Position Overview

This position is a key member of the College of Design and is responsible for handling a variety of complex communications and marketing projects in support of the College's goals to increase audience awareness of, and exposure to, faculty, students, academic programs, and research and outreach initiatives among internal and external constituencies. The position develops and oversees communications strategy and content focused on all forms of media; using extensive research and knowledge base to produce recommendations on vital collegiate matters - consulting with the Dean, assistant and associate deans, directors, and managers throughout the College and University on a variety of topics. The role works under minimal supervision and has broad latitude to make daily operational and strategic decisions. The person in this role must also respond and adapt to changing conditions or circumstances, requiring creative solutions and new approaches. The Communications Director has two full-time direct reports, the Graphic and Multimedia Designer and the Communications Associate. Communications-focused student employees also report to the communications director.

Additional details of the position can be found below:

• UMN Job Classification: M&C Pro 5-Comm Gen (UMN Job Code # 9762CG)
• Working Title: Communications Director
• Department: Advancement, College of Design
• Reports to: Assistant Dean for Strategy and Advancement
• Salary Range $110,000 to $120,000 depending on qualifications

Responsibilities:

Strategic Content Development - 35%

• Develop and maintain relationships with academic departments and College offices to identify compelling stories and related content for informing and engaging local and national constituent groups.
• Cultivate themes, story ideas, and original content pieces; conduct interviews for content or concept of content; determine direction of articles.
• Write and edit stories and content for digital and print publication.
• Develop, use, and analyze new and emerging social media features, platforms, and strategies to promote and market events, engage audiences, and communicate stories, activities, and achievements of the College.
• Supervise web and graphic design team to create and maintain content and design on the College of Design website and in all communications channels.

Marketing & Communications Strategic Planning + Program Management - 30%

• Develop internal (College and University) and external (media, donor, alumni, current and prospective students, and other constituents) communication and promotion strategies for the College, its academic programs, and research and outreach activities.
• Support College leadership, particularly the Dean, with communications strategy, writing, and reviewing projects.
• Lead work with the Office of Admissions to recruit prospective students. Perform editorial duties to support positive messaging about academic programs, the College of Design, and the University of Minnesota.
• Identify, assign, initiate, and manage programs and projects that span a wide range of communications activities, including public and media relations, branding and art direction, strategic marketing and promotion, publications, web, and social media.
• Serve as primary contact for faculty, staff, and students regarding College brand standards and serve as the local subject-matter expert in University brand guidelines and policies as maintained by University Relations.
• Establish program and project plans, work goals, timelines, and tasks; evaluate impact and successes at set intervals; make necessary adjustments when/where needed.
• Provide strategic insight and guidance for communications initiatives by College units.
• Optimize existing and emerging communication channels to deliver coordinated messages to general and specific audiences.
• Identify, set, and follow communication and media trends. Research, evaluate, and implement emerging opportunities for communicating University activities and achievements.
• Develop College communications policies and processes, including style guides.
• Lead efforts with development and alumni relations to engage and sustain relationships with key stakeholders using communications channels.

Communications Supervision and Leadership - 20%

• Supervise design and communications professionals who, with departmental leaders, create internal and external communications including website, social media, newsletters, magazines, etc.
• Serve as the main College of Design contact with University Relations; align strategies with University-wide marketing and communications efforts and University policies.
• Provide leadership, ongoing training, development, feedback, and coaching to those with communications and marketing responsibilities throughout the College.
• Ensure that communications and marketing staff have the resources, training, and knowledge needed to deliver professional communications services and consultation.
• Provide leadership and College perspective for central University Relations strategies.
• Advise on central University communications efforts where appropriate.

Media Relations - 15%

• Identify and pitch stories to key audiences including local and national media, University Relations, industry, the broader University community, and members of the general public.
• Serve as primary media contact and college spokesperson, working in collaboration with the central public relations team in University Relations.
• Develop and utilize local and national networks of media contacts to garner coverage of College programs, activities and research; coordinate media and press with appropriate University units with an eye to stories that highlight the College as a desirable place to study.
• Train and coach College leadership and representatives in preparation for media interviews.
• Communicate earned media to key audiences as it happens.
• Track and analyze media coverage to measure and evaluate communications successes and failures and refine communications strategy

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree plus at least eight years of relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion values.
• Experience and success in establishing and maintaining effective and collaborative working relationships with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, communities, and organizations.
• Superb written and oral communication skills, robust technical skills, and an ability and interest to leverage emerging technologies.
• Demonstrated independent, proactive problem-solving while working in a collaborative environment as a team member and supervisor.
• Excellent project management abilities. Able to manage multiple projects and priorities and be highly organized both individually and as the team leader.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree and/or professional certifications in communications or related fields.

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
• 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)
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

To be considered for this position, please submit the following:

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter

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.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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:

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.

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).