Chief Communications Officer
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
About the Job:
Job Code:
9365MC
Salary Range for CLA:
$170,000 - $200,000
Reports to:
The Dean of the College of Liberal Arts
The College of Liberal Arts’ Chief Communications Officer (CCO) leads a talented team that develops a comprehensive, integrated marketing communications strategy to amplify the college’s awareness, engagement, and impact nationwide and globally. The CCO is the college’s lead brand and identity architect, implementing strategies that position the CLA to internal and external stakeholders and drive enrollment, fundraising, and talent recruitment.
Key Strategic Responsibilities
College Identity & Brand Strategy Planning – Create and lead a bold, college-wide communications and marketing vision that elevates the CLA’s brand and drives meaningful engagement.
Strategic Enrollment Marketing Communications Planning – Partner with the Chief Student Success Officer and University Marketing Communications to translate recruitment and enrollment goals into high‑impact marketing strategies that highlight the CLA’s value proposition to prospective students and families.
Research & Impact Positioning – Collaborate with associate deans to elevate the college’s profile as a premier research institution and community partner, amplifying faculty discovery and scholarly achievements.
Executive Leadership & Operational Alignment – Provide mentorship and high‑level direction to the marketing communications team, aligning creative output and resource allocation with the University and College five‑year strategic plan.
External Relations, Crisis Communication, & Advising on Sensitive Matters – Serve as a strategic advisor to the Dean and other collegiate leaders on crisis communications and issue management, coordinate media inquiries, and review senior leadership communications.
Skills & Competencies
Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to drive initiatives forward independently and collaboratively.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; able to build trust and engage a broad range of stakeholders.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, translating complex information into clear, compelling narratives.
Strong leadership and project management skills, managing multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
Proficiency in digital marketing tools, web CMS, graphic design software, and social media strategy.
Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including the dean’s leadership team, University Marketing Communications, and CLA faculty, staff, and students.
Strong problem‑solving abilities, resourcefulness, and ingenuity.
Discretion and professionalism, maintaining confidentiality of privileged information.
High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Zoom, and other productivity tools.
Ability to convene teams across units to achieve common goals supporting the CLA mission.
Required Qualifications
BA/BS degree in Strategic Communication, Marketing, Journalism, or related field with at least 12 years of progressive professional experience in strategic communications, preferably in a public agency, mission‑driven organization, or large complex organization.
Demonstrated experience developing and executing integrated marketing and communications strategies and managing branding in a complex environment.
Exceptional written and verbal communication, editing, and proofreading skills for diverse audiences.
Excellent presentation and relationship‑building skills, with a proven ability to work effectively with a diverse workforce.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in Strategic Communication, Marketing, Business, Journalism, or related field.
12+ years of progressively responsible experience in strategic marketing, brand management, and communications, preferably in higher education or corporate mission‑driven organizations with ≥5 years in a senior leadership role supervising employees.
Proven experience in executive communications, media relations, and crisis/issues management.
Demonstrated success in leading cross‑functional teams through complex marketing and branding campaigns.
Proven experience leading digital marketing strategies, including analytics, website governance, and social media platform management.
Knowledge of higher education practices with the ability to learn quickly.
Strong understanding of how communications and marketing integrate with fundraising and legislative affairs.
Pay and Benefits
Salary Range: $170,000 – $200,000 (dependent on education, qualifications, experience).
Time Appointment: 100% Appointment.
Position Type: P&A Staff.
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 counseling sessions at no cost.
Employee transit pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area.
Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. The University presumes prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
Equal Employment Opportunity 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. Learn more about diversity at
diversity.umn.edu .
#J-18808-Ljbffr
9365MC
Salary Range for CLA:
$170,000 - $200,000
Reports to:
The Dean of the College of Liberal Arts
The College of Liberal Arts’ Chief Communications Officer (CCO) leads a talented team that develops a comprehensive, integrated marketing communications strategy to amplify the college’s awareness, engagement, and impact nationwide and globally. The CCO is the college’s lead brand and identity architect, implementing strategies that position the CLA to internal and external stakeholders and drive enrollment, fundraising, and talent recruitment.
Key Strategic Responsibilities
College Identity & Brand Strategy Planning – Create and lead a bold, college-wide communications and marketing vision that elevates the CLA’s brand and drives meaningful engagement.
Strategic Enrollment Marketing Communications Planning – Partner with the Chief Student Success Officer and University Marketing Communications to translate recruitment and enrollment goals into high‑impact marketing strategies that highlight the CLA’s value proposition to prospective students and families.
Research & Impact Positioning – Collaborate with associate deans to elevate the college’s profile as a premier research institution and community partner, amplifying faculty discovery and scholarly achievements.
Executive Leadership & Operational Alignment – Provide mentorship and high‑level direction to the marketing communications team, aligning creative output and resource allocation with the University and College five‑year strategic plan.
External Relations, Crisis Communication, & Advising on Sensitive Matters – Serve as a strategic advisor to the Dean and other collegiate leaders on crisis communications and issue management, coordinate media inquiries, and review senior leadership communications.
Skills & Competencies
Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to drive initiatives forward independently and collaboratively.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; able to build trust and engage a broad range of stakeholders.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, translating complex information into clear, compelling narratives.
Strong leadership and project management skills, managing multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
Proficiency in digital marketing tools, web CMS, graphic design software, and social media strategy.
Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including the dean’s leadership team, University Marketing Communications, and CLA faculty, staff, and students.
Strong problem‑solving abilities, resourcefulness, and ingenuity.
Discretion and professionalism, maintaining confidentiality of privileged information.
High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Zoom, and other productivity tools.
Ability to convene teams across units to achieve common goals supporting the CLA mission.
Required Qualifications
BA/BS degree in Strategic Communication, Marketing, Journalism, or related field with at least 12 years of progressive professional experience in strategic communications, preferably in a public agency, mission‑driven organization, or large complex organization.
Demonstrated experience developing and executing integrated marketing and communications strategies and managing branding in a complex environment.
Exceptional written and verbal communication, editing, and proofreading skills for diverse audiences.
Excellent presentation and relationship‑building skills, with a proven ability to work effectively with a diverse workforce.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in Strategic Communication, Marketing, Business, Journalism, or related field.
12+ years of progressively responsible experience in strategic marketing, brand management, and communications, preferably in higher education or corporate mission‑driven organizations with ≥5 years in a senior leadership role supervising employees.
Proven experience in executive communications, media relations, and crisis/issues management.
Demonstrated success in leading cross‑functional teams through complex marketing and branding campaigns.
Proven experience leading digital marketing strategies, including analytics, website governance, and social media platform management.
Knowledge of higher education practices with the ability to learn quickly.
Strong understanding of how communications and marketing integrate with fundraising and legislative affairs.
Pay and Benefits
Salary Range: $170,000 – $200,000 (dependent on education, qualifications, experience).
Time Appointment: 100% Appointment.
Position Type: P&A Staff.
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 counseling sessions at no cost.
Employee transit pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area.
Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. The University presumes prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
Equal Employment Opportunity 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. Learn more about diversity at
diversity.umn.edu .
#J-18808-Ljbffr