-site

About the Role

Southern Virginia University is entering its 30th year as a private, faith-based institution of higher education aligned with the restored gospel of Jesus Christ as taught by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As new executive and academic leadership joins this summer, the University is poised for meaningful growth. This role is central to that moment.

The Executive Director of Marketing and Communications will serve as a member of the University Cabinet and will lead SVU’s marketing and communications enterprise with accountability for overall brand awareness and perception — the linchpin to drive the four university priorities:

1. Center on Jesus Christ
2. Increase gathering and belonging
3. Enhance academic excellence
4. Build financial strength

The Executive Director is a senior leadership role that will oversee integrated efforts in enrollment marketing, advancement and alumni engagement, and brand and creative — weaving these into a coherent and compelling institutional story centered on the University’s mission.

Primary Responsibilities

Enrollment Marketing

Own strategy across the full enrollment funnel — from awareness and lead generation through nurture, conversion, and yield. Work in close collaboration with the Admissions team to ensure marketing efforts translate directly into recruiter conversations and student commitments. Manage performance across paid, organic, and direct channels.

Advancement and Alumni Marketing

Lead communications that cultivate donors, engage alumni, and support fundraising campaigns. Connect the University’s mission and identity to the giving that sustains it.

Brand, Social, and Creative Content

Own SVU’s brand voice, web, and social media presence. Lead the production of video and creative content that builds awareness and strengthens institutional reputation across academics, athletics, performing arts, leadership, student and alumni success, and faith.

Team and Operational Leadership

Manage the marketing and communications team, oversee the departmental budget, support executive communications, and serve as a strategic partner to University leadership.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 7+ years of marketing and communications experience with 3+ years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated success in enrollment marketing, advancement communications, or both.
• Strong writing, storytelling, and digital marketing skills (SEO, paid media, email/SMS, social, analytics).
• Proven ability to lead and develop a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• Higher education experience.
• Proficiency with Salesforce, Google Analytics, or similar platforms.
• Experience directing video content and managing creative production.

Applications

To apply, interested candidates should submit a CV (résumé) and three professional references as a single PDF to hr@svu.edu.

About Southern Virginia University

Southern Virginia University is a private, faith-based institution of higher education aligned with the restored gospel of Jesus Christ as taught by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a university, we gather faithful Latter-day Saints and those who share our values, lift intellectually, socially, and spiritually, and launch into successful lives and careers. Applicants are invited to learn more at svu.edu/mission.