Chief Marketing and Communications Officer

American University of Iraq Baghdad

u>Job Summary/u>
The Chief Marketing and Communications Officer (CMCO) serves as a key member of the University's executive leadership team, responsible for shaping and advancing AUIB's global reputation, brand, and engagement strategy. This senior leader directs a comprehensive marketing and communications program designed to strengthen institutional visibility, drive enrollment growth, enhance stakeholder relationships, and position AUIB as a premier higher education institution both regionally and internationally.

The CMCO provides visionary leadership for all marketing, branding, communications, and public relations efforts; partners with academic and administrative leaders to promote the University's mission and programs; and serves as the chief spokesperson and media strategist.

u>Key Responsibilities/u>

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a bold, integrated marketing and communications strategy that elevates AUIB's reputation and supports institutional priorities.
• Brand Management: Define, protect, and advance the University's brand identity across all platforms and audiences.
• Enrollment and Recruitment Marketing: Partner with Enrollment Management to design and execute data-informed recruitment campaigns that attract diverse student populations domestically and globally.
• Communications and Media Relations: Serve as the University's primary communications strategist, overseeing media relations, crisis communications, internal communications, and institutional storytelling.
• Digital Engagement: Drive innovation in digital marketing, social media, and web platforms to maximize reach and engagement with target audiences.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with academic, administrative, alumni, and donor communities to strengthen outreach and engagement efforts.
• Executive Representation: Represent AUIB at international forums, conferences, and events, serving as an ambassador for the institution.
• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse marketing and communications team, fostering creativity, accountability, and excellence.
• Assessment and Reporting: Establish clear KPIs and ROI measures for marketing initiatives; regularly report performance outcomes to the President and Board of Trustees.

u>Qualifications/u>
A. Education

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, or related field required.
• Master's degree preferred.

B. Experience

• Minimum of 10+ years of progressive marketing leadership experience, ideally in higher education or within a complex, mission-driven organization.
• Proven track record in managing integrated marketing and communications functions, including brand management, media relations, digital engagement, and recruitment marketing.
• Demonstrated success in leading large teams and managing significant budgets.
• Experience navigating international markets and diverse cultural contexts preferred.

C. Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Visionary leadership with the ability to shape institutional reputation and strategy.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and public-speaking skills.
• Strong expertise in digital marketing, analytics, SEO, and CRM platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to manage crisis communications and reputation management at the executive level.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in communications and outreach.
• High degree of adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and willingness to travel internationally.
• Strong organizational, project management, and decision-making skills.