About NASPA

NASPA is the leading association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs profession. We serve the diverse needs of our community, from vice presidents of student affairs to undergraduate student leaders considering a career in the field. Founded in 1919, NASPA includes more than 15,000 members in all 50 states, 29 countries, and 8 U.S. Territories. Guided by the principles of integrity, innovation, inclusion, and inquiry, we are dedicated to empowering our members to realize their full potential and to cultivating student success in collaboration with our institutional members, who represent every sector of higher education. NASPA's work is governed by our Code of Ethics. Read more here.

About the Position 

The Vice President of Public Relations and Communications is a strategic leader responsible for shaping and executing the organization’s communications strategy to enhance visibility, reputation, and engagement with key stakeholders. This role will oversee NASPA’s media relations, executive communications, crisis response, message development, and marketing. The VP will serve as part of NASPA's Executive Team and will collaborate closely with other senior leaders to ensure alignment of all communications with the Association’s mission and strategic goals.

Essential Responsibilities

• Strategic Communications Leadership
• Develop and implement an integrated and consistent public relations strategy to raise awareness of the Association’s strategic plan, vision, mission, initiatives, and impact.
• Develop and implement an integrated and consistent overall communications and marketing strategy to maximize reach and participation within the membership.
• Lead executive communications, including speeches, op-eds, press statements, and internal messaging for the NASPA Board, President, and other senior leaders in the Association.
• Uphold and enhance the organization’s brand and public image through consistent messaging across all channels.
• Lead crisis communications planning and response.
• Lead the communications and marketing team and collaborate cross-functionally with the operational and content teams Association-wide.
• Collaborate with the Executive Vice President to assess the effectiveness of the public relations and communications strategy and to allocate financial, technological, and personnel resources appropriately. 
• Manage external communications vendors, consultants, and public relations firms.

• Media and Public Relations
• Cultivate and manage relationships with national and higher education media.
• Serve as the primary media contact and spokesperson, as appropriate.
• Prepare NASPA staff and volunteer leadership for media appearances.
• Monitor media coverage and public sentiment; provide timely analysis and recommendations.
  
  
• Community Engagement and Marketing
• Partner with NASPA leadership, volunteers, and staff to amplify initiatives and ensure consistent messaging to student affairs professionals.
• Support advocacy and public policy communications efforts.
• Develop promotional materials that showcase NASPA’s brand to current and potential members and current and potential partners, including but not limited to associations, corporations, foundations, and other organizations.
• Provide oversight for the Association’s social media management.

Reports To

NASPA President

Directly Supervises

Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Digital Innovation

Team Members

Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications

Assistant Director of Creative Campaigns

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• 10 years of progressive experience in communications, with significant responsibility for public relations, preferably in a nonprofit, association, or higher education setting and at least five of which in senior-level positions with department-level leadership including strategy, supervision, and budget management.
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and networking abilities.
• Experience managing real-time and emerging crisis communications and advising senior leadership.
• Familiarity with the landscape of higher education policy, trends, and media.
• Proven success in leading media strategy and high-level communications initiatives.
• Experience working with associations or membership-based organizations.
• Excellent project management experience with a consistent focus on details.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate communications environments that are complex, time-sensitive, and highly visible.
• Experience incorporating the impacts on and perspectives of multiple communities in decision-making processes.
• Demonstrated commitment to cultivating an inclusive work environment that values the perspectives and experiences of a diverse workforce and membership.

Employment Status: 

Full-time Exempt: Exempt employees by definition are exempt from overtime compensation requirements of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, and are required to work as the job demands on a no time limit basis. 

Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. NASPA does not initiate, extend or provide immigration or work visa sponsorship for employment.

Salary Range

The salary range for this position is $190,000-$210,000.

NASPA offers nationwide comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with automatic employer contribution, flexible work schedule, and paid time-off including accrued PTO, family leave, community service leave, and holidays.

Office Location/Working Conditions/Physical Requirements 

Office Location

This position may be based anywhere in the contiguous 48 states. 

It is the employee’s responsibility to provide reliable internet capabilities for any work location outside of the Washington, D.C. office.

Travel 

Occasional overnight travel to represent NASPA at events, on college and university campuses, and in-person meetings is an essential function of this position. Locations vary and can include sites outside of taxi service from major airports. As a result, the position is required to have the ability to travel independently, including air travel, navigating ground transportation, and occasionally driving a rental car. 

Physical Requirements

This position is primarily office-based with primary work on a computer, including phone, email, and video conferencing.

Responsibilities frequently may require an adjusted work schedule, overtime, and evening/weekend hours in order to meet deadlines and support events and programs. 

Commitment to Non-Discrimination Statement 

NASPA provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. NASPA does not discriminate on the basis of race; color, national origin; religion; sex; age; gender identity or expression, affectional or sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, marital status; personal appearance; family responsibilities; genetic information; educational status; political affiliation; unemployment status; place of residence or business; source of income; caste; matriculation; credit information; status as a survivor or family member of a survivor of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking; reproductive health decision making; or any other basis protected by law in any of its policies, employment practices, or in any context in the workplace. When necessary, NASPA also makes reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. 

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following for consideration: 

• Letter of Interest/Cover Letter
• Resume
• Three References
• Three writing samples (op-ed, press release, and media statement)

A complete set of materials should be submitted through this Asana form. Materials received by August 17, 2025 will receive priority consideration, but review will continue until the position is filled. 

About National Association of Student Personnel Administrators

NASPA is the leading association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs profession. We serve the diverse needs of our community, from vice presidents of student affairs to undergraduate student leaders considering a career in the field. Founded in 1919, NASPA includes more than 15,000 members in all 50 states, 29 countries, and 8 U.S. Territories. Guided by the principles of integrity, innovation, inclusion, and inquiry, we are dedicated to empowering our members to realize their full potential and to cultivating student success in collaboration with our institutional members, who represent every sector of higher education. NASPA centers justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work; read more about our commitment here: https://www.naspa.org/about/equity-and-justice.

Connections working at National Association of Student Personnel Administrators