Chief Communications Officer

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. As a key advisor to the dean and collegiate leadership, you’ll develop innovative marketing communication strategies to highlight the groundbreaking research, world‑class faculty, and extraordinary students who make the College of Liberal Arts (CLA) a global leader in liberal arts education. Contact Contact Brad Earney at View email address on click.appcast.io with any questions about the position or location. Five Strong Campuses. One Strong State. The University of Minnesota System is one of the most comprehensive in the nation, with offerings to meet the interests of every student and the changing needs of our society. We’re proud of our land‑grant mission of world‑class education, groundbreaking research, and our commitment to partnering with communities in our drive to serve Minnesota. This position calls for a leader who blends strategic insight with strong analytical skills, partnering with collegiate offices and University Marketing Communications to bridge silos, enhance the flow of information, and ensure a consistent narrative across all platforms. The CCO serves as the college’s lead brand and identity architect, responsible for developing and successfully implementing strategies that position CLA with internal and external stakeholders. Primary responsibilities include: Leading a talented marketing communications team Fostering a culture of trust Reimagining how our internal and external communications can drive CLA’s mission forward The CCO will act as a catalyst for change by assessing and integrating collegiate marketing communications operations, aligning resources with strategy, and cultivating a high‑performing, unified team. The CCO will develop and execute an integrated marketing communications strategy that aligns and supports the University’s brand, communications, and enrollment marketing strategies. In addition, the brand will drive external engagement, student recruitment, and donor, alumni, and external partner engagement. Key focus areas include: Developing and implementing a collegiate internal and leadership communications plan that aligns with the CLA’s long‑term strategic goals Using analytics to guide decision‑making Ensuring that communication strategies serve the broader collegiate and University vision, mission, and strategic roadmap + Key Responsibilities 1. College identity and brand strategy planning: Create and lead a bold, college‑wide communications and marketing vision and strategy that elevates 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. That strategy will include development of a CLA brand and marketing communications strategy. The strategy will champion the value of a University of Minnesota liberal arts education and showcase the college’s academic excellence, achievements, and future direction. Key performance indicators include advancing enrollment growth, fundraising success, talent recruitment and retention, and stakeholder engagement. Partner with collegiate offices and the dean's cabinet to promote the CLA's academic programs, research, and major events to diverse audiences, including prospective students, alumni, benefactors, and external stakeholders. 2. Strategic enrollment marketing communications planning: Partner with the chief student success officer 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 and impact positioning: Collaborate with the associate dean for research, the associate dean for diversity, inclusion, community engagement, and equity, 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, enhancing the national reputation and public engagement. 4. Executive leadership and operational alignment: Provide mentorship and high‑level direction to the marketing communications team. Lead and facilitate a nimble work plan that aligns creative output and resource allocations to advance the actions and objectives within the University’s and CLA’s 5‑year strategic plans. 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 in collaboration with the Strategic Communications team within University Marketing Communications. Serve as the lead collegiate marketing, media, and public relations manager, including coordinating with journalists and collegiate partners to respond to media inquiries. Manage and review internal and external communications for senior leadership. + Qualifications Required Qualifications BA/BS degree in strategic communication, marketing, journalism, or a related field At least 12 years of progressive, professional experience and demonstrated success in strategic communications of increasing scope, with some experience at a public agency, mission‑driven organization, or with a large, complex organization 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 or more of progressively responsible experience in strategic marketing, brand management, and communications, preferably in higher education, corporate, or mission‑driven organizations 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 coordination of complex marketing and branding campaigns and the many stakeholders involved in the campaign’s design and execution Proven experience leading digital marketing strategies, including analytics, website governance, and social media platform management Knowledge of higher education practices and the ability to acquire knowledge in a short period of time Strong understanding of how communications and marketing integrate with fundraising and legislative affairs + Salary, Benefits, and Other Details Starting salary range: $170,000–200,000 Work arrangements: This role requires a consistent onsite presence, complemented by executive flexibility for some remote work. Benefits: As a Professional and Administrative (P&A) employee, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package. This includes low‑cost health coverage, professional development opportunities, and retirement plan with 10% employer contribution. (See our benefits page for more information.) + Applications and Nominations Applications are confidential to the search committee and should include: A CV or resume A letter of interest addressing the key strategic responsibilities Priority consideration date: March 26, 2026 Note: If you are selected to move forward, we will request five references in a single document. References will not be contacted without your permission. The position will remain open until filled. Please contact Elisia Cohen ( View email address on click.appcast.io ) and Jennie Robinson Kloos ( View email address on click.appcast.io ) with questions about this position. An Equal Opportunity Employer The University of Minnesota shall provide 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr