Director of Strategic Communications
Apply NowCompany: University of Minnesota
Location: Saint Paul, MN 55111
Description:
Priority Application Deadline: 11/14/2024
Summary:
The departments and people in University Services deliver the non-academic operations across the University of Minnesota system. We are responsible for creating and sustaining the places and the spaces that support the teaching, research, and outreach missions of the University. Simply put, University Services are the people behind the scenes who help ensure the University functions each and every day. We house our students, serve the food, heat and cool buildings, care for our grounds, build and renovate facilities, plan the future of our campuses, and work to create a more environmentally sustainable university. The purpose and mission of our team is that we make the University work.
University Services' departments (Auxiliary Services; Capital Project Management; Facilities Management; Planning, Space, and Real Estate; and Sustainability) are supported by the Management Services team and are committed to providing efficient and effective services to our partners across the University. Our 3,700 employees (including 2,000 student workers) are dedicated to the highest standards of excellence, integrity, accountability, and stewardship. We take great pride in supporting one of the world's most renowned public research universities.
We seek an experienced communications professional to lead and support our strategic communications, public relations, and marketing efforts. The Director of Strategic Communications will engage with the Vice President and University Services Leadership Team to develop and deploy communications plans, materials, and content that will advance our goals, reputation, and service to the University community. This role will collaborate with other professionals across the University to identify opportunities for high-impact, intersectional and strategic communications for our students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors. The Director of Strategic Communications will be both a team member and leader.
Applicants will be asked to share their digital portfolio or a writing sample in addition to their
resume and cover letter.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
1. Lead, develop, and manage strategic communications for the Office of the Vice
President for University Services (40%)
a. Create and execute strategic communication efforts and tactics for the Vice
President and University Services Leadership Team congruent with University
Services initiatives, the University Services strategic plan, and the University's
systemwide strategic plan
b. Ensure that University Services communications reflect our commitment to
diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility
c. Facilitate the development and operationalization of an annual University
Services communications calendar
d. Provide advice and counsel to the Vice President and the University Services
Leadership Team regarding issues management and crisis resolution, including
the development of crisis management response plans and messaging
recommendations
e. Coordinate and support the work of other University Services communications
professionals to expand capacity, ensure alignment, identify best practices, and
facilitate synergy
f. Represent, market and promote University Services to the broader community
(students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors) as an excellent service provider
supporting the University's three-part mission of: research and discovery,
teaching and learning, and outreach and public service
g. Work closely with University Relations colleagues (marketing, internal
communications, public relations, creative services, etc.) and serve as the
University Services Marcom Lead to build relationships with and participate in
activities with Marcom Leads across the University system
2. Oversee and create University Services editorial content used for internal and external
audiences (15%)
a. Support the Vice President by creating, aggregating and/or editing content for
newsletters, mass emails, or other University publications
b. Identify internal/external audiences and stakeholders where communication
efforts could be enhanced or created; execute communications activities that
bolster engagement of these audiences
c. Work with Vice President and University Services Leadership Team to maintain
and improve University Services websites and online presence
d. Work closely with the University Relations Internal Communications team to
coordinate and align University Services messaging and communications
initiatives that cross multiple campuses, colleges and units
e. Ensure all content meets University of Minnesota brand and related guidelines
3. Serve as the University Services public relations and media lead and function as a
liaison and partner to the University Relations PR Team (15%)
a. In collaboration with University Relations, support media interaction opportunities
for the Vice President and the University Services Leadership Team
b. Identify opportunities for earned or proactive media; coordinate press releases,
articles, and determine strategy for unplanned media interactions
c. Monitor local, national and trade media to determine opportunities for University
Services engagement
4. Serve as a member of the University Services Leadership Team (15%)
a. Collaborate with the Vice President and University Services Leadership Team
members to contribute to efforts related to employee engagement, retention and
recognition
b. Participate in University Services strategic planning, annual work plan
development, and goal setting
5. Curate, compose and/or edit content for the Vice President and University Services
Leadership Team related to public appearances and presentations (15%)
a. Draft remarks, memos, slide decks, background/briefing documents, docket
materials, etc. to be used by the Vice President for University Services or the
University Services Leadership Team
Appointment:
The Director of Strategic Communications is a 100% time, 12-month, annually renewable position within the Professional and Administrative (P&A) employment classification.
