Director, Communications and Marketing

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Morris (MN); On-site; USD 106,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Health, dental, and pharmacy plans

Employer-paid life insurance

Retirement plans with employer contribution

Professional training opportunities

Job summary

The University of Minnesota Morris seeks a Director of Communications and Marketing. This role leads marketing strategies to advance the university's reputation and enhance enrollment. Responsibilities include overseeing marketing campaigns, serving as a brand leader, and managing public relations, community engagement, and internal communications. Required qualifications include a BA/BS and substantial experience in strategic marketing communications. The pay range is $106,000 - $140,000, and the position is on-site at the Morris campus.

Qualifications

• At least six years of strategic marketing communications experience.
• Experience in planning and executing marketing and branding work.
• Exceptional communication skills at all organizational levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of enrollment marketing strategies.
• Oversee marketing campaigns across digital and traditional platforms.
• Provide leadership on brand strategy and marketing efforts.
• Direct internal and external communications including crisis management.
• Lead community relations efforts aligned with campus initiatives.

Skills

Strategic Marketing Communications

Leadership

Public Relations

Relationship Building

Crisis Communication

Education

BA/BS degree

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

Position Summary

The Director, Communications and Marketing leads marketing and communications for the University of Minnesota Morris. The Director is responsible for development and successful implementation of communications and marketing strategies that strengthen University of Minnesota Morris's reputation, grow enrollment, and deepen engagement across a broad array of stakeholders. The director provides strategic leadership support to the Chancellor and senior leadership team on marketing, communications, external engagement and brand positioning of the University of Minnesota Morris. A distinctive undergraduate campus within the University of Minnesota, the Morris campus combines a student‑centered residential liberal arts and sciences education with access to the resources and opportunities of one of the nation's largest universities. The Director is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive strategies that advance the University of Minnesota Morris's visibility and engagement, with a focus on enrollment marketing. The person in this role leads an integrated team that grows the enrollment of the University of Minnesota Morris, sustains and strengthens its brand and reputation, strengthens relationships with key stakeholders, and ensures alignment with the University of Minnesota's mission, values, brand and priorities. The Director reports directly to the Chancellor, serves as a member of the University of Minnesota leadership team, and partners with colleagues in University Marketing Communications.

Work Location

In‑person on the University of Minnesota Morris campus

Primary Responsibilities

Marketing (50%)

• Lead development, evaluation, and successful implementation of a comprehensive enrollment marketing strategy for University of Minnesota Morris.
  • Identify, develop, integrate, and implement industry‑leading strategies and tools in support of this strategy.
  • Build strong working relationships with leaders across the University of Minnesota Morris and the University of Minnesota to ensure the strategy is fully integrated inside and outside the University of Minnesota Morris.
• Oversee UMN Morris marketing campaigns across digital and traditional platforms to drive enrollment growth for the Morris campus.
  • Direct the creative development process, including video production and photography, working with outside vendors as needed.
• Collaborate with academic and administrative units to ensure consistent messaging and alignment with campus priorities, including Development and Alumni Relations.
• Provide leadership for UMN Morris's brand strategy, visual identity, marketing, and storytelling efforts in alignment with the University of Minnesota's brand and content strategies.

Strategic Leadership & Institutional Positioning (15%)

• Direct strategic marketing, brand, and communications efforts across UMN Morris in alignment with the campus strategic plan and University‑wide priorities.
• Ensure successful development and implementation of comprehensive marketing communication strategies that advance the University's mission and strategic priorities.
• Serve as a senior advisor to the Chancellor and senior leadership team on external relations strategy, internal and leadership communications, brand, marketing, public affairs, and reputational risk management in partnership with University Marketing Communications.
• Build strong partnerships with University of Minnesota Marketing Communications and collaborate with marketing communications leads across the University of Minnesota to advance shared priorities and coordinated strategies.

Team Leadership (15%)

• Lead and supervise Office of Communications and Marketing staff, fostering a collaborative, creative, mission‑and‑impact‑driven culture.
• Manage budgets, contracts, and vendor relationships to ensure efficient resource use and a strong return on investment.
• Provide strategic leadership and guidance to the team in support of the University of Minnesota Morris strategic plan.
• Serve as the administrator over UMM's trademark licensing program in partnership with University Marketing Communications. Manage the licensing contract and relationship; explore trademark licensing opportunities to further grow revenue and student scholarship support.

Communications and Public Relations (10%)

• Provide strategic leadership for UMN Morris's internal and external communications, including crisis communications and public messaging, ensuring timely, accurate and strategic responses.
  • Foster faculty and staff engagement, aligning internal communications with the University's strategic priorities.
• Serve as a university spokesperson when appropriate.
• Lead communications team that develops media relations content in alignment with the University of Minnesota content strategy, brand, voice and values.
• Serve as the point of contact for campus public data requests and work closely with the University of Minnesota Office of General Counsel to fulfill requests and adhere to public data regulations.

Community Relations (10%)

• Lead and coordinate campus‑based government and community relations efforts aligned with campus priorities and UMN advocacy.
• Collaborate closely with the University of Minnesota Government and Community Relations team to advance institutional priorities, share local insight, monitor legislative developments, and support relationship‑building at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Partner with other campus units to coordinate external engagement efforts and cultivate effective partnerships with community organizations, local governments, and civic groups.

About University of Minnesota Morris

UMN Morris is highly ranked by national publications — U.S. News & World Report as a top‑ten public liberal arts college; Forbes as one of the best colleges and universities in the nation; and the Fiske Guide to Colleges includes the Morris campus in its list of "the best" and "most interesting" schools in the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom. Morris students are taught by a faculty with the highest per capita representation in the University of Minnesota's Academy of Distinguished Teaching and students consistently win national awards. The campus is also a national leader in sustainability, evidenced by receipt of the Excellence in Sustainability award from the National Association of College and University Business Officers and an AASHE STARS Gold rating.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• A BA/BS is required.

Professional Experience

• At least six years of experience that includes strategic marketing communications experience of increasing scope.
• Experience planning, executing, and managing marketing and branding work.

Preferred Experience

• A master's degree in a relevant field such as communications, marketing, public relations, public administration, or higher education administration.
• Demonstrated experience building successful, integrated marketing communications strategies for a complex organization, including enrollment, development or sales experience.
• Experience at a public agency, with a large, complex organization, and/or in higher education.
• Experience leading and developing a high performing team.
• Experience working proactively with news media, establishing influential productive working relationships.
• Experience developing crisis communications and issues management strategies in a fast‑paced environment.
• Exceptional communication skills and experience communicating effectively and confidently at all levels of the organization to promote and gain support for ideas and plans.
• Strong problem‑solving abilities, resourcefulness and ingenuity.
• Demonstrated business acumen, analytical rigor, and the ability to move fluidly between strategic planning and tactical execution.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range

$106,000 - $140,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment

100% Appointment

Position Type

Faculty and 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

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV. This position will remain open until filled. To request an accommodation during the application process, please e‑mail [e-mail] or call (612) 624‑8647.

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.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota Morris (UMN Morris) makes its home on a 121‑year‑old campus on the western edge of the state and is one of the top public liberal arts colleges in the nation. The small, close‑knit campus emphasizes faculty/student collaboration in research, study abroad, and community engaged learning. Deeply rooted in the tall grass prairies of Minnesota, the campus also has advanced sustainable, environmentally friendly initiatives that have grown to levels of national leadership and touch nearly all aspects of campus life. At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).