Senior Strategist, Strategic Communications
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
About the Job
Senior Strategist, Office for Equity and Diversity (OED). The role will be based in the Morrill Hall office 3–4 days per week. The position is not eligible for H‑1B or Green Card sponsorship, and does not offer a STEM OPT training program.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and lead implementation of a comprehensive strategic communications plan that aligns with University and OED strategic priorities, ensuring clarity and consistency in how initiatives—such as the Campus Climate Initiative and the Bridging Beliefs Project—are shared with the University community and external partners.
Strengthen stakeholder engagement by creating compelling narratives, newsletters, multimedia content, and campaigns that highlight institutional progress, celebrate success stories, and demonstrate accountability through data‑informed storytelling.
Serve as the communications liaison to University Marketing Communications and other collegiate communications teams, ensuring OED’s voice is represented in University‑wide campaigns and leadership messaging.
Support media relations, crisis communication and rapid response efforts related to campus climate, bias incidents and emerging equity issues, ensuring timely, coordinated, and compassionate messaging.
Contribute to issues and crisis management communications in close collaboration with the Senior Director of Strategic Communications and other leaders, to advance the reputation of the University and minimize risk.
Maintain web presence, responsible for day‑to‑day management of the OED website, including web strategy and content development in partnership with web development resources.
Required Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree and at least six years of experience in communications or related fields.
Experience building an integrated, comprehensive and strategic communications platform and familiarity with developing annual goals aligned to advancing these platform objectives.
Excellent writing, editing and speaking skills, and the ability to effectively lead but also work as a member of a team.
Demonstrated proficiency in core media relations skills, including building/managing media relationships; coordinating/staffing media engagements; media training splicepeople; developing talking points, FAQs or other written materials; advising on presentations, speeches or other external engagements; and strategic planning.
Ability to demonstrate good judgment, respond quickly and deal successfully under pressure in a very open and public environment; experience in issues and crisis management is also important.
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.
Ability to communicate effectively and confidently at all levels of the organization to promote and gain approval for ideas and plans.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in or knowledge of higher education.
Proven ability to effectively collaborate, convene, and lead in cross‑cultural contexts with a diverse group of stakeholders and to integrate the deliverables in support of common goals.
Experience leading communications strategies related to diversity and equity for a complex, matrixed organization.
Strength in critical and strategic thinking.
Employment Information
Position type: Faculty and P&A Staff.
Time appointment: 100%.
Pay range: $100,000 – $110,000.
Benefits
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
Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.
Equal Opportunity Statement The University of Minnesota provides equal access to employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Key Responsibilities
Develop and lead implementation of a comprehensive strategic communications plan that aligns with University and OED strategic priorities, ensuring clarity and consistency in how initiatives—such as the Campus Climate Initiative and the Bridging Beliefs Project—are shared with the University community and external partners.
Strengthen stakeholder engagement by creating compelling narratives, newsletters, multimedia content, and campaigns that highlight institutional progress, celebrate success stories, and demonstrate accountability through data‑informed storytelling.
Serve as the communications liaison to University Marketing Communications and other collegiate communications teams, ensuring OED’s voice is represented in University‑wide campaigns and leadership messaging.
Support media relations, crisis communication and rapid response efforts related to campus climate, bias incidents and emerging equity issues, ensuring timely, coordinated, and compassionate messaging.
Contribute to issues and crisis management communications in close collaboration with the Senior Director of Strategic Communications and other leaders, to advance the reputation of the University and minimize risk.
Maintain web presence, responsible for day‑to‑day management of the OED website, including web strategy and content development in partnership with web development resources.
Required Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree and at least six years of experience in communications or related fields.
Experience building an integrated, comprehensive and strategic communications platform and familiarity with developing annual goals aligned to advancing these platform objectives.
Excellent writing, editing and speaking skills, and the ability to effectively lead but also work as a member of a team.
Demonstrated proficiency in core media relations skills, including building/managing media relationships; coordinating/staffing media engagements; media training splicepeople; developing talking points, FAQs or other written materials; advising on presentations, speeches or other external engagements; and strategic planning.
Ability to demonstrate good judgment, respond quickly and deal successfully under pressure in a very open and public environment; experience in issues and crisis management is also important.
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.
Ability to communicate effectively and confidently at all levels of the organization to promote and gain approval for ideas and plans.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in or knowledge of higher education.
Proven ability to effectively collaborate, convene, and lead in cross‑cultural contexts with a diverse group of stakeholders and to integrate the deliverables in support of common goals.
Experience leading communications strategies related to diversity and equity for a complex, matrixed organization.
Strength in critical and strategic thinking.
Employment Information
Position type: Faculty and P&A Staff.
Time appointment: 100%.
Pay range: $100,000 – $110,000.
Benefits
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
Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.
Equal Opportunity Statement The University of Minnesota provides equal access to employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
#J-18808-Ljbffr