Senior Strategist, Strategic Communications

This position will be expected to be in the Morrill Hall office 3 - 4 days out of the week.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

The Senior Strategist will lead the development and implementation of an integrated communications strategy for the Office for Equity and Diversity (OED). Reporting to the Senior Director, Strategic Communications, the Sr. Strategist will be responsible for establishing objectives and results-driven communications strategies to enhance awareness, understanding and impact of OED strategic objectives within the University. They will also partner with colleagues across the function to elevate impact stories, externally manage emerging issues and ensure consistency of messaging.

As an embedded partner, the Sr. Strategist will work closely with colleagues across the University Marketing and Communications and OED teams to ensure integrated and holistic communications leadership across public relations, internal & leadership communications, social media and issues management. This structure ensures that OED benefits from the University's communications expertise, creative services, and strategic alignment with institutional brand standards-while maintaining a focused commitment to equity and diversity priorities.

Key Responsibilities

The Sr. Strategist will:

* Develop and lead implementation of a comprehensive strategic communications plan that aligns with University and OED strategic priorities, ensuring clarity and consistency in how initiatives-such as the Campus Climate Initiative and the Bridging Beliefs Project-are shared with the University community and external partners.

* Strengthen stakeholder engagement by creating compelling narratives, newsletters, multimedia content, and campaigns that highlight institutional progress, celebrate success stories, and demonstrate accountability through data-informed storytelling.

* Serve as the communications liaison to University Marketing Communications and other collegiate communications teams, ensuring OED's voice is represented in University-wide campaigns and leadership messaging.

* Support media relations, crisis communication and rapid response efforts related to campus climate, bias incidents, and emerging equity issues, ensuring that OED provides timely, coordinated, and compassionate messaging.

* Contribute to issues and crisis management communications in close collaboration with the Senior Director of Strategic Communications, and other leaders, to advance the reputation of the University and minimize risk.

* Maintain web presence. Responsible for day-to-day management of the Office of Equity and Diversity website, including web strategy.
Oversee web and content development in partnership with web development resources.

Required
* A bachelor's degree and at least six years of experience in communications or related fields.
* Experience building integrated, comprehensive and strategic communications platform and familiarity with developing annual goals aligned to advancing these platform objectives.
* 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.
* 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.
* Demonstrated strong business acumen and analytical skills and ability to contribute to strategic thinking while also being able to accomplish tactical tasks.
* Excellent organizational and planning skills, with the ability to independently manage multiple projects simultaneously.
* Ability to communicate effectively and confidently at all levels of the organization to promote and gain approval for ideas and plans.

Preferred
* Experience in or knowledge of higher education is preferred.
* Proven ability to effectively collaborate, convene, and lead in cross-cultural context with a diverse group of stakeholders and to integrate the deliverables in support of common goals to successfully support the mission of an organization.
* Experience leading communications strategies related to diversity and equity for a complex, matrixed organization.
* Strength in critical and strategic thinking.

About the Office for Equity and Diversity

OED serves as a central hub for advancing the University of Minnesota's institutional commitments to inclusion and belonging across all five campuses. As the University strengthens its strategic focus on campus climate, pluralism, and systemwide accountability, clear and effective communication has become critical to ensuring alignment, transparency, and engagement across diverse audiences.
The creation of a new senior strategist position is essential to meeting these growing institutional needs.

About University Marketing 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: $100,000 - $110,000; 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

Priority Deadline Note: The application review will begin on 04/07/2026

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.

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.

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).