Salary is commensurate with experience and education. The work is performed in a hybrid environment, but must spend at least 50% time on campus.
Standard Days/Hours Full-time, 40 hours/week, M-F, Daytime, Hybrid
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
1. Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, marketing, English, business, or
relevant field
2. Eight years or more of professional experience in a communications, public relations or
marketing role
3. Experience developing strategic communication plans and strategies in a large, complex
organization
4. Experience leading communication initiatives that support our commitment to diversity,
inclusion, equity and accessibility
5. Demonstrated skill, knowledge, and ability to communicate clearly and concisely across
a variety of communication mediums and platforms
6. Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills
7. Media relations experience
8. Experience writing remarks, creating slide decks, or drafting background/briefing
documents to be used in public appearances or presentations
9. Ability to develop and maintain relationships with peers and external stakeholders
10. Ability to display exceptional professional judgment, discretion, and confidentiality
11. Ability to remain calm and confident in pressure-filled situations
12. Ability to manage and balance varied and sometimes competing priorities
13. Ability to effectively communicate across multiple layers of a complex unit with a wide
variety of stakeholders and team members
Preferred Qualifications:
1. Advanced degree in communications, public relations, marketing, English, business, or
relevant field
2. 10 years or more of professional experience in a communications, public relations or
marketing role
3. Ability to supervise, mentor, coach and direct the work of others
4. Communications experience within a higher education setting
5. Communications experience in an operations, sales, or service-delivery environment
6. Experience working with executive-level leadership
7. Experience designing, implementing and optimizing communications plans
8. Experience in crisis communications or crisis management
9. Experience in assessing or measuring success of communication efforts
10. Experience communicating in non-English languages and/or experience using
accessible communication tools
Benefits
Working at the University
At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.
The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.
How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
Applicants will be asked to share their digital portfolio or a writing sample in addition to their
resume and cover letter.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [redacted] or call ([redacted].
Diversity
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Employment Requirements
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
About the U of M
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).
Summary:
The departments and people in University Services deliver the non-academic operations across the University of Minnesota system. We are responsible for creating and sustaining the places and the spaces that support the teaching, research, and outreach missions of the University. Simply put, University Services are the people behind the scenes who help ensure the University functions each and every day. We house our students, serve the food, heat and cool buildings, care for our grounds, build and renovate facilities, plan the future of our campuses, and work to create a more environmentally sustainable university. The purpose and mission of our team is that we make the University work.
University Services' departments (Auxiliary Services; Capital Project Management; Facilities Management; Planning, Space, and Real Estate; and Sustainability) are supported by the Management Services team and are committed to providing efficient and effective services to our partners across the University. Our 3,700 employees (including 2,000 student workers) are dedicated to the highest standards of excellence, integrity, accountability, and stewardship. We take great pride in supporting one of the world's most renowned public research universities.
We seek an experienced communications professional to lead and support our strategic communications, public relations, and marketing efforts. The Director of Strategic Communications will engage with the Vice President and University Services Leadership Team to develop and deploy communications plans, materials, and content that will advance our goals, reputation, and service to the University community. This role will collaborate with other professionals across the University to identify opportunities for high-impact, intersectional and strategic communications for our students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors. The Director of Strategic Communications will be both a team member and leader.
