Sr. Communications & Marketing Strategist

Position Summary

Working TItle: Senior Communications & Marketing Strategist
Official Title: Marketing & Communications Professional 4 (9761CG)
Position Location: 2 days/wk in person at VCRC, 1.75 remote/hybrid (75% total effort)

This 75% fte Senior Communications and Marketing Strategist will be a highly skilled leader within the Department of Medicine. The Department of Medicine has 365 faculty, 250 staff and 230 residents and fellows, organized into 11 divisions. This 75%-effort position serves as the department communications expert,, leading the development, implementation, and evaluation of integrated communication strategies that amplify the department's mission in research, education, and clinical care. Operating at both strategic and tactical levels, the incumbent partners directly with department leadership, division chiefs, and institutional partners to shape and deliver messaging that enhances reputation, drives engagement, and promotes alignment across internal and external audiences. The role requires sophisticated judgment, deep expertise in multi-channel communications, and the ability to translate complex academic, clinical, and scientific information into clear, compelling narratives.This position manages high-visibility projects, oversees enterprise-wide communications planning, and informs the work of more than 70 individuals (totaling 4.0 FTEs) engaged in communications functions across affiliated units, Centers, and Institutes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Communications Leadership - 50%
Lead planning and delivery of major communication initiatives and campaigns in partnership with department leadership.
Act as a strategic advisor to Vice Chairs, Division Directors, and administrative leaders on high-stakes communications and reputational issues.
Serve as the department's lead for brand alignment, ensuring consistent tone, messaging, and visual identity across all communications.
Design and maintain an enterprise-wide communications infrastructure, including editorial calendars, campaign planning tools, consultation processes, and performance dashboards.
Build capacity and shared best practices among 70 distributed communicators across the department, cultivating a community of practice and promoting continuous improvement.

Project Management & Execution - 25%

Lead high-profile communication and marketing projects from concept to delivery, often involving cross-functional teams, clinical partners, and external collaborators.
Direct project scoping, resource planning, stakeholder engagement, timeline management, and outcome measurement.
Drive adoption of project intake, prioritization, and tracking systems to improve communication efficiency and transparency across the department.
Use engagement and performance data to adjust strategies and communicate results to leadership.

Digital, Social, and Content Development - 25%
Oversee the department's web, intranet, and social media presence, ensuring content is current, strategic, and audience-focused.
Implement data-driven content strategies that reflect audience insights and institutional priorities.
Partner with design and multimedia professionals to deliver compelling, accessible, and on-brand digital assets.
Innovate digital engagement tactics to expand the department's reach and influence among clinical, academic, and community audiences.

Required Qualifications: (Must be documented on all application materials)
Bachelor's Degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or related field, plus six years of progressive experience with communications responsibilities, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated success managing high-level communication initiatives for diverse stakeholder audiences.
Strong project management and organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities.
Strong writing, editing, and content development skills, with an ability to translate complex information into accessible content.
Ability to address issues quickly with a positive solution-oriented mindset.
Remain up to date on industry trends and organization policy and procedures.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence, consult, and collaborate effectively at all levels.
Advanced knowledge of Salesforce Marketing, Drupal, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and other communication tools.

Preferred Qualifications
Experience in higher education, academic medicine, and/or healthcare
Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., Asana, Microsoft Project, Smartsheet).
Showcase ability to execute on responsibilities with minimal direction.

Pay Range: Starting salary is $67,500-$75,000 depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75% 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 have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

To be considered please attach the following to your application: Cover letter, Resume, Professional Writing Sample & Visual Presentation - Please submit a sample of your writing. For example, include a news article that discusses research and the social media post(s), newsletter feature(s), and/or website content that came from that article. Additional examples of presentations and graphic design that highlight your skills are welcome.

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.

This position will remain open until filled.

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.

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