Central New Mexico Community College

Inaugural Chief Marketing Officer

Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist Central New Mexico Community College in its search for Inaugural Chief Marketing Officer.

For full consideration, please apply by February 10.

This is a pivotal moment and exciting time to join the largest community college in New Mexico as the Inaugural Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Poised to celebrate its 60^th anniversary, Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) is entering a transformative period of growth and innovation. The CMO joins a well-supported, talented, and motivated team eager to embrace a bold vision. With a new Strategic Plan underway, and significant capital investments reshaping campuses, the CMO reports to the President and will play a critical role on the Strategic Executive Team, shaping the narrative and crafting a long-term vision to propel the institution forward in this next chapter. This is a unique opportunity to build and lead a transformative marketing strategy elevating CNM’s enterprise brand to engage diverse audiences, foster strong community connections, and drive enrollment growth.

The Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) is responsible for advising and developing the overarching brand, marketing, communications, and public relations strategies and plans for the Central New Mexico Community College Enterprise, which includes the College, the CNM Foundation, and CNM Ingenuity. Working closely with the CNM President, other executives, department leadership, and key internal/external stakeholders, the CMO is responsible for designing the objectives and executing strategies to improve the College’s and Ingenuity’s learner experience to grow enrollment and maintain employer and community partner support of programming and learners. The CMO coordinates internal communications and messaging for college-wide events and employee engagements. The CMO works closely with the College’s emergency management team to prepare for and execute communications across all channels when necessary.

This position reports to the President and serves on the Strategic Executive Team. The CMO is responsible for leading and managing a robust team of Marketing and Communications Office (MCO) staff and vendors and for reporting on and optimizing marketing and communications activities.

This position offers potential for a limited, flexible schedule.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership and Initiative Execution:
- Leads the development and successful implementation of the overarching brand strategy through various, integrated marketing and communications efforts.
- As a President’s Strategic Executive Team member, collaborates with leadership to design and execute major marketing and communications and related initiatives supporting the College’s strategic plan and facilitating community engagement.
- Translates the benefits of education and learning programming, economic development, and partnership initiatives into effective marketing and communication platforms.
- Develop key metrics and tracking mechanisms to determine the success of MCO efforts and drive optimizations to strategies and tactical plans.
- Supervises the successful planning and implementation of all MCO projects and initiatives.
Communications Planning and Advisory:
- Develops and sustains actionable communication plans for major initiatives, supporting short- and long-term operations and relationships across the CNM Enterprise.
- Assists the President and executive leaders in developing and articulating marketing and communications strategies aligned with enterprise-wide efforts, including the multi-year strategic plan.
- Coordinates communications and materials for events associated with the President’s Office.
External Partnerships:
- Provides leadership and strategic direction for cross-functional College initiatives involving external partnerships, including employers, government agencies, schools, community-based organizations, and stakeholders.
- Utilizes business intelligence and communications best practices to optimize the CNM Enterprise’s strategy concerning competitors and external market forces.
Collaborative Planning and Delivery:
- Works across all College units to develop plans, deliverables, and objectives supporting growth, modernization, and program improvement, especially as it relates to MCO involvement.
Leadership of Marketing Office:
- Lead a 30+ person office of creative and marketing specialists, ensuring timely and quality standards aligned with the College, Foundation, and Ingenuity brand strategy. Facilitates individual team members' professional development and career pathways.
- Engages external consultants and specialists to support strategic initiatives and major College projects.
- Coordinates with the Senior Director of Communications and Media Relations to facilitate the President’s message and the College’s direction through appropriate internal and external communication channels.
Alignment with College Vision and Values:
- Ensures the Marketing and Communications Office's work aligns with and reflects the College's vision, mission, values, and strategic goals.
- Consults on all official CNM communications and public communications from the President.
Campaign Coordination and Crisis Management:
- Coordinates marketing and communication campaigns, polling, and strategies for regional and statewide elections, economic development efforts, and specific employer and donor partnerships, or programs.
- When necessary, leads internal and external communications during emergencies and crises, working closely with the President, Sr. Director of Communications, Chief of Security, and Emergency Manager.
Strategic Planning and AI Integration:
- Oversees the strategic planning, development, and execution of advanced marketing and communications, focusing on integrating generative and predictive artificial intelligence tools.
- Ensures AI-driven solutions align with the College's brand, mission, values, and educational objectives, measuring and reporting on their effectiveness for continuous improvement.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in a related field
Minimum of seven (7) years of experience with strategic leadership and execution in marketing, communications, and public relations

