Senior Director for Strategic Communications

The Senior Director for Strategic Communications leads the strategy, team, and operations that further the University of Minnesota's research story and priorities and drive awareness, understanding and engagement amongst internal and external stakeholders.

As leader of Research & Innovation Office (RIO) communications, the Senior Director sets the vision, and leads the development and successful implementation of strategy for research storytelling, executive communications, media and issues response, digital engagement, and University-wide collaboration in partnership with communications leaders around the University. The role also provides direct leadership of university's national security research communications portfolios including the National Security Research Institute (NSRI), ensuring disciplined, security-aware communications that advance defense-related research and partnerships.

This is a builder-leader role: part strategist, part coach. The Senior Director works closely with the AVP, the Vice President for Research & Innovation (VPR), University Marketing Communications team, and communicators across colleges, centers, and institutes to align messaging, amplify outcomes, and strengthen the University's research reputation with public, government, industry, philanthropic, and academic audiences. Working in close collaboration with University communications partners, the Senior Director is also responsible for integrating the disparate parts of the Research & Innovation Office. The Senior Director for Strategic Communications is a dual report to the Assistant Vice President for External Affairs and Communications (AVP) in RIO and the University's Chief Communications Officer (CCO).

Please note: This position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

• Strategy & Planning
  • Convene research communicators across colleges to align strategies that maximize engagement.
  • Build and own a multi-year marketing communications strategy that elevates RIO's priorities and aligns with university strategic priorities.
  • Translate strategic initiatives (e.g., interdisciplinary institutes, research infrastructure, commercialization, and workforce) into clear narratives, campaigns, and editorial roadmaps.
  • Identify reputational risks and opportunities; advise AVP/VPR and University Marketing Communications on positioning and timing.
  • Collaborate with University communications leaders to advance coordinated messaging supporting our research story and drive awareness, understanding and engagement with stakeholders in support of the University's mission and priorities.
    
• Editorial Leadership & Content
  • Serve as editor-in-chief for RIO: set voice, quality bar, and content strategy across web, social, video, print, and events.
  • Distill complex science into accessible messaging centered on public value, Minnesota impact, and national leadership, without oversimplification.
  • Oversee executive communications (remarks, op-eds, briefings, decks) for the VPR and RIO senior leaders.
    
• Media Relations & Issues Management (in coordination with University Marketing Communications)
  • Drive proactive research media pipeline; cultivate and prepare faculty experts and partner with University Marketing Communications to elevate research reputation and enterprise storytelling opportunities.
  • Co-lead issues response relevant to research with University Marketing Communications; maintain playbooks, approvals, and post-mortems.
  • Track share of voice and coverage quality; adjust strategy based on results.
    
• Digital, Analytics & Product Ownership
  • Own RIO's digital presence (sites, newsletters, social channels) and ensure accessibility and usability compliance.
  • Define KPIs, dashboards, and review cycles (e.g., reach, engagement, SOV, conversions, stakeholder satisfaction).
  • Pilot new formats/tools that improve discoverability and engagement.
    
• Team Leadership & Operations
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team; establish clear roles, service levels, and intake/triage processes
  • Run an efficient editorial calendar and prioritization model that balances enterprise campaigns with unit needs.
  • Manage vendors/contractors; steward budget and resourcing plans.
  • Implement a liaison model for RIO centers and institutes; provide toolkits, templates, and shared standards.
    
• National Security Communications Leadership
  • Lead the national security communications program, ensuring message alignment, stakeholder mapping, and coordinated outreach with defense, industry, and government partners.
  • Partner with compliance (export control, research security) on review workflows; maintain sensitivity to controlled or limited-distribution information.
  • Prepare senior leaders and faculty for high-stakes briefings, site visits, and media.

Flexible Work Profile
The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) endorses a "work with flexibility" approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. Some on-site work may be necessary for certain positions, even those designated as fully remote.

This position has been designated as eligible for flexible work profiles one and two.

• Profile One, Office Lab-Based - is expected to work primarily on-site in the office/lab.
  Only occasionally and inconsistently working remotely. Your office will be located in the McNamara Alumni Center located at 200 SE Oak Street on the Twin Cities, Minneapolis Campus.
  
• Profile Two, Regularly Remote - is expected to work in the office/lab at least 3 days per week.
  Typically working remotely 1-2 days per week. Your office will be located in the McNamara Alumni Center located at 200 SE Oak Street on the Twin Cities, Minneapolis Campus.

The Research and Innovation Office management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

Required Qualifications

• BA degree in Communications, Journalism, or a related field, and at least 12 years of experience in strategic communications, public relations, or related fields.
• Proven ability to translate complex organizational strategy, research, and technical topics into compelling communication strategies that drive engagement and align with business objectives. Strength in critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with deep expertise across diverse platforms, including media relations, social media, digital marketing, and internal communications.
• Extensive experience as a spokesperson and strategist, with a proven track record of working proactively with news media and navigating complex issues. Demonstrated ability to successfully prepare others to effectively represent the University in these situations.
• Ability to influence and build consensus among diverse stakeholders at all levels of the organization, effectively sharing ideas and gaining alignment and buy-in.
• Demonstrated success in leading, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams, including coaching staff and executives to serve as effective ambassadors for the University.
• Superior organizational and project management skills, with the ability to independently manage multiple high-priority initiatives and execute tasks in a fast-paced environment. Ability to quickly adjust to changing priorities and situations.
• Demonstrated experience making data-informed decisions. Ability to analyze data, identify trends, measure the effectiveness of communication strategies and tactics, and optimize future plans.

Preferred Qualifications

• The role is ideal for a mission-driven, strategic communications leader with demonstrated success in building and implementing objectives and performance metrics-driven strategies.
• Experience in higher education or in a research-focused communications role within a complex, matrixed organization.
• Vendor/contractor management experience.

The RIO Communications Team collaborates with partners in the Research and Innovation Office, across the University, and with external organizations to build awareness of the positive impact of University of Minnesota research and to advance the University's research mission and goals. We provide communications support for the Vice President for Research and Innovation, RIO's administrative units, UMN Technology Commercialization, and 12 academic centers and institutes. Our services include: communications strategy/planning, media/public relations, issues management, social media, email marketing, brand guidance, and website management. We also produce several internal newsletters that keep our audiences informed about important news, policies, and opportunities that impact the research community.

Pay Range: $175,000.00-$205,000.00; 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

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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.