Head of Brand Strategy and Marketing Communications

Reporting Structure

• Direct Report: President

• Indirect Report: Vice President for Operations and Development

• Direct Supervision: Director of Communications, Director of Marketing & Brand Development

• Develop and implement the university’s brand strategy aligned with its mission and long-term vision.

• Ensure consistency and integrity in brand identity across all schools, departments, and initiatives.

• Lead brand-level communication campaigns to strengthen the institution’s image and reputation.

• Lead the development of integrated communication plans for institutional priorities such as academic programs, research visibility, campus development, partnerships, and fundraising.

• Advise senior leadership on message framing, external engagement, and reputation management.

• Develop message guidelines, tone-of-voice standards, and briefing materials for leadership and spokespersons.

• Coordinate organizational messaging across executive speeches, statements, press interactions, and partner communications.

• Ensure message alignment among departments for strategic partnerships, donor relations, and public-facing institutional initiatives.

• Oversee media relations strategy and maintain proactive engagement with key media outlets.

• Serve as an authorized spokesperson when delegated and prepare senior leaders for public appearances through briefings and Q&A materials.

• Manage reputation-related communications and ensure timely, accurate, and coordinated responses to media inquiries or emerging issues.

• Supervise institutional website and digital storytelling to ensure clarity of identity, mission, and impact.

• Oversee brand storytelling across owned channels (website, social media, newsletters, publications).

• Ensure all digital content aligns with the university’s mission, audience relevance, and long-term reputation goals.

• Design internal communication programs that promote transparency, shared purpose, and community engagement.

• Collaborate with departments such as Human Resources, Academic Affairs, and Student Life to support a unified institutional voice.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing Strategic Communications and Marketing team.

• Establish workflows, editorial and approval processes, and quality standards.

• Manage relationships with key agencies and communication service providers.

• Support new institutional initiatives as needed.

• Contribute to projects that enhance the university’s communication and brand capabilities.

• Gender: Male/Female
• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred in Communications, Branding, Public Policy, Educational Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in branding and communications.
• Proven leadership experience in directing integrated communications within complex organizations, preferably in education, public sector, cultural institutions, or mission-driven organizations.
• Exceptional storytelling, writing, and messaging skills in both English and Vietnamese.
• Strong strategic judgment and ability to advise senior leadership on communication strategies.
• In-depth understanding of the media landscape and communication dynamics in Vietnam.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and manage multiple stakeholders effectively.
• High level of integrity, discretion, emotional intelligence, and collaborative leadership style.
• Genuine passion for education, culture, and community engagement.