University of Minnesota
Senior Director, Strategic Communications
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55400
About the Job
The Senior Director for Strategic Communications develops and leads the execution of internal and external communications strategies for the University of Minnesota. The Senior Director is a vital part of the University Marketing Communications leadership team, responsible for the University's issues management and crisis communications strategies.
The Senior Director partners with senior leaders across the organization to ensure consistent messaging across all internal and external channels in response to emerging University issues and at the institutional, local, regional and national levels. In collaboration with the Senior Director, Public Relations, the person in this role is responsible for ensuring timely and effective response to inquiries on various issues from news media and both internal and external stakeholders.
The Senior Director reports to the University of Minnesota Chief Communications Officer and effectively leads and inspires excellence in a cross-functional team that develops integrated issues management and crisis communications response strategies, both within the University Marketing Communications team and across the marketing communications function of the University.
Working in close collaboration with department leadership, the Senior Director is also responsible for building proactive strategies that further the University's mission and priorities, including developing thought leadership, partnering with the Board of Regents Office to support visibility for and communications support of the regents; University government relations and community engagement and other University priorities.
The Senior Director provides strategic counsel to University leadership, builds relationships with key stakeholders, and works to protect and enhance the University's reputation, advance its mission and priorities and drive awareness, understanding and engagement across internal and external stakeholders.
Work Location This position is primarily in-person - at least three days per week and as needed for other in-person meetings, events.
Primary Responsibilities
Strategic Communication Leadership and Planning
Provide strategic leadership for the University's comprehensive issues / reputational risk management and crisis communications strategies. Stay abreast of emerging University, local regional and national issues, partnering with leaders across the University to develop comprehensive, integrated strategies that preserve and enhance the University's reputation.
Ensure that University crisis communications strategies are implemented successfully and that response protocols and processes are in place. Oversee maintaining an issues playbook and implementing a regular training cadence to ensure that marketing communications professionals across the department and the University understand their roles and responsibilities and participate in response strategies. Collaborate with administrative and functional leadership to manage storytelling opportunities and reputational threats and serve as a University spokesperson. Ensure timely and effective response to inquiries related to University issues management topics and crisis from news media and stakeholders.
Develop objectives and performance-driven, proactive communications strategies that support the University's mission and priorities and drive awareness, understanding and engagement among both internal and external stakeholders.
In partnership with the University's government relations and community engagement leaders, develop strategies to further awareness, understanding and engagement in the University's federal and state legislative agendas.
Build communications strategies that further the University's legislative agendas and reflect collaboration and integration with University campuses, colleges and units.
Build bi-directional communication strategies with influencers in Minnesota and across the nation to further the University's mission and priorities.
Identify opportunities for University leaders to enhance relationships with important community partners to represent the University across communication workstreams with key advocacy organizations.
Ensure development and successful implementation of objectives and metrics-driven strategies that support key University priorities, including the Board of Regents.
The Senior Director, Strategic Communications will actively participate in and ensure successful development and implementation of a variety of strategies, tactics that further the University's mission and priorities, including:
Develop or lead development of regular blog posts and op-eds and build training modules that support University leaders and their marketing communications team members.
Build strategies that afford opportunities for University leaders to speak publicly; share expertise on social media; and publish op-eds.
Develop and implement performance metrics strategies to ensure effectiveness of strategies and campaigns and steward financial resources.
Report results to University Marketing Communications and University leadership.
As an integral part of the University Marketing Communications leadership team, the Senior Director:
Serves as a primary account lead for University Marketing Communications with a key University college, campus or unit, facilitating formulation of a collaborative model and integrated strategy and activation of department resources to support successful implementation.
In partnership with the unit's senior directors, builds a collaborative, supportive environment that facilitates a culture of professional growth, learning and success.
Contributes to an environment where every member of the team has meaningful work and is fully engaged in support of the unit's strategic priorities.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
BA degree in Communications, Journalism, or a related field, and at least 12 years of experience in strategic communications, public relations, or related fields.
