Director of Communications

Working Title: Director of Communications

Job Code Title: M&C Pro 5 - Comm Gen

Job Code: 9762CG

Service Area: Administration

Department: Communications

This position is eligible for flexible hours with a hybrid work environment and at least three days a week in the office.

The Director of Communications provides strategic direction in the areas of communication, marketing, and public relations to drive awareness of the Libraries', programs, resources, and expertise, and to advocate for issues facing the Libraries. This position develops and oversees communications strategy, content, and branding focused on all forms of media to communicate to diverse audiences in our campus and broader community. The Director also serves as the primary contact for media relations. The position reports to the University Librarian and Dean of Libraries, supervises Communications Department staff, and works closely with staff in the Development Office and in all units throughout the Libraries organization.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Communications & Marketing Leadership (40%)

* Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that promotes the Libraries' impact and helps drive engagement with people from a variety of backgrounds, identities, and communities.

* Provide strategic advice to and develop content for the University Librarian and Dean of Libraries, Associate University Librarians, Development, and other Libraries leadership regarding communications initiatives, strategies, and issues resolution.

* Steward the Libraries' visual identity, brand, and communications products. Work with Libraries staff and with related professionals (e.g., writers, graphic designers, photographers, printers) to sustain a consistent Libraries' identity and associated policies and standards for appropriate uses.

* Participate in University-wide communications groups.

Print, Digital, Web Communications (15%)

* Develop communications products using a strategic array of channels for dissemination, including print, digital, and social media, to support Libraries outreach and development

programs.

* Lead publications program (e.g., newsletters, e-publications, Impact Report).

Event Communications & Public Engagement (15%)

* In partnership with the Director of Development, oversee the planning and support of the Libraries' events throughout the year, ensuring each aligns with strategic goals and reaches key audiences.

* Provide guidance on event messaging, promotion, and audience engagement, while ensuring logistical execution is well-supported by the events team.

* Work with Libraries staff to identify and prepare stories that further the Libraries' goals and pitch identified stories to media and University media resources (University Relations) to highlight programs and develop advocacy for issues.

* Partner with University Relations and the public media to enhance the Libraries' visibility as a resource integral to maintaining the University's Research 1 status, supporting Minnesota's local libraries, and promoting student success.

Media & Public Relations (15%)

* Establish contacts with campus, local, and national media to connect Libraries news and feature story ideas with appropriate media and representatives of the media.

* Serve as primary contact for news media inquiries about research library issues and the University Libraries' services. Identify appropriate spokespeople for media inquiries and develop talking points for Libraries spokespeople to conduct media interviews.

* Engage and collaborate with other University departments and the media.

Management (15%)

* Lead the communications team through effective onboarding, purposeful training and development, and regular feedback and coaching to ensure they have the resources, training, and knowledge needed to deliver professional communications services and consultation.

* Develop and manage Communications Office budget. In collaboration with the Libraries' Development Office, develop budgets and plans for public programming.

* Negotiate service contracts to support the communications program.

* Serve as a member of the Dean's Cabinet and the Libraries Leadership Council.

Required

* Bachelor's degree plus eight (8) years of relevant professional experience.

* Experience designing and implementing communications and media relations strategies that reach audiences from a variety of backgrounds and abilities using a variety of communication channels.

* Experience managing public relations, media engagement, and event promotion.

* Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.

* Strong leadership, project management, and team-building abilities.

Preferred

* Strong interpersonal and professional relationship management skills.

* Supervisory experience.

* Experience in the marketing/communications space within a large and complex organization.

* Experience learning and becoming proficient in new software platforms (eg; for example: content management systems, social media platforms, mass email programs, and other types of software).

Pay Range: $100,000 - $125,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-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
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area
• Substantial Moving Allowance

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.

Please attach the following documents in Word or PDF Format: (DO NOT copy and paste.)

• Resume.
• Cover Letter (identify cover letter with UL480).

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Activities" page and uploading documents there. Review of applications begins immediately.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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

VISA SPONSORSHIP: Visa sponsorship is NOT offered for this position. For further explanation please see TN Status.

The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

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.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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).