Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of objectives-driven and audience-focused communications and marketing plans that clearly communicate Extension’s public impact and build trust with Extension’s internal and external stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary communications advisor to the Dean and senior leadership team, including providing counsel on key initiatives, institutional priorities, public positioning and issues/crisis management; prepare talking points, presentations or other materials to support leaders; provide media coaching; among other support.
• Develop clear and compelling messaging that articulates Extension’s mission, vision and impact.
• Work to instill consistency and compliance with branding, accessibility policies and civil rights laws across all Extension-owned communication channels.
• Provide expert counsel to Extension faculty, educators and staff on the most effective and efficient methods of achieving their internal and external communications and marketing goals. Ensure that department and unit communications needs are being met in close collaboration with Extension Learning Technologies.
• Measure the success and impact of communications activities across print, digital and social media channels utilizing methods based on current industry standards and best practices.
• Develop and manage Extension’s communications and marketing budget, resource allocation, staffing plans and vendor relationships.
• Build and maintain relationships with professional colleagues in Extension systems and/or higher education institutions nationally, monitor trends and incorporate knowledge from these relationships into Extension strategy considerations.
• Collaboratively develop and communicate clear communications and marketing priorities and messages that align with Extension and University strategic plans.
• Continuously monitor and adapt Extension’s audience-focused content strategy for digital and print channels, including websites, social media, earned media, owned media and video.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a communications or related field
• Twelve years of progressive responsibility in communications, marketing or related field
• Management experience with complex and decentralized teams
• Proficient in print, digital and web, social and video media strategy and execution
• Strong understanding of brand and reputation management
• Excellent writing, editing and communication skills
• Demonstrated success in developing strategic communications plans, executing integrated strategies and project management
• A self-starter who is highly productive, nimble and comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving and multifaceted communications environment
• Three years’ experience recruiting, developing and managing a comprehensive team of communication professionals
• Public relations or public affairs work experience

Preferred

• Advanced degree in communications, public relations, marketing or a related field
• A collaborative leadership style with a commitment to and experience fostering a welcoming and effective organizational culture
• Related experience at the University of Minnesota, in higher education or an Extension system, or in another large, complex, mission-driven organization
• Demonstrated knowledge/experience of/with Greater Minnesota and rural/urban issues
• Expert skills in Microsoft Office, Google suite, Zoom, and other software tools for communications and marketing
• Understanding of appropriate use of AI in communications and related best practices; familiarity with other emerging trends in technology, content and communications strategies
• Budget management experience
• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills

Benefits

• 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