PRESS RELEASES

University of Oklahoma Foundation Assistant Vice President for Marketing & Communications

Bryant Group, a Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm, has been selected to recruit the Assistant Vice President for Marketing & Communications for the University of Oklahoma Foundation. Bryant Group Vice President Sarah Hempen is leading the search.

“We’re looking for a marketing leader who will help us build a best-in-class communications organization whose product is philanthropy,” said Jay Kahn, Sr. Assistant Vice President for Advancement and Campaigns at the University of Oklahoma Foundation. “This person will serve as a strategic thought partner to our fundraising teams and have the opportunity to build both a team and technology infrastructure. This represents a unique chance to shape marketing strategy at one of the strongest brands in higher education, with the resources and institutional support needed to make a lasting impact for years to come.”

The Assistant Vice President for Marketing & Communications will play a pivotal role in elevating the Foundation’s storytelling, brand presence and donor engagement strategies. This leader will oversee a comprehensive, integrated marketing and communications program designed to advance philanthropic support for the University of Oklahoma through compelling messaging, innovative digital strategy and creative content development.

Reporting to senior leadership within the Foundation, the AVP will guide a growing team responsible for brand management, digital marketing, creative services and strategic communications. The successful candidate will partner closely with fundraising teams across the organization to ensure alignment, drive campaign messaging and support donor acquisition and retention through data-informed marketing initiatives.

The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in marketing leadership, brand strategy and digital communications—preferably within higher education, nonprofit or mission-driven environments. Candidates should demonstrate a strong record of building and leading high-performing teams, managing complex marketing systems and creating integrated strategies that inspire audiences and drive measurable results. Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, along with a bachelor’s degree and significant progressively responsible experience in marketing or strategic communications, are essential.

About the OU Foundation

The University of Oklahoma Foundation is an independent charitable organization that facilitates and manages philanthropic gifts to support the University of Oklahoma. With a culture of integrity, skill and persistence, the Foundation aligns the passions of donors and alumni with the indelible mission of the University of Oklahoma.

About the University of Oklahoma

Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and healthcare needs of the state, region and nation. For more information about the university, visit www.ou.edu.

Advancing Great Leadership

Bryant Group, based in Dallas, Texas, and with associates located across the United States, specializes in executive search and leadership coaching for higher education, healthcare and nonprofits with an emphasis on advancement leaders and other executives. In 1988, Chris Bryant, founder of the Bryant Group, started one of the country’s first search firms specializing in philanthropy recruitment. Now under the leadership of CEO Sally Bryant, the woman-owned firm has a long history of recruiting, developing and coaching great leaders. Bryant Group has impacted more than 10,000 leaders and served more than 300 organizations across the US and Canada.