Director of Communications

Director of Communications for the University of Minnesota - Humphrey School of Public Affairs

Reports to: Senior Strategic Advisor (Direct Supervisor)
Supervises: Assistant Director of Strategic Communications, Communications Manager, Creative Multimedia Manager, Events Manager

Position Overview:
The Communications Director leads the development and execution of strategic communications that enhance the reputation, visibility, and engagement of the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. This role is responsible for overseeing content strategy, media relations, digital presence, event communications, and faculty research promotion while ensuring alignment with the School's mission and strategic priorities. The Communications Director serves as a key member of the School's leadership team, working closely with senior administrators, faculty, and external partners.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to shape the public voice of one of the nation's leading public affairs schools. The director will work at the intersection of academia, policy, and civic engagement-helping to amplify the impact of Humphrey School faculty, students, and programs on local, national, and global levels.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Communications & Institutional Messaging (40%)

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that advances the Humphrey School's reputation and engagement.
• Oversee the production of digital and print materials, including recruitment materials, newsletters, and external-facing content to influence rankings and enrollment.
• Lead the School's storytelling efforts by working with faculty, students, and alumni to highlight research, impact, and community partnerships.
• Manage relationships with central University communications and external media to ensure timely and high-impact coverage of School initiatives.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the dean and leadership team on key communications opportunities and challenges.

Event Communications & Public Engagement (20%)

• Oversee the School's robust annual event portfolio (75+ events per year), ensuring events align with strategic goals and reach key audiences.
• Develop event communication strategies that maximize visibility for high-profile events such as the Public Leadership Awards, the Distinguished Carlson Lecture, and policy forums.
• Work closely with faculty, external partners, and donors to amplify research, convenings, and thought leadership through event-based storytelling.
• Provide guidance on event messaging, promotion, and audience engagement, while ensuring logistical execution is well-supported by the events team.

Media & Public Relations (15%)

• Cultivate relationships with media to enhance the School's visibility in local, national, and global conversations on public policy and governance.
• Work proactively with faculty to position them as thought leaders on critical policy issues.
• Develop and distribute press releases, expert commentary, and faculty spotlights in collaboration with University Relations.
• Monitor public affairs trends and media opportunities to ensure the Humphrey School is a key voice in policy discussions.
  

Digital & Web Communications (15%)

• Oversee the Humphrey School's website, social media platforms, and multimedia content, ensuring high-impact storytelling and engagement.
• Guide SEO and content optimization to increase traffic and visibility.
• Ensure accessibility compliance and best practices in digital communications.
• Manage the School's use of Salesforce Marketing Cloud, working closely with internal teams to support outreach efforts.

Leadership & Team Management (10%)

• Supervise and mentor a team of communications and events professionals.
• Foster a collaborative and creative work environment that supports innovation and strategic alignment.
• Manage relationships with external vendors, designers, and writers to ensure high-quality content production.
• Oversee budget planning for communications and events, ensuring efficient resource allocation.
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public affairs, or a related field, plus six years of relevant experience OR a non-communications degree plus eight years of experience.
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategic communications plans.
• Experience managing public relations, media engagement, and event promotion.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Strong leadership, project management, and team-building abilities.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in communications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in public affairs, communications, or a related field.
• Experience in higher education communications or a public policy-related field.
• Familiarity with policy research and academic publishing.
• Knowledge of Salesforce Marketing Cloud and digital analytics tools.

The Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota ranks among the country's top professional public policy and planning schools, widely recognized for its success in advancing the common good through a comprehensive, world-class program. The School offers six distinctive master's degrees, a doctoral degree, and six certificate programs that match students' passion with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to solve real-world challenges.

Pay Range: $75,000 to $105,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-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

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

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) 624-8647.

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).