Director for Communications and Marketing (# 365608)

$120,000 - $125,000/Yr

University of Minnesota

Full-time - Director

Educational Services

About the position

The Director for Communications and Marketing at the University of Minnesota will play a pivotal role in enhancing the reputation and visibility of the Medical School and M Physicians. This leadership position involves strategic collaboration with senior leaders to align communications with organizational goals, oversee a team responsible for various outreach and marketing initiatives, and develop comprehensive communication strategies to support the institution's mission and objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Medical School's Communications and Marketing team to enhance institutional pride and external profile.
• Support Alumni Relations efforts to increase alumni engagement in development, advocacy, and student mentorship.
• Develop and execute public relations and media strategies to build trust and reputation.
• Provide direction for marketing, branding, communications, and creative services to support engagement and visibility.
• Offer guidance to leadership and faculty on communications and marketing trends and strategies.
• Implement strategies to advance the Dean and CEO's priorities and thought leadership.
• Collaborate with leadership on public relations and reputation strategies.
• Supervise and mentor team members across units, ensuring high-quality results.
• Maintain strong partnerships with Fairview Health Services, University of Minnesota Foundation, and other key partners.
• Support issues management and crisis response in coordination with University Relations.
• Partner with leaders to evaluate current processes and address priority areas.
• Oversee web and social media channels to ensure alignment with institutional strategy.
• Establish and track metrics to assess the impact of communications and marketing activities.
• Build team capabilities by identifying needed skills and supporting team development.

Requirements

• BA/BS degree plus at least 10 years of experience.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in Marketing and Communications.
• Proven experience managing strategic communications, media relations, marketing, events, or brand management.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to engage with a wide range of audiences.
• Experience with owned, earned, and paid media strategies.
• Competence in budget planning, forecasting, and developing marketing plans.
• Demonstrated ability to foster a positive team culture that encourages innovation and engagement.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Attention to detail and professionalism in all aspects of work.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, or a related field preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs
• 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
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area