Demonstrated experience as an organizational spokesperson on complex, high-stakes issues, along with demonstrated ability to successfully prepare others to effectively represent the University in these situations.
Proven ability to translate organizational objectives into compelling and propelling communications strategy and engagement.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to craft compelling content, develop key messages and instill these skills in team members and others.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and track progress.
Familiarity with various communication channels, including media relations, social media, digital marketing, and internal communications.
Ability to analyze data, identify trends and measure the effectiveness of communication strategies and tactics.
Experience in developing and executing crisis communication protocols, procedures and plans.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with a broad and diverse set of stakeholders.
Ability to communicate effectively and confidently at all levels of the organization to promote and gain approval for ideas and plans.
Strength in critical and strategic thinking.
Strong problem-solving abilities, resourcefulness and ingenuity.
Demonstrated success leading and developing teams, either formally or informally
Ability to collaborate with and in some cases convene teams that include participants from other areas of the department and organization to integrate the deliverables of the functions and achieve common goals to successfully support the mission and priorities of the University.
Demonstrated strong business acumen and analytical skills and ability to contribute to strategic thinking while also being able to accomplish tactical tasks.
Excellent organizational and planning skills, with the ability to independently manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Preferred Qualifications
The role is ideal for a mission-driven, strategic communications leader with demonstrated success in building and implementing objectives and performance metrics-driven strategies.
Demonstrated experience making data-informed decisions.
Project and vendor/contractor management experience.
Ability to quickly adjust to changing priorities and situations.
Comfort adopting the latest communications tech.
Pay and Benefits Pay Range:
$175,000 - $205,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience
Time Appointment Category:
100% Appointment
Position Type:
P&A Staff
Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.
The University 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
Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area
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.
Please include a resume and cover letter in your application for consideration. For priority consideration, please submit your application by Wednesday, October 1, 2025. Applications received after this date may be reviewed on a rolling basis.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.
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, please visit 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) is a world-class research university and one of the largest in the United States. It serves more than 70,000 students, employs thousands of staff, and offers a comprehensive benefits package. The campus acknowledges its location on Indigenous lands and is committed to ongoing efforts to recognize and advocate for American Indian Nations and communities.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Senior Director partners with senior leaders across the organization to ensure consistent messaging across all internal and external channels in response to emerging University issues and at the institutional, local, regional and national levels. In collaboration with the Senior Director, Public Relations, the person in this role is responsible for ensuring timely and effective response to inquiries on various issues from news media and both internal and external stakeholders.
The Senior Director reports to the University of Minnesota Chief Communications Officer and effectively leads and inspires excellence in a cross-functional team that develops integrated issues management and crisis communications response strategies, both within the University Marketing Communications team and across the marketing communications function of the University.
Working in close collaboration with department leadership, the Senior Director is also responsible for building proactive strategies that further the University's mission and priorities, including developing thought leadership, partnering with the Board of Regents Office to support visibility for and communications support of the regents; University government relations and community engagement and other University priorities.
The Senior Director provides strategic counsel to University leadership, builds relationships with key stakeholders, and works to protect and enhance the University's reputation, advance its mission and priorities and drive awareness, understanding and engagement across internal and external stakeholders.
Work Location This position is primarily in-person - at least three days per week and as needed for other in-person meetings, events.
Primary Responsibilities
Strategic Communication Leadership and Planning
Provide strategic leadership for the University's comprehensive issues / reputational risk management and crisis communications strategies. Stay abreast of emerging University, local regional and national issues, partnering with leaders across the University to develop comprehensive, integrated strategies that preserve and enhance the University's reputation.
Ensure that University crisis communications strategies are implemented successfully and that response protocols and processes are in place. Oversee maintaining an issues playbook and implementing a regular training cadence to ensure that marketing communications professionals across the department and the University understand their roles and responsibilities and participate in response strategies. Collaborate with administrative and functional leadership to manage storytelling opportunities and reputational threats and serve as a University spokesperson. Ensure timely and effective response to inquiries related to University issues management topics and crisis from news media and stakeholders.
