About Minerva University

Minerva University, headquartered in San Francisco, California, offers a unique undergraduate experience for the brightest, most motivated students in the world. Minerva's curriculum and experiential learning has been deliberately designed to teach the capabilities needed to solve complex challenges. All Minerva classes are small, engaging active learning seminars. The virtual synchronous technology platform enables faculty to teach, and students to take their courses, from anywhere in the world, enabling its global residential program. Combining a reinvented curriculum, rigorous academic standards, leading technology, and an immersive global residential experience, Minerva provides an exceptional and accessible undergraduate education to prepare future leaders and innovators across multiple disciplines. Minerva undergraduate students come from all over the world to spend their first year in residence in San Francisco, and then live and study in multiple different major world cities over their following three years. To date, rotation cities have included Berlin, Buenos Aires, Hyderabad, London, Seoul, and Taipei. These rich international experiences provide students with deep global understanding, skills and the ability to apply their academic learning in real world situations. In addition to the five undergraduate degrees, Minerva offers a graduate degree and a graduate certificate for working professionals studying remotely throughout the world.

In 2021, Minerva University obtained independent accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges/Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Prior to that, since its founding in 2013, Minerva was accredited by WSCUC through its partnership with Keck Graduate Institute, and the institution was named Minerva Schools at KGI. Minerva graduated its first masters students in 2017 and its first undergraduate students in 2019. It currently has five undergraduate colleges and one graduate program. Its students and alums are from 100 countries. The current student population is ~650 with plans to grow to several thousand over the next decade.

Position Overview

The Chief Communications Officer (CCO) will serve as a key executive leader responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communication strategies that promote, enhance, and protect the university's brand reputation and will report directly to the CEO. This individual will lead a centralized team of marketing and communications professionals and coordinates communications produced by other academic and administrative units. The role will oversee public relations, including branding, marketing, thought leadership, media relations, crisis communications, and events, to ensure a coherent and impactful message across all platforms and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement an integrated strategic communications plan to advance Minerva University's brand identity, broaden awareness of its programs and priorities, and increase its visibility across key stakeholder audiences.
• Brand Management: Oversee the management of the university's brand across all platforms, ensuring brand consistency. Lead branding initiatives to enhance visibility and reputation.
• Marketing and Advertising: Develop and execute innovative marketing and advertising campaigns to attract students, faculty, and donors. Utilize data-driven strategies to assess campaign effectiveness and adjust strategies as needed.
• Media Relations: Serve as one of the university's primary spokespeople and its point of contact with the media globally. Develop and maintain relationships with key media outlets. Manage press inquiries, interview requests, and crisis communication.
• Crisis Communications: Supports effective response strategies, often in crisis situations requiring 24/7 attention and intense media/public scrutiny, and articulates the University's position via personal interviews or written responses
• Digital Communications: Oversee the digital communication strategy, including the university's website, social media presence, and digital marketing efforts to engage with a global audience.
• Event Management: Lead the planning and execution of major university events, including academic conferences, ceremonial events, and public lectures, ensuring they align with the university's strategic goals and brand values.
• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing communications team capable of executing complex communications strategies in a fast-paced environment.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Work closely with internal and external stakeholders, including university leadership, faculty, students, alumni, and partners, to ensure communications strategies are aligned and effective.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years of senior-level experience in communications, public relations, or a related field, preferably in higher education or a similarly complex organization.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful strategic communications plans.
• Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team; international experience strongly preferred
• Strong media relations experience and the ability to serve as a spokesperson for a high-profile organization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate clear and compelling narratives.
• Demonstrated ability to manage crisis communications and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Advanced degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.

Location

Minerva University, San Francisco, CA / Remote

Position Type

Full-Time, Exempt, Executive

Compensation

$170,000 - $210,000 per year

Salary is commensurate with education and experience, with an estimated range of $170,000 - $210,000. This range reflects a position based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Benefits package includes medical, vision, and dental for US employees. This role is a full-time position where evenings and weekends may be necessary during peak periods.

Application Process

To apply for the Chief Communications Officer position at Minerva University, please submit a cover letter, resume, and three references here. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, with interviews to follow for select candidates.

Minerva University is actively working to promote excellence through diversity and strongly encourages people of color, LGBTQIA+ folks, people with disabilities and diverse socio-economic backgrounds to apply. Minerva is an equal opportunity employer and honors its values and commitment to diversity and belonging in its hiring practices. In addition, Minerva University does not discriminate based on any consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local law.