The Associate Vice President (AVP) for Strategic Engagement for Institutional Advancement leads a fully integrated communication, marketing, and engagement strategy for the division including but not limited to donors, donor prospects, board members, campus community, alumni, and key community and national influencers. The position builds new connections and strengthens existing efforts among donors and the university. The AVP leads the planning and effort and ensures a successful implementation of a comprehensive communications strategy for the division; provide strategic and creative leadership to improve internal communications and achieve greater cohesion of the university’s mission, message, and brand; and serve as a strategic partner and resource for the VP of Institutional Advancement, VP for University marketing and communications, senior leadership, and campus colleagues.

- Directs the work of and manages a team of outstanding communications and marketing professionals,setting strategic direction that aligns to Institutional Advancement (IA) and University priorities.- Develops and implements marketing communications plans that lead to fundraising success. - Provides direction for the development and execution of a wide range of communications projects and services that address the strategic goals of the division.- Builds teamwork, awareness, and recognition of the division across the University, with the general public, and with prospective and current donors. - Partner with UVU’s central marketing and communications group to implement keyinitiatives that affect all key stakeholders of the University.

•Responsible for creating, implementing and measuring the success of comprehensive communications and public relations programs for select clients•Provide counsel to clients on communications and public relations messaging and activities•Coordinate outreach to influencers and various press initiatives surrounding product and personnel announcements, company’s direction and partnerships, and various media worthy events

- Responsible for all aspects of Simpson’s marketing and strategic communication division, including overseeing communications, editorial and design, visual and social media, advertising, web strategy, development, and sports information - Initiated and led plan to announce new college President - Led all efforts to roll-out the college's new mission and vision to both internal and external audiences and influencers- Initiated innovative efforts to streamline all digital communications and social media, increasing reach and overall engagement - Participated in crisis management and communications related to COVID-19

• Develop and lead implementation of strategic communication and marketing plan on a local, national, and international scale for all undergraduate and graduate programs• Ensure departmental and college goals are in alignment with university objectives• Advise dean/associate dean on all communication strategies • Serve as primary spokesperson between college and local and national media• Manage a marketing budget which encompasses the marketing efforts for the entire college and ten auxiliary programs including a performing arts center and art gallery• Advance brand of university and college among key constituencies (faculty, students, corporate partners, alumni, donors, friends of the college)• Track KPI’s on a daily basis to ensure resources are being used effectively• Handle all crisis communications issues involving college• Direct all aspects of paid/owned/earned/social media for college

Led public and analyst relations efforts for eight high-tech; clients including two which were publicly traded (Sonic Foundry and Selectica)Provided strategic counsel related to corporate, product and competitive positioningDeveloped communications messaging and strategies for clients Communicated with local and national media on behalf of clientsLed analyst relations programs for select clientsDeveloped public relations campaigns for clients focused on increasing leadership within market categoryWrote and reviewed news releases, media advisories, newsletters, and fact sheets for clientsConducted perception and social media auditsExecuted public relations programs for leading high-tech companiesConducted media training with key executives and support staff

Execute broad range of communications programs designed to attract,educate and retain clients and employeesDeliver key messages to all clients related to company health-care benefits, 401(k) and payroll programs Coordinate marketing activities related to customer leads and prepare contract proposals to potential clientsCompose news releases and media advisories and track client coverage in trade and industry publications Create a branding campaign positioning Merit Resources as the Employee Expert in Central Iowa