Director, Communications and Marketing

Position Summary

The Director, Communications and Marketing leads marketing and communications for the University of Minnesota Morris. The Director is responsible for development and successful implementation of communications and marketing strategies that strengthen University of Minnesota Morris's reputation, grow enrollment, and deepen engagement across a broad array of stakeholders. The director provides strategic leadership support to the Chancellor and senior leadership team on marketing, communications, external engagement and brand positioning of the University of Minnesota Morris.

A distinctive undergraduate campus within the University of Minnesota, the Morris campus combines a student‑centered residential liberal arts and sciences education with access to the resources and opportunities of one of the nation's largest universities. The Director is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive strategies that advance the University of Minnesota Morris's visibility and engagement, with a focus on enrollment marketing.

The person in this role leads an integrated team that grows the enrollment of the University of Minnesota Morris, sustains and strengthens its brand and reputation, strengthens relationships with key stakeholders, and ensures alignment with the University of Minnesota's mission, values, brand and priorities. The Director reports directly to the Chancellor, serves as a member of the University of Minnesota leadership team, and partners with colleagues in University Marketing Communications.

In‑person on the University of Minnesota Morris campus

• Lead development, evaluation, and successful implementation of a comprehensive enrollment marketing strategy for University of Minnesota Morris.
  • Identify, develop, integrate, and implement industry‑leading strategies and tools in support of this strategy.
  • Build strong working relationships with leaders across the University of Minnesota Morris and the University of Minnesota to ensure the strategy is fully integrated inside and outside the University of Minnesota Morris.
• Oversee UMN Morris marketing campaigns across digital and traditional platforms to drive enrollment growth for the Morris campus.
  • Direct the creative development process, including video production and photography, working with outside vendors as needed.
• Collaborate with academic and administrative units to ensure consistent messaging and alignment with campus priorities, including Development and Alumni Relations.
• Provide leadership for UMN Morris's brand strategy, visual identity, marketing, and storytelling efforts in alignment with the University of Minnesota's brand and content strategies.

• Direct strategic marketing, brand, and communications efforts across UMN Morris in alignment with the campus strategic plan and University‑wide priorities.
• Ensure successful development and implementation of comprehensive marketing communication strategies that advance the University's mission and strategic priorities.
• Serve as a senior advisor to the Chancellor and senior leadership team on external relations strategy, internal and leadership communications, brand, marketing, public affairs, and reputational risk management in partnership with University Marketing Communications.
• Build strong partnerships with University of Minnesota Marketing Communications and collaborate with marketing communications leads across the University of Minnesota to advance shared priorities and coordinated strategies.

• Lead and supervise Office of Communications and Marketing staff, fostering a collaborative, creative, mission‑and‑impact‑driven culture.
• Manage budgets, contracts, and vendor relationships to ensure efficient resource use and a strong return on investment.
• Provide strategic leadership and guidance to the team in support of the University of Minnesota Morris strategic plan.
• Serve as the administrator over UMM's trademark licensing program in partnership with University Marketing Communications. Manage the licensing contract and relationship; explore…