Director for Communications and Marketing

Overview:

Strategic Communications and Marketing play a key role in achieving the goals of our health enterprise. The Director for Communications and Marketing will serve as a crucial member of the organization's leadership team, collaborating closely with senior leaders in the Medical School and M Physicians.

The Director for Communications and Marketing will lead a collaborative team responsible for internal and external communications, outreach activities, marketing, alumni relations, and event planning. This role will work in close partnership with senior leaders to align communications with organizational goals and maintain coordination with University Relations and the University of Minnesota Foundation to support University-wide objectives. We are looking for a forward-thinking director who will develop and implement communications and marketing plans to build our reputation, brand, and profile, as well as advance the strategic priorities of the Dean. This role will also work with M Health Fairview's communications and marketing teams to support brand development initiatives.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Lead the Medical School's Communications and Marketing team, focusing on enhancing institutional pride and the external profile of the Medical School.
• Support Alumni Relations efforts in collaboration with UMF to increase alumni engagement in development, advocacy, and student mentorship.
• Develop and execute public relations and media strategies to build trust and reputation.
• Provide direction for marketing, branding, communications, and creative services to support engagement, increase visibility, and foster strong relationships with key audiences.
• Offer guidance to leadership and faculty on communications and marketing trends, media opportunities, and strategies to enhance reputation and manage risks.
• Implement strategies to advance the Dean and CEO's priorities and thought leadership.
• Collaborate with leadership on public relations and reputation strategies.
• Supervise and mentor team members across units, ensuring high-quality results for the Medical School and M Physicians.
• Maintain strong partnerships with Fairview Health Services, University of Minnesota Foundation, University Relations, and other key community and health system partners.
• Support issues management and crisis response in coordination with University Relations.
• Partner with leaders to evaluate current processes, identify improvements, and address priority areas to meet departmental goals.
• Oversee web and social media channels to ensure alignment with institutional strategy.
• Establish and track metrics to assess the impact of communications and marketing activities.
• Build team capabilities by identifying needed skills, supporting team development, and aligning with strategic communication and marketing goals.

• BA/BS degree plus at least 10 years of experience.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in Marketing and Communications.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, or a related field preferred.
• Proven experience managing strategic communications, media relations, marketing, events, or brand management to further an organization's mission and impact.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to engage with a wide range of audiences.
• Experience with owned, earned, and paid media strategies.
• Competence in budget planning, forecasting, and developing marketing plans.
• Demonstrated ability to foster a positive team culture that encourages innovation, engagement, and high-quality work.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Attention to detail and professionalism in all aspects of work.

Committed to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery.

The mission of the regional campus located in Duluth is to be a national leader in improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural Minnesota and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. In partnership with CentraCare, the regional campus in St. Cloud offers a wide range of patient experiences throughout students' education in Greater Minnesota and prepares them to become exceptional clinicians and leaders for rural and immigrant populations.

Founded in 1888, the University of Minnesota Medical School has three campuses. A four-year MD program and the MD/PhD program are located on the Twin Cities campus in addition to MD programs at regional campuses in Duluth and St. Cloud.

Pay Range: $120,000-$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

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

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

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).