presents

Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Luther College

Ballinger | Leafblad is proud to present the following information on behalf of our client, Luther College, in its search for

Vice President of Marketing and Communications

ballingerleafblad.comluther.edu

Enlivened and transformed by

encounters with one another, by the exchange of ideas, and by the life of

faith and learning.

“

ballingerleafblad.comluther.edu

presenting our client

Luther College

Founded in 1861 by Norwegian immigrants, Luther College is an esteemed and values-driven undergraduate liberal arts college affiliated with the Lutheran Church (ELCA). Located in the vibrant town of Decorah in northeastern Iowa, the central campus overlooks a breathtaking 200 acres of limestone bluff country. Luther offers more than 60 majors and preprofessional programs leading to the bachelor of arts degree.

This approach to education helps Luther earn inclusion in the top tier of national liberal arts colleges in the U.S. News and World Report’s college guide.

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

The college’s learning philosophy highlights connections between disciplines. Its thoughtful and rigorous curriculum moves beyond immediate interests toward engagement in the larger world.

ballingerleafblad.comluther.edu

The faculty are committed to their areas of expertise—83 percent of them hold the most advanced degree in their field. And because 87 percent are tenured or tenure-track and have earned a permanent position, they’re also committed to Luther. This means that Lu-ther students receive an education from qualified professors who are passionate about what they teach and fully invested in the college and its students.

Luther’s nearly 2,200 students are highly engaged in campus life. Almost 27 percent of them compete in one or more of the college’s 19 intercollegiate sports. Nearly 750 stu-dents participate in the school’s six choirs, three bands, three orchestras, two jazz bands, and numerous smaller ensembles, all of which combine to form one of the world’s larg-est, most acclaimed collegiate music programs.

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

presenting our client

Luther College

President Carlson is a 1976 Phi Beta Kappa graduate of St. Olaf College. She holds an M.A., M. Phil., and Ph.D. in English and comparative literature from Columbia University. She has taught at the University of Dubuque, Yale Uni-versity, and St. Mary’s College in No-tre Dame, Indiana. Prior to becoming Luther’s president, Dr. Carlson served as vice president for mission at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota.

In 2014, Luther College named Dr. Paula J. Carlson its 10th president.

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In the reforming spirit of Martin Luther, Luther College affirms the liberating power of faith and learning.

MISSION

presenting our client

Luther College

As people of all backgrounds, we embrace diver-sity and challenge one another to learn in com-munity, to discern our callings, and to serve with distinction for the common good.

As a college of the church, Luther is rooted in an understanding of grace and freedom that embold-ens us in worship, study, and service to seek truth, examine our faith, and care for all God’s people.

As a liberal arts college, Luther is committed to a way of learning that moves us beyond immediate interests and present knowledge into a larger world—an education that disciplines minds and develops whole persons equipped to understand and confront a changing society.

As a residential college, Luther is a place of in-tersection. Founded where river, woodland, and prairie meet, we practice joyful stewardship of the resources that surround us, and we strive to be a community where students, faculty, and staff are enlivened and transformed by encounters with one another, by the exchange of ideas, and by the life of faith and learning.

CULTUREFaculty and staff at Luther College describe the institution’s culture as unique and special, using words such as collaborative, open, fair, and concerned with social justice. Strong relationships between faculty, students, and administration create a work environment that feels connected, mission-focused, and transformative.

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The Vice President of Marketing and Communications provides strategic direction and oversees programs that enhance and promote the image of Luther College. This is a high-impact role at the institution and works closely with key internal and external con-stituencies including prospective students, alumni and friends, current and prospective donors, the campus community, and local and global communities.

Leading a diverse team of creative professionals, the Vice President has responsibility for the institution’s brand and image, and directs the strategy and planning for all com-munications, marketing, and public relations functions. At the heart of this position is a passion for realizing the values and mission of Luther through thoughtful and consistent implementation of creative messaging strategies that engage multiple audiences.

The Vice President reports to the President of Luther College and is a member of the President’s Cabinet along with Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College, Vice President for Finance and Administration, Vice President for Enrollment Management, Vice President and Dean for Student Life, Vice President for Development and Dean for Institutional Planning and Mission. He or she will have significant interac-tion with the Board of Regents and will attend the Finance & Enrollment and Marketing Committee meetings.

Reporting directly to the Vice President of Marketing and Communications are the Di-rector of Web Content, Director of Publications and Design, Director of Media Relations, Director of Visual Media, Sports Information Director and Coordinator of Music Organiza-tions and Marketing. A total of 18 people work in the department.

