Sr. Director of Communications

If you're a strategic communicator with a passion for higher education, digital engagement, and team leadership, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the University's alumni community.

The Senior Director of Alumni Association Communications at the University of Minnesota Alumni Association (UMAA) plays a vital role in shaping how alumni and campus stakeholders engage with and understand the impact of UMAA. This position leads strategic communications efforts, ensuring consistent messaging, brand alignment, and innovative digital engagement to strengthen alumni connections.

With a mix of leadership, content creation, and digital strategy, this role oversees a team to develop compelling storytelling across multiple platforms, including social media, email, web, and print. The Senior Director will collaborate closely with UMAA leadership and campus partners to drive engagement, enhance the alumni experience, and amplify the University's mission.

Salary range for this position is $80,000-$90,000.

This position reports to the Vice President of Alumni Communications.

The University of Minnesota Alumni Association offers flexible working options with a "go where the work is'' philosophy. A minimum of two days in the office per week is expected. Specifics will be discussed during the interview stage.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• UMAA Programming Communications and Marketing (50%)
  • Develop and implement comprehensive communications strategies to ensure both alumni and internal campus stakeholders understand the UMAA's impact, value, and services.
  • Manage the development and execution of content calendars and cross-channel communications plans, including website updates, social media posts, and email campaigns, ensuring alignment across UMAA departments.
  • Create engaging, persuasive copy to support UMAA's alumni engagement, communications across all channels.
  • Write and edit a wide range of materials as needed including video scripts, short articles, newsletters, ad copy, collateral brochures, briefs, promotional pieces, press releases, website content, emails, speeches, etc.
  • Develop communication toolkits for campus partners and UMAA staff to maintain brand and messaging consistency.
  • Utilize University-wide communications tools and platforms to enhance UMAA's outreach and engagement efforts.
  • Staff UMAA events as assigned, including events on evenings and weekends

• Digital Communications and Alumni Engagement (30%)
  • Provide strategic oversight for UMAA's digital properties and social media platforms, focusing on user experience and alumni engagement.
  • Develop and implement strategies to increase alumni engagement and traffic through digital and social media channels with relevant, alumni-centric content.
  • Oversee social media strategy, serving as a community manager and managing student workers to create and curate alumni-focused content.
  • Stay up to date on emerging digital, social media, and web trends, leveraging analytics to optimize engagement.

• Communications Operations and Team Management (20%)
  • Supervise and collaborate with the Marketing Communications Strategist to develop clear, consistent, and engaging key messages for UMAA and ensure staff communicate in a unified and strategic manner.
  • Supervise brand strategy through the Creative Director, ensuring alignment between the UMAA and University brands while making the brand compelling for alumni and friends.
  • Supervise the Director of Digital Communications, who leads UMAA's email and website communications.
  • Oversee the creation and distribution of communications performance reports in collaboration with UMAA's business analyst.
  • Ensure UMAA has a strong, measurable presence on web and social platforms, using analytics to inform strategy.
  • Maintain effective processes, clear priorities, and smooth operations across all communication channels.
  • Mentor UMAA staff to strengthen writing and communication skills.
  • Participate in staff/team meetings, quarterly and annual planning, and reporting
  • Represent the UMAA on University committees as assigned
  • Engage in ongoing professional development to enhance skills, knowledge, and effectiveness in alumni engagement work
    
    

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
* A bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing or a related degree.
* Minimum of six years of progressive responsibility in communications and marketing
* Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including copywriting, editing, and storytelling across multiple platforms
* Ability to work within a fast-paced team environment and collaborate to achieve goals
* Extremely organized with outstanding time management skills and strong attention to detail
* Creative problem-solver with the ability to think strategically and develop communications campaigns
* Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and prioritize tasks effectively
* Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders
* Ability to work outside regular office hours when required

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
* At least eight years of progressive responsibility in communications and marketing
* Experience in nonprofit or higher education
* Experience using project management tools to track progress and deadlines

About the Alumni Association
The University of Minnesota Alumni Association fosters a lifelong spirit of belonging and pride by connecting alumni, students, and friends to the University of Minnesota and each other. The Association advocates for the University and its alumni with a credible, independent, and collaborative voice. The University of Minnesota Alumni Association currently has a flexible working environment that allows for in-person and remote work.

Pay Range:Salary range for this position is $80,000-$90,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 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.

Priority consideration will be given to applications received by Thursday, June 5, with review of materials beginning at that time.

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).