Applicants will be asked to share their digital portfolio or a writing sample in addition to their
resume and cover letter.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
1. Lead, develop, and manage strategic communications for the Office of the Vice
President for University Services (40%)
a. Create and execute strategic communication efforts and tactics for the Vice
President and University Services Leadership Team congruent with University
Services initiatives, the University Services strategic plan, and the University's
systemwide strategic plan
b. Ensure that University Services communications reflect our commitment to
diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility
c. Facilitate the development and operationalization of an annual University
Services communications calendar
d. Provide advice and counsel to the Vice President and the University Services
Leadership Team regarding issues management and crisis resolution, including
the development of crisis management response plans and messaging
recommendations
e. Coordinate and support the work of other University Services communications
professionals to expand capacity, ensure alignment, identify best practices, and
facilitate synergy
f. Represent, market and promote University Services to the broader community
(students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors) as an excellent service provider
supporting the University's three-part mission of: research and discovery,
teaching and learning, and outreach and public service
g. Work closely with University Relations colleagues (marketing, internal
communications, public relations, creative services, etc.) and serve as the
University Services Marcom Lead to build relationships with and participate in
activities with Marcom Leads across the University system
2. Oversee and create University Services editorial content used for internal and external
audiences (15%)
a. Support the Vice President by creating, aggregating and/or editing content for
newsletters, mass emails, or other University publications
b. Identify internal/external audiences and stakeholders where communication
efforts could be enhanced or created; execute communications activities that
bolster engagement of these audiences
c. Work with Vice President and University Services Leadership Team to maintain
and improve University Services websites and online presence
d. Work closely with the University Relations Internal Communications team to
coordinate and align University Services messaging and communications
initiatives that cross multiple campuses, colleges and units
e. Ensure all content meets University of Minnesota brand and related guidelines
3. Serve as the University Services public relations and media lead and function as a
liaison and partner to the University Relations PR Team (15%)
a. In collaboration with University Relations, support media interaction opportunities
for the Vice President and the University Services Leadership Team
b. Identify opportunities for earned or proactive media; coordinate press releases,
articles, and determine strategy for unplanned media interactions
c. Monitor local, national and trade media to determine opportunities for University
Services engagement
4. Serve as a member of the University Services Leadership Team (15%)
a. Collaborate with the Vice President and University Services Leadership Team
members to contribute to efforts related to employee engagement, retention and
recognition
b. Participate in University Services strategic planning, annual work plan
development, and goal setting
5. Curate, compose and/or edit content for the Vice President and University Services
Leadership Team related to public appearances and presentations (15%)
a. Draft remarks, memos, slide decks, background/briefing documents, docket
materials, etc. to be used by the Vice President for University Services or the
University Services Leadership Team
Appointment:
The Director of Strategic Communications is a 100% time, 12-month, annually renewable position within the Professional and Administrative (P&A) employment classification.
Salary is commensurate with experience and education. The work is performed in a hybrid environment, but must spend at least 50% time on campus.
Standard Days/Hours Full-time, 40 hours/week, M-F, Daytime, Hybrid
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
1. Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, marketing, English, business, or
relevant field
2. Eight years or more of professional experience in a communications, public relations or
marketing role
3. Experience developing strategic communication plans and strategies in a large, complex
organization
4. Experience leading communication initiatives that support our commitment to diversity,
inclusion, equity and accessibility
5. Demonstrated skill, knowledge, and ability to communicate clearly and concisely across
a variety of communication mediums and platforms
6. Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills
7. Media relations experience
8. Experience writing remarks, creating slide decks, or drafting background/briefing
documents to be used in public appearances or presentations
9. Ability to develop and maintain relationships with peers and external stakeholders
10. Ability to display exceptional professional judgment, discretion, and confidentiality
11. Ability to remain calm and confident in pressure-filled situations
12. Ability to manage and balance varied and sometimes competing priorities
13. Ability to effectively communicate across multiple layers of a complex unit with a wide
variety of stakeholders and team members
Preferred Qualifications:
1. Advanced degree in communications, public relations, marketing, English, business, or
relevant field
2. 10 years or more of professional experience in a communications, public relations or
marketing role
3. Ability to supervise, mentor, coach and direct the work of others
4. Communications experience within a higher education setting
5. Communications experience in an operations, sales, or service-delivery environment
6. Experience working with executive-level leadership
7. Experience designing, implementing and optimizing communications plans
8. Experience in crisis communications or crisis management
9. Experience in assessing or measuring success of communication efforts
10. Experience communicating in non-English languages and/or experience using
accessible communication tools
Benefits
Working at the University
At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.
The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
- Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
- Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
- Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
- University HSA contributions
- Disability and employer-paid life insurance
- Employee wellbeing program
- Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
- Financial counseling services
- Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.
How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
Applicants will be asked to share their digital portfolio or a writing sample in addition to their
resume and cover letter.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [redacted] or call ([redacted].
Diversity
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Employment Requirements
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
About the U of M
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).