External Strategic Communications & Funding Strategist

Responsibilities

• External Narrative Framework, Brand Messaging Leadership & Positioning (30%)
• Lead the strategic development, evolution, and executive oversight of MIDB’s overarching brand story, core messaging frameworks, and master positioning platforms.
• Oversee the end-to-end strategy, content architecture, writing, and production of MIDB’s externally facing annual report and major impact publications to demonstrate ROI to donors, University leadership, and community stakeholders.
• Co-develop an integrated institute editorial calendar with the Internal Strategist, ensuring external storytelling seamlessly complements internal messaging without overlap.
• Translate complex brain development research, clinical innovations, and grant awards into accessible, high-impact feature stories, public announcements, and thought leadership campaigns.
• Direct executive messaging and public positioning (including LinkedIn presence) for MIDB leadership and faculty researchers to amplify expert voices in national and regional forums.
• Stakeholder Curation, Audience Segmentation & Salesforce CRM (25%)
• Lead the strategic buildout, management, and optimization of the Salesforce CRM platform to map, segment, and track engagement across priority external audiences.
• Cultivate targeted communication pathways for high-net-worth donors, government agencies, community organizations, and healthcare networks.
• Partner closely with the University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF) to align donor communication strategies, stewardship touchpoints, and philanthropic pipeline growth.

Requirements

• BA/BS degree and at least 6 years of experience in a relevant field.
• Demonstrated leadership, collaboration, customer service competence.
• Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication in English.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal clients, external clients and the public.
• Proven ability to work within a fast-paced high-change environment.
• Proven experience with managing websites and social media channels.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in communication, business administration, public administration or related field.
• Ten (10) years of professional communications experience that includes supervisory responsibilities.
• Highly proficient with technology including content management systems, and email marketing software.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (particularly InDesign and Photoshop) and video editing software.