Brand Marketing Strategist

University of Minnesota; Twin Cities (CA); Hybrid; USD 78,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Generous time off

Tuition assistance

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Employee wellbeing program

Transit benefits

Job summary

The University of Minnesota is seeking a Brand Marketing Strategist in the Twin Cities to lead brand stewardship, apply brand standards, and support training resources across units and channels.

Reporting to Brand Manager, you will collaborate with campus partners, manage inquiries, support campaigns, and help translate strategy into practical brand applications. This role is hybrid with 2–3 days in-office per week and standard benefits.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in communications, journalism, marketing, art or related field.
• Four years of professional marketing communications experience, including managing brand systems and marketing communications projects.
• Proven ability to apply brand principles and standards across marketing channels.
• Strong verbal/written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a collaborative, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse partners and perspectives.
• Outstanding project management skills and decision-making.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in informal and formal teams with individuals from diverse communities and cultures.
• Ability to facilitate work of various departments to accomplish common goals.
• Very detail-oriented.

Responsibilities

• Brand Stewardship and Support: Communicates brand policies and standards and suggests updates as technology evolves.
• Provide day-to-day management of brand trademarks and assets, including management of brand email and inquiries, brand audits and compliance reviews.
• Counsels units on brand policies and standards in collaboration with brand manager; serves on UMN sign committee.
• Assists with developing relevant marketing and brand management trainings and resources.
• Assists with and maintains brand management programs.
• Assists with developing marketing plans and presentations on brand and marketing initiatives.
• Supports and assists Senior Account Services Director and Senior Brand Strategist on key marketing initiatives.
• Maintains a commitment to the University’s goals that encourage equity and diversity.
• Project Management: Works with stakeholders and clients to gather and document project requirements.
• Responsible for translating requirements into project brief and facilitating project team meetings.
• Provides background and details to project teams and manages all aspects of project development.
• Provides strategic direction to ensure content, design, and development to meet project and client needs.
• Determines appropriate channels to fulfill a business need or address a challenge.
• Identifies and resolves barriers to meeting project objectives.
• Tracks project process in project management system, providing status reports to University Marketing Communications leaders through project lifecycle.
• Collaborates with Measurement and Analytics team to develop project reports.
• Establishes strong working relationships and regular contact with University communicators and external entities.
• Professional Development: Completes professional development, education, and training activities, consistent with being responsible for the responsibilities of the position.
• Stays current on brand identity, project management, and technology trends.
• Other duties as assigned: Assists with other marketing and digital projects as they arise.

Skills

Brand systems

Marketing communications

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Verbal/written communication

Education

BA/BS degree in communications, journalism, marketing, art or related field

Job description

Brand Marketing Strategist

Job ID: 376503

Location: Twin Cities

Job Family: Marketing & Communications

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Job Code: 9703MK

Employee Class: Acad Prof and Admin

About the Job

The Brand Marketing Strategist is a part of the University Marketing Communications department responsible for raising the profile of the University of Minnesota and promoting University initiatives, education, research and community engagement.

The Account Services team facilitates projects and provides strategic direction in collaboration with partners across the University to advance and promote University initiatives.

The Brand Management Strategist is responsible for the day-to-day implementation and maintenance of the University’s brand standards and supporting consistent brand application across units and channels. Reporting to the Brand Manager, this role executes brand stewardship activities, manages brand inquiries and compliance, and supports the development of training and resources that help communicators apply the brand correctly.

This role is ideal for a professional who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment on a team that values expertise, thoughtful leadership, and shared success. The University of Minnesota offers a dynamic environment where your expertise can contribute to advancing the reputation of one of America’s leading research universities.

This role is hybrid and will require a regular cadence of in-office work (2-3 days per week) and in-person attendance for key departmental and team meetings. Details will be worked out with the supervisor at the point of hire.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Job Duties

Brand Stewardship and Support 55%

• Communicates brand policies and standards and suggests updates as technology evolves
• Provide day-to-day management of brand trademarks and related assets, including management of brand email and inquiries, brand audits and compliance reviews
• Counsels units on brand policies and standards in collaboration with brand manager; serves on UMN sign committee
• Assists with developing relevant marketing and brand management trainings and resources
• Assists with and maintains brand management programs
• Assists with developing marketing plans and presentations on brand and marketing initiatives
• Supports and assists Senior Account Services Director and Senior Brand Strategist on key marketing initiatives
• Maintains a commitment to the University’s goals that encourage equity and diversity

Project Management 30%

• Works with stakeholders and clients to gather and document project requirements
• Responsible for translating requirements into project brief and facilitating project team meetings
• Provides background and details to project teams and manages all aspects of project development
• Provides strategic direction to ensure content, design, and development to meet project and client needs
• Determines appropriate channels to fulfill a business need or address a challenge
• Identifies and resolves barriers to meeting project objectives
• Tracks project process in project management system, providing status reports to University Marketing Communications leaders through project lifecycle
• Collaborates with Measurement and Analytics team to develop project reports
• Establishes strong working relationships and regular contact with University communicators and external entities

Professional Development 10%

• Completes professional development, education, and training activities, consistent with being responsible for the responsibilities of the position.
• Stays current on brand identity, project management, and technology trends.

Other duties as assigned 5%

• Assists with other marketing and digital projects as they arise.

Qualifications

Required

• BA/BS degree in communications, journalism, marketing, art or related field
• Four years of professional marketing communications experience, including managing brand systems and marketing communications projects
• Proven ability to apply brand principles and standards across marketing channels
• Strong verbal/written communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a collaborative, deadline‑driven environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse partners and perspectives.
• Outstanding project management skills and decision-making
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in informal and formal teams with individuals from diverse communities and cultures
• Ability to facilitate work of various departments to accomplish common goals
• Very detail-oriented

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $77,600 - $80,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment, 12 month

Position Type: P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

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
• 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

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.