In partnership with the many stakeholders of Luther College, the vice president will shape the College’s communications vision and strategy and lead the marketing and communications team to share the unique and evolving voice and narrative of the institu-tion with multiple communities in creative and compelling ways.

OVERVIEW OF POSITION

presenting the position of

Vice President of Marketing and Communications

ballingerleafblad.comluther.edu

presenting the position of

Vice President of Marketing and Communications

Strategy and Development

• Set a bold and comprehensive marketing and communications plan that fur-thers the college’s existing strategic priorities. Act as the visionary leader toward achievement of the goals of the function’s strategic plan.

• Elevate the image of Luther through enhancing a consistent visual and narrative brand throughout all activities and programs.

• Work closely with the Vice President for Enrollment Management in recruitment and research efforts that support enrollment goals, affirm institutional strengths, and evaluate constituency perception and satisfaction with Luther.

• Support the work of institutional advancement with high quality marketing and communication.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications plan for the Office of the President.

• Continually improve college marketing and communications through the use of carefully selected research and surveys.

Leadership and Management:• Provide comprehensive strategic management and direction to the marketing and

communications function. • Manage and oversee the following departments:

• Web Content• Publications and Design• Media Relations• Visual Media• Sports Information• Music Organizations and Marketing

• Hire, train, coach and develop the Directors in the department. Bring a servant leadership style and a sophisticated management approach to the job, with an eye to the ongoing development and engagement of each staff member.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIESThe Vice President of Marketing and Communications is responsible for the develop-ment of an innovative strategy for the marketing and communications function at the college. The Vice President will be an innovator, relationship builder, strategist and collaborator. He or she will bring oversight abilities along with an exceptional back-ground in the technical aspects of the job. At the core of this vital work is finding, shaping and sharing the narrative stories of Luther College to its many communities. Specific responsibilities include:

ballingerleafblad.comluther.edu

presenting the position of

Vice President of Marketing and Communications

• Create a strong, cohesive and collaborative culture in the marketing and commu-nications department. Reward and recognize staff for outstanding work. Cele-brate success.

• Manage department budgets and assure appropriate resource allocation to key priorities of the department.

• Serve as a member of the President’s Cabinet, staff liaison to the Marketing Com-mittee of the Board of Regents, and member of ad hoc task groups as assigned.

External Relations and Advertising• Develop and maintain professional contacts and affiliations with public relations

firms, advertising channels, and other external resources that can assist the col-lege in its marketing efforts.

• Proactively seek earned media opportunities to elevate the profile and recogni-tion of Luther’s accomplishments as a leading education institution.

• Manage all advertising and promotion campaigns (online, social, and print) to ensure that messages are accurate, brand consistent, and effectively support strategic goals and marketing objectives.

• Support and enhance the work of departments that have significant external re-lations (e.g., Athletics, Summer Conferences, Bookshop, Catering, College Minis-tries, Outdoor Recreation, and specific summer camps).

Content Direction• Oversee editorial direction for all print publications, web content, social media

platforms, design, advertising, and media efforts. • Create an integrated content strategy that reflects key branding attributes and

cross-department goals that support Luther’s strategic priorities and initiatives.

Online and Web Development • Ensure web content and online properties are consistently updated, accurate,

and utilize the most current and effective technology.• Develop and implement strategies to improve the website and email experience

to disseminate college news and information.• Provide communications support to Luther events.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

ballingerleafblad.comluther.edu

presenting the position of

Vice President of Marketing and Communications

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS The fully qualified candidate for this key position should be an expe-rienced and passionate leader in a marketing and communications function. The successful candidate will have a shared commitment to the mission and values of Luther College, and the ability to capture and articulate the uniqueness of the institution to a broad array of commu-nities.

A master’s or professional degree is preferred and a bachelor’s de-gree is required. The fully qualified candidate will possess 10 years of executive experience in marketing and communications in higher ed-ucation, business, government or related sectors, with some previous experience in higher education preferred.

Essential Qualifications• Proven ability to create and implement an integrated communica-

tions and marketing plan that aligns priorities of the department the institution’s overall strategy and direction.

• Demonstrated versatility in communication ability across multiple media platforms (print, web, social, etc.).

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, both at a strate-gic level and with a thorough attention to detail.

• Experience managing high impact, controversial and high-profile issues.

• Background in strategic planning, project management and man-agement of objectives via dashboards or similar metrics.

• Demonstrated commitment to uphold and celebrate diversity and inclusion with colleagues, stakeholders, vendors, and partners.

