Viv Academy

What to Expect

Viv Academy is an exclusive 8-week, cohort-based program designed for aspiring marketers looking to make an impact on higher education marketing. Participants will work directly with our CEO, Suzan Brinker, gaining hands-on experience and expert mentorship.

Throughout the program, you'll collaborate on a real-world project syllabus, develop key skills, and create a final project that showcases your abilities. We’ll pay you a stipend while you learn and grow with us. At the end of the program, standout participants will have the opportunity to join Viv Higher Education in a full-time role.

Learn more below and apply for your chance to work with industry leaders and potentially land a full-time position with us!

Suzan Brinker, PhD is a higher education strategist, marketer, author, and podcast host. She is the co-founder and CEO of Viv Higher Education, a Boston-based, woman-owned full-service marketing agency for colleges and universities.

Suzan is the author of Pass / Fail: The Urgent Need for Strategic Leadership in Higher Education, which will be published in 2024. She also hosts the Higher Ed Leaders Podcast.

Suzan and her collaborative team specialize in helping colleges and universities differentiate themselves through market-aligned brands and programs rooted in market research, strategic planning, and a content-first approach to authentic marketing that builds trust and engages prospects at every stage of the funnel.

In addition to leading her agency team’s work across projects with institutions of all types and sizes for the past five years, Suzan brings in-house experience from her roles as

Director of Marketing at Penn State World Campus
Director of Marketing at Northeastern University
Fractional CMO at Assumption University

Suzan grew up in Germany with a Turkish father and a German mother. She fell in love with American higher education when she came to the U.S. to study English as an undergraduate exchange student at St. Norbert College. From there, she earned her M.A. in communication from Marquette and her PhD in Higher Education from Penn State.

About Viv Academy

The 8-week cohort, led by Suzan Brinker, PhD, Co-Founder and CEO of Viv Higher Education, offers a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practices of higher education marketing. The curriculum includes weekly asynchronous modules and live coaching sessions with Dr. Brinker, allowing participants to dive into subjects such as branding, market research, audience segmentation, and innovative marketing trends. Participants will also complete a capstone project, applying their learning to a real-world challenge in higher education marketing.

Course Structure

Asynchronous Work: Weekly modules including video lectures, readings, and assignments.

Live Coaching Sessions: Weekly interactive coaching sessions with Suzan Brinker, PhD, for Q&A, discussion of module topics, and personalized feedback.

Estimated Weekly Time Commitment

Asynchronous Work: 4-6 hours

Module Readings and Video Lectures: 2-3 hours
Assignments and Exercises: 2-3 hours

Live Coaching Session: 1-1.5 hours

Weekly Live Session: 1 hour (with some time for Q&A)
Preparation for the Live Session: 0.5 hours
Total Estimated Weekly Commitment: 5-7.5 hours

Weekly Live Call Time

Mondays at 2 PM EST

Course Schedule

Week 1: Introduction to Higher Education Marketing
Week 2: Market Research and Marketing Planning
Week 3: (No class )
Week 4: Branding, Differentiation, and Positioning in Higher Ed
Week 5: Understanding Your Audience, Marketing Personas, and Psychographic Messaging
Week 6: Enrollment Goals, Performance Marketing Planning, Channel Strategy, and Data Analytics
Week 7: Content-First Strategies, Content Calendars, and Multimedia Storytelling
Week 8: Trends, Innovations, and Entrepreneurial Leadership in Higher Education Marketing
Week 9: Capstone Project, Team Collaboration, and Presentation

About Viv Higher Education

Our mission is to empower institutions to reach their goals and connect with students in new, meaningful ways. Whether it’s through strategic enrollment campaigns, creative storytelling, or cutting-edge digital solutions, we believe in the power of education to transform lives.

Founded with an entrepreneurial mindset, Viv Higher Education is committed to driving results while fostering lasting partnerships. We approach every project with a fresh perspective and a belief that together, we can create a brighter future for higher education.

"In just four years, Viv's entrepreneurial culture has propelled me from an assistant director of admissions and enrollment at a small study away program to a people operations VP, igniting an even deeper passion for advancing higher education. My work at Viv has helped me develop my unique collaboration, communication, and leadership approach. It has taught me the importance of finding purpose in my work and amplifying it alongside my colleagues and clients." - Audra Delaney-Hall, VP of People Operations, Viv Higher Education

Viv Higher Education

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