Chief Communications Officer

Chief Communications Officer - College of Liberal Arts
University of Minnesota | Twin Cities, MN

Job Code: 9365MC | Job ID: #372522
Reports to: The Dean of the College of Liberal Arts

About the Role:

As the College of Liberal Arts' Chief Communications Officer (CCO), you'll lead a talented team in crafting a comprehensive, integrated marketing communications strategy that amplifies the college's awareness, understanding, engagement and impact across Minnesota, the nation and around the world. You'll serve as a key advisor to the Dean and collegiate leadership - developing innovative marketing communication strategies to highlight the groundbreaking research, world-class faculty, and extraordinary students who make the CLA a global leader in liberal arts education.

The CCO serves as the college's lead brand and identity architect, responsible for the development and successful implementation of strategies that position the College of Liberal Arts (CLA) to all internal and external stakeholders. Primary responsibilities include leading a talented marketing communications team looking for a leader to unify operations, foster a culture of trust, and reimagine how internal and external communications can drive the College's mission forward.

Key Strategic Responsibilities:

1. College Identity & Brand Strategy Planning - Create and lead a bold, college-wide communications and marketing vision and strategy that elevates the CLA's brand, defines its competitive advantage, strengthens its reputation, and drives meaningful engagement across audiences. Develop and execute an integrated communications strategy to introduce the college's new strategic plan to internal and external stakeholders. Champion the value of a University of Minnesota liberal arts education and showcase the college's academic excellence, achievements and future direction.

2. Strategic Enrollment Marketing Communications Planning - Partner with the Chief Student Success Officer (CSSO) and University Marketing Communications to translate recruitment and enrollment goals into tailored, high-impact marketing communication strategies. Leverage collegiate and University marketing communications capabilities, resources and methods to articulate the unique value proposition of CLA to prospective students and families.

3. Research & Impact Positioning - Collaborate with the Associate Dean for Research (ORGP) and the Associate Dean for Diversity, Inclusion, Community Engagement and Equity (DICEE) and University Marketing Communications to elevate the college's profile as a premier research institution and an engaged community partner. Develop communication strategies to amplify faculty discovery, scholarly achievements, and artistic work to enhance national reputation and public engagement.

4. Executive Leadership & Operational Alignment - Provide mentorship and high-level direction to the marketing communications team. Lead and facilitate a nimble workplan that aligns creative output and resource allocations to advance the actions and objectives within the University and College 5-year strategic plan. Ensure that external and internal communication strategies are aligned with the college's vision and strategic priorities.

5. External Relations, Crisis Communication, and Advising on Sensitive Matters - Serve as a trusted strategic advisor to the Dean and other collegiate leaders on sensitive communication matters, including handling crisis communications and issue management planning. Serve as the lead collegiate marketing, media and public relations manager, including coordinating with journalists and collegiate partners to respond to media inquiries.

Skills & Competencies:
- Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to independently and collaboratively drive initiatives forward.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to build trust, manage up and across, and engage with a broad range of stakeholders.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, compelling public narratives.
- Strong leadership and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in digital marketing tools, web content management systems, graphic design software, and social media strategy.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including the dean's leadership team, University Marketing Communications, and CLA faculty, staff, and students.
- High degree of professionalism, integrity, and dependability.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Zoom, and other productivity/collaboration tools.

Required Qualifications:
- BA/BS degree in Strategic Communication, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field plus a minimum of 12 years of progressive professional experience and demonstrated success in strategic communications of increasing scope.
- Demonstrated experience developing and executing integrated marketing and communications strategies and managing branding within a complex organizational environment.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication, editing, and proofreading skills, with the ability to adapt messaging for different audiences.
- Excellent presentation and relationship-building skills, including a proven ability to work effectively with an intellectually, culturally, linguistically, and ethnically diverse workforce.

Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's degree in Strategic Communication, Marketing, Business, Journalism, or a related field.
- 12+ years of progressively responsible experience in strategic marketing, brand management, and communications, preferably in higher education or mission-driven organizations, with at least five years in a senior leadership role supervising full-time employees.
- Proven experience in executive communications, media relations, and crisis/issues management.
- Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional teams through complex marketing and branding campaigns.
- Proven experience leading digital marketing strategies, including analytics, website governance, and social media platform management.
- Knowledge of higher education practices.
- Strong understanding of how communications and marketing integrate with fundraising and legislative affairs.

Pay and Benefits:

Pay Range: $170,000 - $200,000 depending on education/qualifications/experience
Time Appointment: 100% Appointment
Position Type: P&A Staff

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
- 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

Application Deadline: For full consideration, applications should be received by March 26, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.

This role requires a consistent onsite presence, complemented by executive flexibility for some remote work.

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.