Chief Branding Officer

The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), part of the State University of New York and an internationally renownedcollege of art, design, business, and technology with a strong emphasis on liberal arts, invites applications for a ChiefBrand Officer.The Fashion Institute of Technology, a part of the State University of New York, has been a leader in career educationin art, design, business, and technology for over 70 years. With a curriculum that provides a singular blend of hands-on,practical experience, classroom study, and a firm grounding in the liberal arts, FIT offers a wide range of outstandingprograms that are relevant to today's rapidly changing industries. Internationally renowned, FIT draws on its New YorkCity location to provide a vibrant, creative community in which to learn. The college offers more than 45 majors andgrants AAS, BFA, BS, MA, MFA, and MPS degrees, preparing students for professional success and leadership in theglobal marketplace.With close ties to industry, FIT draws faculty from the city's art, business, and design elite, and from the rich academiccommunity of the region. The college continually seeks creative faculty members who are passionate about their fieldand demonstrate exceptional professional capability in the core competencies of instruction design, learning enrichment,globalism, and use of technology, as well as mastery of established and emerging industry practices.Job Description:Reporting to the President and serving on the senior management team, the Chief Brand Officer provides overallleadership, strategic planning, and creative direction in support of a comprehensive institutional brand program onbehalf of FIT. Primary responsibilities include the development and implementation of a brand strategy and ensuringbrand messaging is effectively delivered in order to build image, visibility, and reputation; support and increaseenrollment; enhance alumni and donor affinity; and advance the understanding of the college’s mission.The Chief Brand Officer also translates FIT’s strategic goals and objectives into a brand strategy, identifies and executeskey branding issues, and manages a centralized budget for all internal and external branding efforts. Extensive outreachwithin the FIT community and beyond is required and key constituents include prospective students, alumni, faculty andstudents, industry, donors, government officials, and the general public.Key responsibilities include:Leadership and Strategy● Work with the President and President’s Cabinet to establish a long-term brand strategy in support of FITgoals and objectives● Conducting competitive and market analysis to establish brand messaging that would set us apart fromcompetitors● Supervising the creation of marketing assets such as slogans, visual materials, articles, etc., as a representationof the brand and a way of creating and fostering a long-term relationship with constituent groups 12● Identifying target customer segments● Developing strategies to expand the brand to new audiences, such as building relationships with key influencers,industry thought leaders, etc.● Ensuring customer service, advertising, marketing, and other activities align with the established brand image● Modifying the brand image as necessary to reposition the college within the market● Advise the President and other key administrators regarding effective brand strategies on matters of importanceto the college● Guide and oversee direct-report employees in order to develop the brand strategy● Direct and manage divisional budget and financial planning● Provide leadership in the effective use of current technology in the development, design and implementation ofthe brand strategyMarketing● Conducting competitive and market analysis to establish brand messaging that would set us apart fromcompetitors● Engage in and sustain periodic marketing research in support of data- and information-driven decision-making● Promote the brand of the university and its various programs by using market research data to determine themost effective techniques and approaches for reaching target audiencesCommunications● Focus efforts on enhancing FIT’s reputation and increasing an understanding of the depth and breadth of thecollege● Oversee the development of information campaigns to communicate and strengthen the brand and reputation ofthe university● Monitor all university communications and internally produced publications to ensure consistency in promotingthe university's image.● Advise the president and other key administrators regarding effective communications strategies on matters ofimportance.● Monitor and assess the appropriateness of emerging communications trends, technologies and strategies andadopt these techniques as appropriate.Project and Relationship Management● Ensure that the brand reflects institutional priorities and are produced/ delivered in a cost-effective, timely, andquality manner● Ensure that contact and production reports, status reports, and closing-the-loop reports are developed and sharedas needed● Maintain relationships across the college, with external agency/service providers, and other colleagues as needed● Manage staff, including interviewing, hiring, and training; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraisingperformance, establishing goals and objectives, and addressing complaints and resolving problems.● Support “creative crowdsourcing” from within the college community—faculty, students, and alumni—toleverage and showcase FIT talent in developing and producing brand materials.13The successful candidate will be a strategic, sophisticated communications professional and leader with deep knowledgeof brand management, marketing communications, public and media relations. The successful candidate will havedemonstrated success as a spokesperson, will possess the ability to understand the larger institutional picture and identifylogistical objectives to meet broader collegewide goals, will be an effective supervisor and colleague, and will bringcreativity and enthusiasm to the role while maintaining a level of professionalism, thoughtfulness, and collaboration tothe position.Requirements:● A Bachelor’s degree in a related field; master’s preferred● 10 years of successful marketing and communications experience including public relations, publications, andmedia relations;● An innovative approach to problem-solving;● Exceptional technological literacy, writing, speaking, and other communication skills;● The ability to relate effectively within the academic community and to diverse publics;● Demonstrated success as a creative, effective manager; and a genuine interest in an academic environment andthe unique higher education that FIT offers.Additional Information:Supplemented by a generous benefits package, the salary range for this position is competitive and will be dependenton experience and qualifications.Application Instructions:In order to be considered for the position, you must submit the following documents online:

• Cover letter
• Resume