Director of Communications and Marketing

About the Job

Title: Director of Communications and Marketing

Job code: 9365CG; M & C Director 1 - Comm Gen

Employee group: Academic Professional

Full/Part Time (FTE): Full time position

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Office Location: Coffey Hall, St. Paul campus, with some flex work options

Salary Range: $160,000 - $195,000; depending on education and experience

Apply by: October 1, 2026

About the Job

University of Minnesota Extension is seeking a dynamic and strategic Director of Communications and Marketing to lead efforts that advance Extension's mission of bringing University research and education to communities across Minnesota and beyond. This is a senior leadership role responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive and integrated strategies that broaden public awareness, increase participation in Extension programs, enhance employee engagement and build support among internal and external stakeholders.

The Director serves as a key strategic advisor to the Dean of Extension and collegiate leadership, ensuring all internal and external communications align with strategic priorities, brand standards and compliance requirements. The successful candidate will be a collaborative leader who upholds the highest standards of professional conduct and uses audience-focused, innovative and inclusive content strategies and analytics to drive decisions. The Director leads a creative and talented team of communications professionals who utilize public relations, communications, social and digital media, marketing and related strategies to illustrate the impact of Extension faculty, educators and staff. The team also works to deepen Extension's relationships and trust with partners, donors, program participants, elected officials and the public.

Primary Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership, Planning and Executive Communications and Marketing Strategies - 30%

• Lead the design and implementation of objectives-driven and audience-focused communications and marketing plans that clearly communicate Extension's public impact and build trust with Extension's internal and external stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary communications advisor to the Dean and senior leadership team, including providing counsel on key initiatives, institutional priorities, public positioning and issues/crisis management; prepare talking points, presentations or other materials to support leaders; provide media coaching; among other support.
• Develop clear and compelling messaging that articulates Extension's mission, vision and impact.
• Work to instill consistency and compliance with branding, accessibility policies and civil rights laws across all Extension-owned communication channels.
• Provide expert counsel to Extension faculty, educators and staff on the most effective and efficient methods of achieving their internal and external communications and marketing goals. Ensure that department and unit communications needs are being met in close collaboration with Extension Learning Technologies.
• Measure the success and impact of communications activities across print, digital and social media channels utilizing methods based on current industry standards and best practices.
• Develop and manage Extension's communications and marketing budget, resource allocation, staffing plans and vendor relationships.
• Build and maintain relationships with professional colleagues in Extension systems and/or higher education institutions nationally, monitor trends and incorporate knowledge from these relationships into Extension strategy considerations.

Maintain and enhance Extension's reputation for public value - 35%

• Collaboratively develop and communicate clear communications and marketing priorities and messages that align with Extension and University strategic plans.
• Continuously monitor and adapt Extension's audience-focused content strategy for digital and print channels, including websites, social media, earned media, owned media and video.
• Serve as Extension's public relations officer, coordinating institutional messages and responses with other University departments and colleges, consulting with topical experts and colleagues in Extension and providing media coaching as needed.
• Manage crisis communications in collaboration with Extension leadership and University of Minnesota/external partner colleagues.
• Monitor and nimbly adapt to AI and other emerging technologies and trends; help lead policy development that encourages innovation while balancing ethics and other concerns.
• Develop and deliver systems and training that allow non-communications professionals to effectively share information about Extension and its value.
• Maintain the integrity of the University of Minnesota Extension brand and develop tools and policies that encourage and reward brand compliance.
• Lead the development of collateral and messaging that communicate strategic priorities and key initiatives, and support major events including the Minnesota State Fair and Farmfest, as well as government and industry relations and philanthropy.
• Develop and maintain high-quality and engaging impact and compliance reporting for partners and funders about Extension's educational programs.

Team leadership and University Collaboration - 35%

• Lead, mentor and manage Extension communications team members (including 19 current staff members and student employees), fostering a collaborative culture of high quality and competency, innovation, responsiveness, professional growth and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the strategy and cadence of internal communications to Extension faculty, educators and regional and county staff to advance organizational awareness, foster engagement and ensure alignment with strategic priorities.
• Oversee day-to-day team operations and lead editorial planning and coordination across a decentralized statewide system.
• Advocate for best practices and innovation in communications and marketing across Extension.
• Engage and collaborate with key University partners, including University Marketing Communications - to which this role has a dotted-line reporting relationship - Government Relations, University of Minnesota Foundation, among others to ensure alignment with and amplification of broader University goals and initiatives.
• Collaborate with and provide assistance to communication professionals throughout the University of Minnesota to promote consistent, effective communications that enhance Extension's brand and image.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a communications or related field
• Twelve years of progressive responsibility in communications, marketing or related field
• Management experience with complex and decentralized teams
• Proficient in print, digital and web, social and video media strategy and execution
• Strong understanding of brand and reputation management
• Excellent writing, editing and communication skills
• Demonstrated success in developing strategic communications plans, executing integrated strategies and project management
• A self-starter who is highly productive, nimble and comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving and multifaceted communications environment
• Three years' experience recruiting, developing and managing a comprehensive team of communication professionals
• Public relations or public affairs work experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in communications, public relations, marketing or a related field
• A collaborative leadership style with a commitment to and experience fostering a welcoming and effective organizational culture
• Related experience at the University of Minnesota, in higher education or an Extension system, or in another large, complex, mission-driven organization
• Demonstrated knowledge/experience of/with Greater Minnesota and rural/urban issues
• Expert skills in Microsoft Office, Google suite, Zoom, and other software tools for communications and marketing
• Understanding of appropriate use of AI in communications and related best practices; familiarity with other emerging trends in technology, content and communications strategies
• Budget management experience
• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills

Additional Requirements

• This is not a remote position. The successful candidate must be able to work regularly at a dedicated/assigned Extension office on the St. Paul campus.
• Valid drivers license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance. Ability to drive to events/meetings, and stay overnight on occasion. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a number that will be published in the Extension staff directory.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

About the Department

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota, a land grant institution with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees. Find further information on the Extension website.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $160,000 - $195,000; 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.

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 jobcentr@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 University of Minnesota

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 nations 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, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.