Southern Connecticut State University seeks a visionary Chief Marketing and Communications Officer (CMCO) to lead its newly elevated marketing and communications division.
Reporting directly to the President and serving as a key member of the President’s Leadership Team, the CMCO will guide the division through a comprehensive operational refresh, defining how Southern tells its story, engages its audiences, and positions itself for long-term success.
The CMCO will oversee a high-performing team; set strategy for marketing, communications, and storytelling; serve as the university’s chief spokesperson; and act as executive editor of all university publications.
This leader will bring a strong command of data-driven marketing, digital strategy, and organizational change, along with a deep commitment to student success, teamwork, and community engagement.
This is a rare opportunity to shape the voice, reputation, and future trajectory of a growing, nationally recognized research university with regional and global impact.
Timeline
| Date | Milestone / Task |
|---|---|
| January 22, 2026 | Initial Search Committee meeting |
| January 26 – February 16, 2026 | Position advertised and applications accepted |
| February 20, 2026 | Search committee training |
| Week of February 23, 2026 | Committee reviews and scores all applicant materials and semi-finalists selected |
| Week of March 2 - 13, 2026 | Virtual interviews conducted with semi-finalists and finalists selected |
| Week of March 9, 2026 | Finalists selected for in-person, campus interviews |
| March 23 - 31, 2026 | On-campus interviews conducted and survey feedback collected from campus community |
| April 1 - 3, 2026 | Committee meets with president to discuss candidate strengths and weaknesses. |
| Week of April 6, 2026 | President makes job offer and secures contract with selected candidate. |
Committee Members
Julie Edstrom, Chair of Committee
Nicole DeWitt, Member / Admin. Support, Admin. Asst./Clerical Union
Kelvin Rutledge, Member / HR Rep., Human Resources
Julia Irwin, Member, President’s Leadership Team
Nilvio Perez, Member Admissions
Richard Anderson, Member Campus Police
Courtney Hendricson, Member, Institutional Advancement
Betsy Beacom, Member, Marketing/Communications
Jules Tetreault, Member, Career & Student Services
Helena Niamoli, Member, Undergraduate Student
Jonathan Wharton, Member, Faculty Senate
Kari Swanson, Member, AAUP
Esteban Garcia, Member, Admin. Faculty Senate
Ajay Chhabra, Member, SUOAF
AJ Bilotta, Member, Lyman Center
Ken Sweeten, Member, Athletics
Cassie Nemec, Member, Graduate Student
Chauncey Hamlett, Community Member, SCSU Foundation Board
Natalie Judd, Community Member, New Haven Marketing Professional
Brittany Shaff, Community Member, Non-profit Fundraising Professional