Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership
• Strategic Marketing and Branding
• Communications Leadership and Development
• Creative Direction and Content Management
• Digital Strategy
• Team and Budget Management
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Other Duties as Assigned
• This is an executive-level role that requires the ability to operate simultaneously at three altitudes: ensuring consistent, high-quality daily execution; responding decisively to the unexpected; and providing forward-looking strategic counsel to the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief of Staff, and the University Leadership Team (ULT) as a trusted institutional partner.
• Direct and oversee the team responsible for developing and executing integrated marketing plans that support student recruitment, alumni engagement, and donor development, ensuring plans align with institutional priorities.

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic marketing and communications plans with measurable outcomes.
• Understanding of digital marketing tools and platforms, including content management system (Drupal preferred), customer relationship management systems (Slate preferred), and project management systems such as Work Zone and Trello.
• Established relationships with journalists and media outlets across Minnesota and the upper Midwest. Experience developing and implementing crisis communication plans.
• Demonstrated ability to draft and to direct creation of communication content, including news releases and media alerts, to support initiatives.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including proficiency in AP and Chicago writing styles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to interpret data and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Proven leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to inspire and manage diverse teams.
• In-depth knowledge of branding, public relations, and media engagement strategies.
• Demonstrated executive presence and sound judgment, with the ability to move fluidly between hands-on problem-solving, crisis response, and long-range strategic planning.
• Ability to delegate effectively and build organizational capacity, empowering a team to manage daily operations while the leader focuses on institutional strategy.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Journalism, or Strategic Communications.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity
• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Paid Time off, including vacation time, paid holidays and safe and sick leave time off
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account (FSA)
• Health savings account (HSA)