Job code/title:Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications (9361MG Marketing & Communications Mgr 1)
About the Job:
UMN Crookston is seeking applications for our full-time Director of Strategic Marketing position.
Starting Salary dependent upon selected candidate’s relevant qualifications and internal equity: $75-$90K/annually
Work Arrangements: Primarily onsite location with flexible accommodation at the University of Minnesota Crookston campus, 2900 University Avenue, Crookston, Minnesota
Please note: At this time, the University’s employment site is limited in how it collects applicant demographic information. Applicants are encouraged to provide their preferred name and/or pronouns within their attached application materials.
JOB SUMMARY:
As the UMN Crookston Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications, you will lead strategic marketing efforts that drive brand awareness, increase visibility, and support efforts to drive enrollment to the University of Minnesota Crookston both on campus and online.
The Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications provides leadership for university wide marketing, and external/internal marketing/communications counsel as a member of the University wide leadership team. Sets and implements university wide strategies, coordinates all marketing activities with enrollment management, develops key messages; works collaboratively with academic departments, development and alumni relations, student affairs, and athletics to promote the campus to the community, region, prospective students, parents, and alumni.
Oversees and manages the marketing/communications/graphic design/social media personnel in the Department of University Relations (MarComm). Oversees and provides guidance to the web/print/broadcast/photographic and social media across the campus.
Works closely with enrollment management and athletics representatives (Strategic Marketing Team) to determine advertising, overall marketing strategies and communications, creates and oversees the execution of marketing and communications of the University of Minnesota Crookston to the general public and the University community, cross-functional responsibilities and personal contact while working a flexible schedule. Coordinates closely with system wide marketing and communications strategies.
Responsibilities:
- Marketing & Advertising Strategy – 40%
- Content Development – 40%
- Supervision and Communications Integration – 20%
Detailed Description of Responsibilities:
Marketing & Advertising Strategy – 40%
- Partner with the Director of Admissions, Athletics, Leadership Team, and Student Services Center to define current organizational opportunities and identify emerging opportunities to support growth of the school’s brand, engagement, and student enrollment objectives.
- Develop and implement integrated marketing strategies, campaigns, and tactics to advance the school’s goals and mission and ensure a unified, holistic message across all channels.
- Coordinate the tactical implementation of marketing communications strategies.
- Facilitate leadership/stakeholder approvals of marketing strategy, content, and deliverables.
- Measure and report on marketing campaigns and initiatives to demonstrate contribution to growth of the school’s brand and enrollment objectives.
- Manage budgets, milestones, and deadlines for multiple simultaneous projects; measure and report results; and craft recommendations for future growth.
- Manage relationships with agencies and outside partnerships that contribute to the UMN Crookston campus advertising campaigns.
- Oversee strategic external events and trade show activities, coordinating planning with sales personnel and suppliers.
Content Development – 40%
- Lead and implement all areas of marketing content, design generation, and distribution across various media platforms (web, print, podcast, social media, email, etc.)
- Develop key messages, differentiators and value propositions related to the school and its offerings.
- Ensure alignment with the campus’ visual brand identity in all materials and publications (including digital media, ad campaigns, print publications, photos, videos, and promo materials).
- Oversee archival and maintenance of digital marketing assets and content.
Supervision and Communications Integration – 20%
- Supervise full-time employees who manage communications, social media, website, and graphic design.
- Develop a solid understanding of communicating through a DEI lens, then work to embed those principles into marketing materials.
- Work with members of the team to develop internal processes and practices, as well as develop new approaches to improve efficiency, responsiveness, and strategic communications.
- Provide training and consultation to administrative units, academic divisions, degree programs, about integrated marketing strategies and/or usage of various marketing platforms such as the UMN Crookston website or email marketing service provider.
- Work with the strategic marketing team (SMT) comprising representation from Admissions, Athletics and U Relations to develop, execute, forecast, and manage the school’s marketing and advertising budget.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- Supervisory experience.
- BA/BS degree in Marketing, Communication, Art, or related field.
- Minimum 6 years of professional marketing and communications experience.
- Demonstrated ability to create and implement short- and long-term marketing plans and campaigns.
- Experience with Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, WordPress, Drupal, and SalesForce CRM.
- Up-to-date expertise and knowledge on the factors that drive SEO.
- Exceptional copywriting skills for advertisements, websites, social media, and other marketing pieces as demonstrated through professional samples and/or portfolio.
- Proficiency with customer relationship management (CRM), email marketing tools, and digital analytics platforms.
- Demonstrated ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Experience working with an advertising agency and/or internal advertising professionals.
- Strong problem-solving and project management skills with a demonstrated record of managing multiple priorities, engaging others, and delegating work as needed, while meeting tight deadlines.
- Commitment to antiracism, justice, and equity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Masters degree in Marketing, Communication, Business or related field.
- Marketing experience within a higher education, healthcare, or agency setting.
- Understanding of website architecture and constructs, including basic knowledge of HTML and pixel tracking.
- Excellent communicator with proven ability to clearly convey complex ideas and data in written, presentation, and spoken formats to a variety of audiences.
Relationships:
- Reports to the Chancellor of the University of Minnesota Crookston.
- Supervises MarComm team on the Crookston Campus.
- Will develop and maintain strong, positive working relationships with other members of the central U Relations, admissions and athletics departments, alumni and development office, and with faculty, staff, students, and leaders
Benefits
Working at the University
At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.
The University also 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 Scholarship
- 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
Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.
How To Apply
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.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).
Diversity
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
Employment Requirements
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.
About the U of M
University of Minnesota Crookston
With a strong tradition of technology-enhanced teaching and learning, the University of Minnesota Crookston serves as the System’s close-knit campus in northwest Minnesota. UMN Crookston provides both experiential, career-oriented degree programs as well as high-quality online programs, while connecting its teaching, research, and outreach to rural economic development and service to the region and beyond.