Head of Strategic Marketing, Brand and Communications

WE ARE HIRING!Position Title: Head of Strategic Marketing, Brand and CommunicationsDepartment: President OfficeEmployment Type: Full-timeHelp us reimagine the 21st-century University.Fulbright University Vietnam is an innovative, future-oriented university dedicated to bringing the best of American education to Vietnam. Fulbright serves the next generation of Vietnamese entrepreneurs, scientists, engineers, policy innovators, and artists through undergraduate and graduate educational programs of exceptional rigor that equip students with the skills, adaptability, and international network to thrive in a fast-changing world.Fulbright’s flagship academic programs include The Fulbright School of Public Policy and Management (FSPPM) an accredited graduate professional school incubated by the Harvard Kennedy School until the university’s founding in 2016; and Vietnam’s first undergraduate program in engineering and the liberal arts and sciences.Fulbright is growing rapidly. In September 2026, the university will move into its home campus in the Saigon High Tech Park in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City in the heart of Vietnam’s emerging innovation ecosystem. Until campus construction is completed, we are located at Crescent Plaza, Tan Phu Ward, in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly District 7).More information about Fulbright may be found at https://fulbright.edu.vn/.About the roleThe Head of Brand & Strategic Communications is responsible for shaping and protecting Fulbright University Vietnam’s institutional identity, narrative, and reputation. This role provides strategic direction on brand positioning, storytelling, communications planning, and corporate message alignment across the university. The position ensures that Fulbright’s brand is consistently represented through clear narratives, authentic voice, and coherent visual and verbal identity.This role does not include performance‑driven recruitment marketing activities (e.g., digital campaign optimization, lead generation pipelines, admissions conversion funnels), which are owned by the Admissions/Recruitment Marketing function.Reporting LinesSolid reports to: PresidentDotted-line reports to: Vice President of Operations and DevelopmentList by title positions which report directly to this position:Communications ManagerMarketing and Branding ManagerRoles and ResponsibilitiesThe roles and responsibilities of the Head of Strategic Marketing, Brand and Communications includes but is not limited to:Brand Strategy & PositioningDevelop and lead the university’s brand strategy, positioning, and narrative framework aligned with institutional mission and long‑term strategic goals.Safeguard the coherence and integrity of visual and verbal brand identity across all schools, units, centers, and initiatives.Guide development of brand‑level creative concepts and campaigns that elevate institutional reputation.Strategic CommunicationsLead integrated communications planning for major institutional priorities (academic programs, research visibility, campus development, partnerships, fundraising, community engagement).Provide strategic counsel to senior leadership on message framing, external engagement, and reputation considerations.Develop message guidelines, tone‑of‑voice standards, and briefing materials for leadership and spokespeople.Corporate Affairs Align institutional messaging across leadership remarks, speeches, press engagements, high‑level partner communication, and external representation.Support narrative coherence for President, Vice Presidents, Deans, and key institutional ambassadors.Coordinate cross‑unit message consistency for strategic partnerships, donor relations, and public‑facing institutional initiatives.Media Relations & Spokesperson FunctionOversee media relations strategy, cultivating proactive and positive engagement with key media outlets.Serve as spokesperson when delegated, and provide spokesperson preparation (briefing, Q&A, narrative guardrails) for senior leadership.Lead reputational and issue‑based communications, ensuring timely, accurate, and coordinated response.Digital & Content Strategy Direct institutional website and editorial narratives to ensure clarity of identity, mission, and impact.Oversee brand‑level storytelling across owned channels (web, social, newsletters, publications).Ensure digital content is mission‑aligned, audience‑appropriate, and supports long‑term reputation and awareness objectives.Internal Communications & CultureDesign internal communications programs that reinforce shared purpose, transparency, and community engagement.Collaborate with HR, Student Life, Academic units, and Administration to support a cohesive university voice.Team Leadership & ManagementLead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing Strategic Marketing, Brand and Strategic Communications team.Establish workflows, editorial and approval processes, and quality standards.Manage strategic vendor and agency relationships.Other duties:Contributing to team effort by welcoming new and different work requirements; exploring new opportunities to enhance the services of the department; helping others accomplish related job results as and where needed; and perform other duties as assigned.What we look forEducation: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in communications, branding, public policy, education management, or related field preferred.Experience:At least 15 years experience in branding and communicationProven leadership experience guiding integrated communications at complex organizations, preferably in education, public sector, cultural institutions, or mission‑driven organizations.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:Exceptional storytelling, writing, and messaging skills in English and Vietnamese.Strong strategic judgment and ability to counsel senior leadership.Deep understanding of media landscape and communication dynamics in Vietnam.Ability to lead cross‑functional initiatives and manage multiple stakeholders.Integrity, discretion, emotional intelligence, and collaborative leadership style.Passionate about education, culture, and community engagement