• Ability to analyze and measure the effectiveness of communica-tions and marketing efforts as related to specific objectives and goals.

ballingerleafblad.comluther.edu

presenting the position of

Vice President of Marketing and Communications

Preferred Qualifications• Communications management experience related to higher educa-

tion or related nonprofit organizations.• Meaningful knowledge of the latest communications trends, including

leading-edge tactics for creative use of social media and other digital communication.

Leadership Qualitites and Attributes• Proven ability to develop and lead a superior performing, collabo-

rative professional organization. This is done through influencing, inspiring, mentoring, recognizing and developing full-time staff and student staff. Create consensus and engage a diverse group at all levels to work toward common goals.

• Intentional focus on positive, progressive change initiatives and a strong bias for progress. This will stem from a can-do attitude, a fo-cus on specific, ambitious goals and results-orientation along with a demonstrated sense of personal accountability for achieving results.

• Passion and commitment to delivering the highest-quality services to the institution and its stakeholders. Encourage and promote creativity and innovation.

• Professional and enthusiastic but genuine demeanor, effective one-to-one and group communication skills, a capacity to build and main-tain respectful and trusting relationships, and an ability to listen.

• High ethical standards and integrity paired with the ability to earn the respect of others.

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion and a histo-ry of building broad and successful relationships and partnerships. Interact authentically with multiple stakeholder groups and honor the views of each.

• Impeccable judgment, discretion, diplomacy and confidentiality.• Relentless commitment to the mission of Luther College.

QUALIFICATIONS

ballingerleafblad.comluther.edu

presenting the position of

Vice President of Marketing and Communications

The compensation package for this position is dependent upon quali-fications and includes an executive base salary and participation in the institution’s comprehensive benefits program. The benefits program includes an attractive family tuition discount.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION For additional information and to apply for the position please contact:

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

Marcia Ballinger, PhD Co-Founder/Principal

651-341-4840 marcia@ballingerleafblad.com

Lars Leafblad, MBACo-Founder/Principal

612-598-7547lars@ballingerleafblad.com

Luther College is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

CIVIC SEARCH REIMAGINED

ballingerleafblad.comluther.edu

presenting the city of

Decorah, Iowa

Luther College’s central campus, situated on nearly 200 acres of limestone bluff country, comprises eight major academic buildings, seven residence halls, one village of townhouses, a state-of-the-art athletic complex—in-cluding a brand-new aquatic center—and a bustling student union.

At the heart of it all sits Bentdahl Commons, a campus green that acts as a gathering space for the Luther community. Connected by curving sidewalks, Luther’s central cam-pus has the distinction of reflecting historic landscape design, mapped in the early 1900s by renowned architect Jens Jensen.

The college owns nearly 800 additional acres of natural areas that include woodlands, floodplains, prairies, marshes, and the Upper Iowa River. These areas, tied together by a five-mile hiking trail, not only offer recreation, but they also provide students with outdoor laboratories.

ballingerleafblad.comluther.edu

presenting the city of

Decorah, Iowa

Decorah, population 8,000, is a warm and vibrant town that offers plentiful recreation, a charming downtown, natural beauty, and a close-knit community—all while providing the conveniences of a city many times its size.

Decorah is a popular destination for many reasons:

Public transportation serving the area includes commercial airports in Rochester (Minn.), Waterloo (Iowa), and La Crosse (Wis.); a municipal airport in Decorah; and train and bus depots in La Crosse (Wis.). Decorah was named a 2014 All-Star Community by the Iowa League of Cities in recognition of its MetroNet Fiber Optic project, in which Luther was also involved. As a result of that project, which installed a loop of 144 strands of fiber op-tic cable, Decorah and Luther both have improved internet service.

Recently, U.S. News named Decorah High School the top high school in Iowa. Decorah was also featured in Smithsonian Magazine’s annual list of the 20 best small towns to visit in America, as well as being named on Forbes’ “America’s Prettiest Towns” list and the 2015 Best Choice Reviews list of the 50 best small towns in America. Check out the Decorah feature from Iowa Public Television.

• Outdoor recreation• Numerous cultural events and festivals• A pedestrian-friendly town center full of

niche eateries and shops• Bi-weekly farmers markets and a food co-op

in addition to traditional grocery stores• Proximity to the Upper Iowa River, which

flows through Luther’s campus and borders Decorah’s business district

• The Trout Run Trail, an 11-mile biking, walk-ing, and running trail that loops the town

• Assorted area attractions, including parks, museums, arts organizations, live music, a movie theatre, and a bowling alley

ballingerleafblad.comluther.edu

presenting the city of

Decorah, Iowa

“The bluff country of Northeast Iowa is remarkable and heralded for undeniable scenic beauty.”