Chief Strategy and Communications Officer

Closing Date:

Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution, classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nation's top 2 percent of universities with the highest level of research activity. The University of Arkansas works to advance the state and build a better world through education, research, and outreach by providing transformational opportunities and skills, fostering a welcoming climate, and nurturing creativity, discovery, and the spread of new ideas and innovations.

The University of Arkansas campus is located in Fayetteville, a welcoming community ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. The growing region surrounding Fayetteville is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and one of the nation's strongest economies. Northwest Arkansas is also quickly gaining a national reputation for its focus on the arts and overall quality of life.

As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions, you should review before applying for the opening.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process, please submit a request via the Disability Accommodations | OEOC | University of Arkansas (uark.edu) : Request an Accommodation. Applicants are required to submit a request for each position of which they have applied.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 479.575.5351.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum of 20 years of progressive strategic leadership experience in communications, public relations, or brand management

• Proven success leading integrated communications and brand strategies that elevate institutional or corporate reputation

• Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing teams

• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

• Strong analytical and strategic decision-making capabilities

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in corporate communications, brand leadership, or public affairs at a major company, agency, or mission-driven organization

• Familiarity with higher education or complex, multi-stakeholder organizations

• Demonstrated experience leading strategic planning, strategic communications, or organizational transformation efforts

• Demonstrated knowledge of how to support fundraising

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Key Competencies):

• Strategic and Systems Thinking skills: Sees the big picture, anticipates challenges, and designs long-term strategies that advance institutional goals

• Leadership and Organizational Influence skills: Leads through collaboration, trust, and credibility; inspires alignment around strategic priorities and fosters a culture of accountability and innovation

• Brand Stewardship and Narrative Development skills: Shapes a compelling institutional identity and translates complex ideas into persuasive narratives

• Analytical and Data-Informed Decision-Making skills: Uses research and metrics to guide strategy and measure impact

• Executive Presence and Communication skills: Demonstrates poise, clarity, and confidence in high-stakes settings; serves as a trusted advisor and representative of the College

• Stakeholder and Relationship Management skills: Builds and sustains relationships with faculty, staff, students, alumni, partners, media, and donors

• Change Management and Adaptability skills: Navigates complexity with agility and leads organizational transitions with transparency and empathy.

Additional Information:

Why Walton College

The Sam M. Walton College of Business, part of the University of Arkansas, is nationally recognized for innovation, industry partnerships, and its commitment to shaping the future of business education. Located in Northwest Arkansas-home to Fortune 500 companies, global brands, and a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem-the College offers an environment where business and innovation intersect daily.

As the Walton College approaches its centennial year, this is a defining moment to join a forward-looking leadership team reimagining what a business school can achieve.

Why Now

As the College expands its visibility, partnerships, and strategic ambitions, unifying communications, strategic planning, and external relations under a single leadership role ensures consistent messaging, stronger institutional alignment, and greater impact.

The Chief Strategy and Communications Officer will connect internal strategy with the College's external narrative-helping Walton College plan effectively, tell its story powerfully, and position itself as a nationally recognized leader in business education and innovation.

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Sitehttps://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

The University of Arkansas is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas seeks to attract, develop and retain high quality faculty, staff and administrators that consistently display practices and behaviors to advance a culture that embeds equal opportunity, educational excellence and unparalleled access for all.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All Application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.