Communication and Marketing Director - Morris

Time: 100%, 40 hrs/week

Position reports to: Chief Marketing and Public Relations Officer and Chancellor

Salary Range: $85,000 - $120,000

This key leadership role provides strategic direction and operational leadership to the Office of Communications & Marketing; leads and advances the college’s national, state, and regional visibility; and is responsible for planning, creating, and implementing marketing efforts to support the recruitment and retention of undergraduate students to the University of Minnesota Morris.

This position coordinates effective marketing tactics across multiple communications platforms, including, but not limited to, print, web, social, and digital mediums. This position requires regular on-campus presence (in Morris, MN) and work, including nights and weekends.

This is a working leader position who will be managing and supervising 4-7 direct reports. This person will report to the Chief Marketing and Public Relations Officer and the Chancellor.

Job duties

Lead and implement an integrated, comprehensive campus and enrollment marketing and communications strategy - 70 percent

• Develop and implement strategic marketing and communication efforts for target audiences, including students, alumni, and donors, and evaluate the effectiveness of those plans.
• Advance the campus enrollment management plan by developing and executing annual admissions and retention marketing efforts, including media planning and timelines for creating marketing, on-campus messaging, and communication materials.
• Champion the UMN Morris brand, serving as primary brand ambassador.
• Provide strategic oversight of Morris website, events calendar, and social media channels.
• Facilitate and oversee market research, working with outside vendors as needed. Research and implement communication strategies to reach target audiences, including families and influencers of current and prospective students.
• Direct the creative development process, including video production and photography—working with outside vendors as needed and within budget.
• Collaborate with academic and administrative units to ensure consistent messaging and alignment with institutional priorities.
• Provide expertise and advice to campus leadership regarding internal and external public relations and brand reputation management.
• Keep up to date with and apply industry trends and best practices

Provide leadership to the Office of Communications & Marketing - 20 percent

• In collaboration with staff, set priorities and goals for the Communications & Marketing office.
• Provide guidance for the communications & marketing team with workload management and workflow processes.
• Make hiring, evaluation, succession planning, and other management decisions for the unit within a diverse and inclusive campus.
• Plan, budget, and monitor expenditures for all communications & marketing expenses.
• Assist campus units in developing and preparing communications budgets that spend University resources wisely.
• Serve as the campus Public Information Officer and be available to communicate necessary information in emergency and crisis situations. Collaborate during emergency situations with UMN System officials as needed.

University of Minnesota Collaboration - 10 percent

• Work with colleagues across the University of Minnesota to carry out the university-wide communication strategy.
• Champion the University of Minnesota brand, serving as primary brand ambassador from the Morris campus.
• Attend regular meetings (remotely or in person) of university-wide communicators.
• Collaborate with colleagues on special projects and/or high-level media relations activity and issues of a sensitive nature.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS Degree plus six years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a related field, including experience supervising professional communications staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree preferred in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Art, or related field.
• Ability to initiate and monitor multiple projects at a time.
• Commitment to the value of a liberal arts education and understanding of issues that affect historically underrepresented student populations.
• Record of success working in inclusive, diverse staff teams, experience working in complex organizations, demonstrated ability to recognize and respond to critical incidents, issues, and emergencies

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $85,000 - $120,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: 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

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 have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

Resume and cover letter required.

Priority Deadline: April 15, 2026.

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.