Communication and Marketing Director - Morris

Communication and Marketing Director - Morris

University Classification: 9361MG, Manager 1, Marketing and Communications Generalist
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 and work, including nights and weekends.

This is a working leader position. Reporting to the Chief Marketing and Public Relations Officer and the Chancellor. Manage and supervise 4-7 direct reports.

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.

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 Range: $85000 - $120000; 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

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 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: Apr 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.

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 Morris (UMN Morris)

The University of Minnesota Morris (UMN Morris) makes its home on a 121-year-old campus on the western edge of the state and is one of the top public liberal arts colleges in the nation. The small, close-knit campus emphasizes faculty/student collaboration in research, study abroad, and community engaged learning. Deeply rooted in the tall grass prairies of Minnesota, the campus also has advanced sustainable, environmentally friendly initiatives that have grown to levels of national leadership and touch nearly all aspects of campus life.

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).