Chief Strategy and Communications Officer at University of Arkansas Fayetteville

Current University of Arkansas System employees including student employees and graduate assistants need to log in to Workday via then access Find Jobs from the Workday search bar to view and apply for open positions. Students at University of Arkansas System two-year institutions will also view open positions and apply within Workday by searching for Find Jobs for Students. All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date (if designated).If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting the application process will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through My Draft Applications located on your Candidate Home page.Closing Date:11/22/2025Type of Position:Administrative StrategyWorkstudy Position:NoJob Type:RegularWork Shift:Day Shift (United States of America)Sponsorship Available:NoInstitution Name: University of Arkansas FayettevilleFounded in 1871 the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nations 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 nations 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 () : 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.Department:Deans OfficeDepartments Website:Summary of Job Duties:The Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas seeks an accomplished forward-thinking leader to serve as its Chief Strategy and Communications Officer (CSCO).As a key member of the Deans leadership team the CSCO will provide strategic direction and oversight for communications branding and strategic planning across the College. This role will align the Colleges storytelling strategic initiatives and institutional prioritiesensuring that every message initiative and partnership reflects the Walton Colleges vision.The CSCO will be responsible for helping to advance the Colleges long-term goals deepen stakeholder engagement and amplify its visibility and impact regionally nationally and globally.The successful candidate will lead the finalization and implementation of the Colleges new strategic plan while driving a cohesive best-in-class approach to communications branding and external engagement.This position offers a unique opportunity for a visionary strategist and communicator to help define and amplify the Walton Colleges voice influence and impact on business and society.Regular reliable and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty as is the ability to create and maintain collegial harmonious working relationships with others.Qualifications:Minimum Qualifications:Minimum of 20 years of progressive strategic leadership experience in communications public relations or brand managementProven success leading integrated communications and brand strategies that elevate institutional or corporate reputationDemonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing teamsExceptional written verbal and interpersonal communication skillsStrong analytical and strategic decision-making capabilitiesPreferred Qualifications:Experience in corporate communications brand leadership or public affairs at a major company agency or mission-driven organizationFamiliarity with higher education or complex multi-stakeholder organizationsDemonstrated experience leading strategic planning strategic communications or organizational transformation effortsDemonstrated knowledge of how to support fundraisingKnowledge Skills and Abilities (Key Competencies):Strategic and Systems Thinking skills: Sees the big picture anticipates challenges and designs long-term strategies that advance institutional goalsLeadership and Organizational Influence skills: Leads through collaboration trust and credibility; inspires alignment around strategic priorities and fosters a culture of accountability and innovationBrand Stewardship and Narrative Development skills: Shapes a compelling institutional identity and translates complex ideas into persuasive narrativesAnalytical and Data-Informed Decision-Making skills: Uses research and metrics to guide strategy and measure impactExecutive Presence and Communication skills: Demonstrates poise clarity and confidence in high-stakes settings; serves as a trusted advisor and representative of the CollegeStakeholder and Relationship Management skills: Builds and sustains relationships with faculty staff students alumni partners media and donorsChange Management and Adaptability skills: Navigates complexity with agility and leads organizational transitions with transparency and empathy.Additional Information:Why Walton CollegeThe 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 Arkansashome to Fortune 500 companies global brands and a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystemthe 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 NowAs 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 Colleges external narrativehelping Walton College plan effectively tell its story powerfully and position itself as a nationally recognized leader in business education and innovation.Salary Information:Commensurate with education and experience.Required Documents to Apply:Cover Letter/Letter of Application List of three Professional References (name email business title) ResumeOptional Documents:Proof of Veteran StatusRecruitment Contact Information:Diane Walsh McNutt Director of HR All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.Special Instructions to Applicants:Pre-employment Screening Requirements:Criminal Background Check Sex Offender RegistryThe 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.The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law including age race color national origin disability religion protected veteran status military service genetic information sex sexual orientation or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex may be sent to the Universitys Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.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.Constant Physical Activity:N/AFrequent Physical Activity:N/AOccasional Physical Activity:N/ABenefits Eligible:YesRequired Experience:Chief Key Skills Business Development,Manual Testing,IT Strategy,Financial Management,Blogging Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1