The NAIA is seeking a visionary marketing leader to set the strategy for how we build our brand, grow our membership, and expand our influence. This is a strategy role first. You will inherit a talented team with deep strengths in writing, design, social media, digital, and athletics communications, led by capable directors who own day-to-day execution and operations. We’re not looking for an expert in every discipline; rather, we’re looking for a marketing vision to define where we are going, a clear plan each team can feed into, and the leadership to hold the whole portfolio accountable for results.

The Vice President of Strategic Communications and Marketing is responsible for leading the NAIA’s communication and marketing efforts, including strategy, planning, and execution. This role encompasses oversight of marketing, brand management, member communications, sports information, and association events. The VP will also guide the framework for executive communications, thought leadership, and industry position.

They should utilize various influence strategies and methodologies, including digital marketing, brand amplification, social media, public and media relations, stakeholder communications, content creation, content marketing, and thought leadership to support a range of internal and external initiatives. 

The VP will also shape the narrative architecture, team capacity, internal systems and infrastructure, ensuring alignment with our mission, values, and value proposition. By driving the engagement ecosystem and integrating strategic initiatives, the VP will work to expand the association's influence, visibility, engagement, and reach. 

As a member of the NAIA's senior leadership, you will be the organization's executive-level voice on brand, marketing, communications, and reputation.

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

· Develop and oversee the implementation of a comprehensive strategic communication strategy that aligns with the association’s three-year strategic plan.

· Create an overall marketing strategy that aligns with organizational goals and lead the marketing team in executing this strategy.

· Lead the NAIA’s brand advocacy initiatives.

· Collaborate with the VP of Membership Acquisition and Retention to develop a marketing strategy focused on promoting the NAIA to current and prospective members.

· Identify and develop opportunities to generate revenue from the NAIA's marketing assets, audiences, and data, in collaboration with corporate partnership and championship departments.

· Manage and mentor existing high-performing teams, including those in marketing, event management, and member and athletics communications, providing strategy to operational directors of these areas who will manage the day-to-day.

· Create a single integrated planning and content process so all teams contribute to shared goals, operate at their highest efficiency, and collaborate to create maximum effectiveness.

· Establish a measurement framework that ties marketing and communications activity to organizational outcomes, in partnership with the NAIA's Analytics & Research team. 

· Manage the overall department budget and allocate limited resources for maximum return.

· Establish clear metrics for success by using data and social listening tools to assess reach, engagement, and return on investment to facilitate ongoing improvements.

· Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field. 

· 10+ years of experience leading marketing efforts for an organization or company. 

· Experience in higher education and/or collegiate athletics is preferred. 

· Background in associations, non-profit organizations, or business development is a plus. 

· Proven track record creating and implementing both short-term and long-term communication and marketing plans that align with overall strategic priorities. 

· Experience delivering outsized marketing impact within lean budgets and staffing, in a nonprofit, association, or similarly resource-conscious organization.

· Demonstrated knowledge of communication and digital marketing platforms that enhance organizational impact and revenue. 

· Proven experience in developing and executing brand marketing initiatives that engage target audiences effectively, including measuring and reporting on the performance of campaigns and initiatives that drive growth.