Communications Manager

Communications Manager

The Office of the Vice Provost for Public Engagement (OVPPE) invites applications for the position of Communications Manager.

About the Position
The Communications Manager is a strategic and hands-on leader responsible for all aspects of OPE and CCEL communications, marketing, and branding efforts. The Communications Manager ensures the alignment of OPE and CCEL's strategies with the University's broader goals, supervises OPE communications staff, and collaborates with leadership teams, University Relations, and community partners. The individual in this role manages multiple projects, tight deadlines, and diverse audiences while maintaining a professional and consistent brand identity.
This position is full-time and offers a hybrid work environment, requiring 1-3 days of on-campus work per week.

Key Responsibilities
Responsibilities related to OVPPE refer to the OPE and CCEL units unless otherwise specified.

Strategic Communications (40%)

• Develop and execute a comprehensive communication and marketing strategy that aligns with OVPPE mission and University-wide branding policies.
• Provide strategic leadership on messaging related to OVPPE initiatives, including public engagement, community partnerships, and professional development programs.
• Serve as the primary communications advisor to OVPPE leadership, including the Vice Provost for Public Engagement and the directors of all four affiliated centers.
• Collaborate with University Relations and other communications professionals across the system to ensure that OVPPE messaging aligns with institutional priorities and standards.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of communications campaigns across multiple platforms.

Content Creation and Media Relations (30%)

• Create, edit, and manage content for internal and external communications, including websites, newsletters, social media, reports, and promotional materials.
• Write and oversee the production of brief articles, speeches, press releases, and executive correspondence.
• Develop promotional materials such as brochures, banners, digital content, and interactive learning tools.
• Manage multimedia content, including videos, photography, and digital storytelling projects, to highlight OPE's programs and impact.
• Cultivate relationships with media outlets and coordinate public and media relations efforts to amplify OPE's visibility.

Project and Event Management (20%)

• Oversee communications for key OPE events, including the Public Engagement Conference and the Public Engagement Awards.
• Develop and manage event budgets, vendor contracts, and promotional materials.
• Lead marketing and branding efforts for events and professional development initiatives, such as the Community Engagement Summer Institute.
• Supervise the production and distribution of print and digital collateral for events and programs.
• Ensure smooth project execution by collaborating with internal teams and external stakeholders.

Leadership and Team Management (10%)

• Supervise communications staff, including a Communications Associate and student employees.
• Provide mentorship, guidance, and professional development opportunities for team members.
• Report on marketing and communications metrics (e.g., web analytics, email open rates).
• Build and maintain partnerships with University departments, community organizations, and external vendors.
• Act as a consultant to internal and external stakeholders, offering expertise on communications strategies and implementation related to OVPPE mission.

Required Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• BA/BS degree in marketing, communications, journalism, or a related field.
• At least six years of professional experience in marketing, communications, or public relations, with demonstrated success in managing complex projects.

Skills and Competencies:

• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling abilities tailored to diverse media and audiences.
• Proficiency in managing websites, social media platforms, and email marketing tools.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to create and implement strategic marketing and communications plans.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Experience in brand management and public relations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education or similar institutional environments.
• Knowledge of the University of Minnesota systems, procedures, and branding guidelines.
• Commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion through communications practices.
• Proficiency with tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Google Workspace, and data analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Qualtrics).
• Familiarity with managing multimedia content and event marketing.

The core mission for the Office of the Vice Provost for Public Engagement (OVPPE) is to support faculty, staff, and students in engaging effectively with communities through institutionalization of support for community-engaged scholarship and documentation and advancement of the University of Minnesota's public engagement mission. The OVPPE has four reporting units: The Office for Public Engagement (OPE); the Center for Community-Engaged Learning (CCEL); the Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC); and the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA). This position will work with OPE and CCEL, which focus on developing the capacity of faculty, staff, and students to conduct research, teaching, and service effectively in partnership with communities.

OPE works with programs, departments, and academic units on the five University campuses to facilitate the engaged scholarship of faculty, staff, and graduate students/post docs and to establish the institutional culture, policies, and infrastructure that promote high-quality public engagement to further the University's mission and improve the quality of life of Minnesotans and communities around the world. CCEL facilitates high-quality and meaningful opportunities for students, particularly undergraduate students, to engage with communities in their learning by working with faculty, instructors, and community partners to develop reciprocal, mutually beneficial University-community partnerships. This position will be responsible for developing communication and marketing strategies that support both OPE and CCEL initiatives. While audiences are both internal and external, communications and marketing efforts are weighted toward internal University audiences.

Pay Range: $74,000-$90,000 depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 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.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and portfolio (including writing samples) through the University's employment portal. The team will start reviewing applications on January 9, 2025.

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).