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master's degree or advanced learning in a related field
Multilingual abilities are a plus

About Central New Mexico Community College

Founded in 1964 as Albuquerque Technical Vocational Institute, a locally supported vocational school, the College was accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (now the Higher Learning Commission) in 1978. Degree-granting power was approved by the New Mexico Legislature in 1986, signaling the College’s transformation into a comprehensive community college. In 2006, the institution changed its name to Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) to better reflect the breadth of offerings and the service area. CNM currently offers Associate of Arts, Associate of Science and Associate of Applied Science degrees, as well as many certificate programs and non-credit certifications and licensures. Over the last decade, CNM has consistently enrolled the largest undergraduate student body in the state.  

In U.S. Department of Education statistics, CNM consistently ranks among the top five two-year colleges nationwide for the number of associate degrees and certificates awarded to both Hispanics and Native Americans. CNM also consistently ranks among the top 10 for total associate degrees and certificates awarded to all students. As the institution with the largest undergraduate student body in New Mexico, CNM provides affordable education to over 30,000 students and offers rewarding career opportunities to over 2,000 faculty and staff.

CNM has nine locations for easy student access across CNM’s District, including five campuses. The campuses are in each quadrant of Albuquerque, and one in nearby Rio Rancho. The campuses include Main Campus near downtown Albuquerque and the University of New Mexico; the Joseph M. Montoya Campus in the Northeast Heights; the Westside Campus; the South Valley Campus; and the Rio Rancho Campus. The College also offers programs and services at the Advanced Technology Center and Workforce Training Center in north Albuquerque, and the STEMulus Center and FUSE Makerspace in downtown Albuquerque. Each of the locations has had recent upgrades to facilities, technology, and signage.

CNM is deeply rooted in the community, emphasizing service learning and projects that connect students to local opportunities. The college also provides robust student support services, such as tutoring, advising, and counseling, ensuring students have the resources to succeed. Modern facilities, equipped with state-of-the-art labs and study spaces, enhance the learning experience.

Learn about CNM's Strategic Plan, including mission, vision, culture statement, goals, and objectives.

Living in the Area

Living in Albuquerque, New Mexico, offers a unique blend of culture, natural beauty, and modern amenities, making it an appealing place to call home. The city boasts a rich cultural heritage, deeply rooted in Native American, Hispanic, and Western traditions, which is reflected in its vibrant art scene, historic landmarks, and annual events like the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, low humidity, short commute times, and a relaxed pace, Albuquerque is easy to live in and offers an endless mix of culture, lively entertainment, dining, and shopping.

Albuquerque is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, surrounded by stunning landscapes like the Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande, offering year-round opportunities for hiking, biking, skiing, and hot air ballooning. The city’s high desert climate ensures plenty of sunshine, making it ideal for those who love an active lifestyle. The central location also provides easy access to other attractions, such as Santa Fe and the national parks.

The city is home to a strong job market, with opportunities in sectors like healthcare, education, technology, and renewable energy. Adding to that are a favorable tax climate, the state’s strong fiscal health and a cost of living nearly 8% below national average. The area offers affordable housing options and access to diverse dining and entertainment. With its unique blend of culture, affordability, outdoor adventures, and career opportunities, Albuquerque provides an exceptional quality of life for individuals and families alike.

To Apply

For full consideration, please apply by February 10.

To be viewed by the search firm, you must apply directly at: https://acesrch.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a21esjyg625o

Please apply through the application link and do not email applications.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita. Ideally cover letters should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially.

Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are also treated confidentially.

Inquiries and questions: Please send to CNMCMO@acesrch.com

Nominations and referrals: Please send the nominee’s name, title, and contact information if available to nominations@acesrch.com.

Institution’s EEO Statement

As an EEO employer, Central New Mexico Community College will not discriminate in our employment practices based on an applicant’s race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, serious medical condition or status as a protected veteran or spousal affiliation. Central New Mexico Community College hires only U.S. citizens and individuals lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.

Central New Mexico Community College

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