Senior Director, Public Relations

Overview

The Senior Director for Public Relations develops and leads external communications strategies to enhance the University of Minnesota's reputation and support the University's mission and priorities. This role leads the public relations and social media efforts, including proactive news media relations, reactive media inquiries, and integrated storytelling with the colleges, campuses, and units.

Responsibilities include directing the news media relations strategy, leading a team of public relations professionals, and developing relationships with local, state, national, and international media. The role also oversees the social media strategy, coordinating with colleges, campuses, and units and contributing to the paid social media program.

Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer, the Senior Director guides objectives and metrics-driven PR strategies aligned with the University's strategic roadmap and brand, and champions thought leadership and news creation to raise awareness of the University.

Working with department leadership, this position builds proactive strategies to advance the University's mission and priorities, and communicates effectively with internal and external stakeholders. The Senior Director provides strategic counsel to University leadership and ensures leaders and subject experts are prepared to represent the University publicly.

Work environment :

This position is primarily in-person – at least three days per week and as needed for meetings and events.

Primary Responsibilities :

Lead development of a comprehensive and integrated University-wide media relations strategy across the Public Relations team and in partnership with marketing communications professionals within colleges, campuses, and units.

Develop story pitches and packages to earn coverage across Minnesota, national, and international media.

Foster close working relationships with key media and distribute responsibilities across the Marketing Communications team.

Ensure effective and timely response to news media inquiries in collaboration with senior leadership.

Lead development and implementation of an integrated, collaborative organic social media strategy in partnership with University colleges, campuses, and units.

In partnership with the Director, Social Media, develop a comprehensive, metrics-driven strategy across platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, etc.) to grow awareness and engagement.

Participate in the University’s paid social media strategy developed by University Marketing.

Develop objectives and performance-driven communications and campaign strategies that support the University’s mission and priorities and engage internal and external stakeholders.

The Senior Director will also develop and implement strategies to extend the University's brand, including :

Develop regular blog posts and op-eds and create training modules for University leaders and the marketing communications team.

Build opportunities for University leaders to speak publicly, share expertise on social media, and publish op-eds.

Develop and implement performance metrics to ensure effectiveness and manage financial resources.

Ensure strategies reflect industry best practices and report results to University Marketing Communications and leadership.

As part of the Marketing Communications leadership team, the Senior Director :

Acts as a primary account lead for a college, campus, or unit to implement integrated strategies and activate department resources.

Fosters a collaborative environment that supports professional growth and engagement.

Ensures team members have meaningful work aligned with the unit’s priorities.

The Senior Director collaborates with colleagues to build integrated strategies and inspires the team to be strong writers and content developers, implementing shared news and social media strategies. The role serves as an advisor to University leadership and University Marketing Communications, including cabinet members, chancellors, and deans.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications :

BA degree in Communications, Journalism, or a related field and at least 12 years of experience in strategic communications or public relations.

Ability to translate organizational objectives into compelling communications strategies and engagement.

Ability to translate complex topics into accessible communications.

Exceptional verbal and written communication skills and ability to develop key messages and mentor others.

Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and track progress.

Familiarity with media relations, social media, digital marketing, and internal communications.

Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and measure effectiveness of strategies and tactics.

Experience in crisis communications and building relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration across teams to support the University’s mission.

Ability to influence at all organizational levels to gain support for ideas and plans.

Excellent organizational and planning skills with the ability to manage multiple projects independently.

Preferred Qualifications :

Demonstrated success in building and implementing objective- and metrics-driven strategies.

Experience making data-informed decisions and managing projects / vendors / contractors.

Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and circumstances.

About the Department

The University of Minnesota is a world-class research university with a large campus network and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Twin Cities campus spans Minneapolis and St. Paul and serves a large community of students, staff, and alumni.

Pay and Benefits

Pay range : $175,000 - $205,000, depending on education, qualifications, and experience. Time appointment : 100% appointment. Position Type : P&A Staff. The University offers a comprehensive benefits package including tuition assistance, health plans, retirement plans, and more. Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. Please attach a resume and cover letter. Priority consideration : submit by Wednesday, October 1, 2025. Applications submitted after this date may be reviewed on a rolling basis. For accommodations during the application process, please email employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University is committed to diversity and inclusion and provides equal access to opportunities. Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. The University presumes eligibility to work and reserves the right to consider criminal history on a case-by-case basis.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC) is a large public research university with campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul. It offers extensive partnerships across health centers, industry, government, and the nonprofit sector, and is recognized as a top employer in multiple lists.

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