Responsibilities

• College Identity & Brand Strategy Planning - Create and lead a bold, college-wide communications and marketing vision and strategy that elevates the College of Liberal Arts’ (CLA’s) brand, defines CLA’s competitive advantage, strengthens its reputation, and drives meaningful engagement across audiences. The successful candidate will develop and execute an integrated communications strategy to introduce the college’s new strategic plan to internal and external stakeholders. That strategy will include development of a CLA brand and marketing communications strategy. The strategy will champion the value of a University of Minnesota liberal arts education, and showcase the college's academic excellence, achievements and future direction. Key performance indicators include advancing enrollment growth, fundraising success, talent recruitment and retention, and engagement among stakeholders. Partner with collegiate offices and the Dean's cabinet to promote the CLA's academic programs, research, and major events to diverse audiences, including prospective students, alumni, benefactors and external stakeholders.
• Strategic Enrollment Marketing Communications Planning - Partner with the Chief Student Success Officer (CSSO) and University Marketing Communications to translate recruitment and enrollment goals into tailored, high-impact marketing communication strategies. Leverage collegiate and University marketing communications capabilities,resources and methods to articulate the unique value proposition of CLA to prospective students and families.
• Research & Impact Positioning - Collaborate with the Associate Dean for Research (ORGP) and the Associate Dean for Diversity, Inclusion, Community Engagement and Equity (DICEE) and University Marketing Communications to elevate the college’s profile as a premier research institution and an engaged community partner. Develop communication strategies to amplify faculty discovery, scholarly achievements, and artistic work to enhance national reputation and public engagement as outlined in the strategic plan.
• Executive Leadership & Operational Alignment - Provide mentorship and high-level direction to the marketing communications team. Lead and facilitate a nimble workplan that aligns creative output and resource allocations to advance the actions and objectives within the University and College 5-year strategic plan. Ensure that external and internal communication strategies are aligned with the college’s vision and strategic priorities.
• External Relations, Crisis Communication, and Advising on Sensitive Matters - Serve as a trusted strategic advisor to the Dean and other collegiate leaders on sensitive communication matters, including handling crisis communications and issue management planning in collaboration with the Strategic Communications team within University Marketing Communications. Serve as the lead collegiate marketing, media and public relations manager, including coordinating with journalists and collegiate partners to respond to media inquiries. Manage and review internal and external communications for senior leadership.
• Skills & Competencies - Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to independently and collaboratively drive initiatives forward.
• Qualifications - Required Qualifications - BA/BS degree in Strategic Communication, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field plus a minimum of 12 years of progressive, professional experience and demonstrated success in strategic communications of increasing scope, with some experience at a public agency, mission-driven organization, or with a large, complex organization.
• Preferred Qualifications - Master’s degree in Strategic Communication, Marketing, Business, Journalism, or a related field.
• Pay And Benefits - See compensation/benefits sections above.