Develop objectives and performance-driven, proactive communications strategies that support the University's mission and priorities and drive awareness, understanding and engagement among both internal and external stakeholders.
In partnership with the University's government relations and community engagement leaders, develop strategies to further awareness, understanding and engagement in the University's federal and state legislative agendas.
Build communications strategies that further the University's legislative agendas and reflect collaboration and integration with University campuses, colleges and units.
Build bi-directional communication strategies with influencers in Minnesota and across the nation to further the University's mission and priorities.
Identify opportunities for University leaders to enhance relationships with important community partners to represent the University across communication workstreams with key advocacy organizations.
Ensure development and successful implementation of objectives and metrics-driven strategies that support key University priorities, including the Board of Regents.
The Senior Director, Strategic Communications will actively participate in and ensure successful development and implementation of a variety of strategies, tactics that further the University's mission and priorities, including:
Develop or lead development of regular blog posts and op-eds and build training modules that support University leaders and their marketing communications team members.
Build strategies that afford opportunities for University leaders to speak publicly; share expertise on social media; and publish op-eds.
Develop and implement performance metrics strategies to ensure effectiveness of strategies and campaigns and steward financial resources.
Report results to University Marketing Communications and University leadership.
As an integral part of the University Marketing Communications leadership team, the Senior Director:
Serves as a primary account lead for University Marketing Communications with a key University college, campus or unit, facilitating formulation of a collaborative model and integrated strategy and activation of department resources to support successful implementation.
In partnership with the unit's senior directors, builds a collaborative, supportive environment that facilitates a culture of professional growth, learning and success.
Contributes to an environment where every member of the team has meaningful work and is fully engaged in support of the unit's strategic priorities.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
BA degree in Communications, Journalism, or a related field, and at least 12 years of experience in strategic communications, public relations, or related fields.
Demonstrated experience as an organizational spokesperson on complex, high-stakes issues, along with demonstrated ability to successfully prepare others to effectively represent the University in these situations.
Proven ability to translate organizational objectives into compelling and propelling communications strategy and engagement.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to craft compelling content, develop key messages and instill these skills in team members and others.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and track progress.
Familiarity with various communication channels, including media relations, social media, digital marketing, and internal communications.
Ability to analyze data, identify trends and measure the effectiveness of communication strategies and tactics.
Experience in developing and executing crisis communication protocols, procedures and plans.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with a broad and diverse set of stakeholders.
Ability to communicate effectively and confidently at all levels of the organization to promote and gain approval for ideas and plans.
Strength in critical and strategic thinking.
Strong problem-solving abilities, resourcefulness and ingenuity.
Demonstrated success leading and developing teams, either formally or informally
Ability to collaborate with and in some cases convene teams that include participants from other areas of the department and organization to integrate the deliverables of the functions and achieve common goals to successfully support the mission and priorities of the University.
Demonstrated strong business acumen and analytical skills and ability to contribute to strategic thinking while also being able to accomplish tactical tasks.
Excellent organizational and planning skills, with the ability to independently manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Preferred Qualifications
The role is ideal for a mission-driven, strategic communications leader with demonstrated success in building and implementing objectives and performance metrics-driven strategies.
Demonstrated experience making data-informed decisions.
Project and vendor/contractor management experience.
Ability to quickly adjust to changing priorities and situations.
Comfort adopting the latest communications tech.
Pay and Benefits Pay Range:
$175,000 - $205,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience
Time Appointment Category:
100% Appointment
Position Type:
P&A Staff
Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.
The University 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
Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area
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.
Please include a resume and cover letter in your application for consideration. For priority consideration, please submit your application by Wednesday, October 1, 2025. Applications received after this date may be reviewed on a rolling basis.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.
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, please visit 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) is a world-class research university and one of the largest in the United States. It serves more than 70,000 students, employs thousands of staff, and offers a comprehensive benefits package. The campus acknowledges its location on Indigenous lands and is committed to ongoing efforts to recognize and advocate for American Indian Nations and communities.
#J-18808-Ljbffr