Director, Strategic Communications, Government & Stakeholder Engagement

The Director, Strategic Communications - Government & Stakeholder Engagement is a key role within University Marketing Communications. Reporting to the Senior Director, Strategic Communications, this role serves as the primary architect and leader of a unified, University-wide government relations and stakeholder engagement communications strategy.

As a key partner to the Government and Community Relations team, the role builds and executes metrics-driven communications strategies to support local, state, federal, and advocacy priorities.

The director is also a central connector between the Office of the President, Government and Community Relations, the University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF), the University of Minnesota Alumni Association (UMAA), and University-wide colleges and units-ensuring that the University speaks with one voice to key external audiences, including key decision-makers, opinion leaders and policy influencers.

This position will be expected to be in the Morrill Hall office 3 - 4 days out of the week. This position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Key Responsibilities

Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with senior leaders across the University to lead the successful implementation of a robust, integrated stakeholder engagement strategy that enables the University to collectively engage and activate key stakeholders in areas of priorities for the University and around key issues.
• Develop the communication tools and resources (core content, messages, fact sheets, op-eds, training) that equip and enable stakeholders to translate data, insights and narrative that deepens understanding of and inspires engagement in support of the University.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress and results.
• Identify and develop strategies for key forums and events where University leaders can engage stakeholders; identify opportunities for custom events and experiences.

Communications Partner to Government and Community Relations

• Maintain a strong, collaborative relationship with Government and Community Relations to effectively lead communication strategies that support the University's local, state, federal and advocacy priorities.
• Partner closely with University Marketing Communications team members, as well as marketing communications leaders from across the University, to lead integrated communications and engagement strategies, including providing insight on Government Relations strategic priorities and identifying communications and PR work that may support those priorities.
• Act as the primary media contact for the University's public policy positions. Lead Government Relations team on proactive media strategy, managing inquiries regarding work with elected officials and state/federal agencies.
• Ensure owned content is aligned with Government Relations objectives and reaches key audiences via multi-channel communications plans.

Strategic Communications

• Contribute to issues and crisis management communications in close collaboration with the Senior Director, Strategic Communications, when needed, to advance the reputation of the University and minimize risk, particularly with the audiences of elected officials and other local, state and federal leaders in mind.
• Build proactive communications strategies that support the University's mission and priorities and drive awareness, understanding and engagement among both internal and external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree and at least 10 years of experience in media relations, public relations, journalism or other communications, public affairs or government relations, or other relevant fields.
• Proven experience developing and implementing a stakeholder engagement strategy for a complex, highly matrixed organization.
• Expertise with public affairs or government relations (federal, state or local).
• Excellent writing, editing and speaking skills, and the ability to effectively lead but also work as a member of a team.
• Demonstrated proficiency in core media relations skills, including: building/managing media relationships; coordinating/staffing media engagements; media training spokespeople; developing talking points, FAQs or other written materials; advising on presentations, speeches or other external engagements as needed; and strategic planning. Ability to pitch and earn placements of news stories, as well as develop and implement strategic communications plans that effectively support or advance broader organizational objectives.
• The ability to demonstrate good judgment, respond quickly and deal successfully under pressure in a very open and public environment; experience in issues and crisis management is also important. Including the ability to support night and weekend media and issues management.
• Strength in critical and strategic thinking with proven ability to problem solve and offer up a plan for how to move forward
• Excellent organizational and planning skills, with the ability to independently manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working in a complex organization
• Experience with issues and crisis management communications.

University Marketing Communications is the central marketing and communications department for the University of Minnesota. In partnership with leaders from campus, colleges and units, this team is responsible for building and leading marketing and communications strategies to support the awareness, understanding and engagement with the University of Minnesota mission, brand and priorities.

Pay Range: $120,000-$130,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

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.

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

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.

Please include a resume and cover letter for a complete application.

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).