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Vice President of Marketing and Communications

U of M Requisition Number: 156095
Class: 9340–Program Director
Supervisor:President & CEO

Overview

The vice president of marketing and communications oversees the development, planning, implementation, and integration of all communications and marketing strategies in support of the Minnesota Medical Foundation's strategic fund-raising goals, including but not limited to: marketing and internal communications (print, electronic, Web-based, and video); direct marketing (direct mail and telemarketing); media and public relations; advertising; alumni and donor relations; and event planning. As a member of the foundation's senior management team, s/he provides strategic leadership and vision on the development of programs intended to introduce–and retain–new donors to the foundation and/or to provide marketing and communications support to the foundation's major gifts program and related campaigns. In carrying out these responsibilities, the vice president of marketing and communications manages a team of approximately 24 staff members representing the following department units: alumni and donor relations; direct marketing; editorial services; electronic communications; event planning; media production and advertising; and medical advancement–Duluth campus.

Responsibilities

(35%) Working with foundation leadership; senior communicators in the Academic Health Center, University of Minnesota Foundation, and University Relations; and outside consultants, the vice president develops, plans, implements, and integrates communications strategies that support the foundation's long-term strategic goals.

  • Plays a lead role in all major campaigns, special projects, and other advancement-related initiatives by planning and coordinating foundation communication and other marketing support services required to realize those initiatives.
  • Works in concert with lead development staff to plan and implement effective fund-raising communications and solicitation strategies.
  • Collaborates with senior communications staff in the Academic Health Center, University of Minnesota Foundation, University Relations, University of Minnesota Alumni Association, and other campus organizations on broad-based University initiatives.
  • Evaluates the effectiveness of campaign communication strategies and recommends changes or improvements as warranted.
  • Outsources projects or project components as needed and manages vendor relationships.
  • Prepares periodic reports to the foundation's president and board of trustees, documenting accomplishments in fulfilling the foundation's goals and objectives and mission.

(35%) Leads communications functions on behalf of the foundation.

  • Develops and oversees the foundation's "brand" policies and usage.
  • Oversees the writing and editing of news releases, publications, brochures, reports, correspondence, advertisements, speeches, presentations, etc., in support of MMF's communications plan.
  • Provides oversight to electronic communications projects, including the foundation's Web site(s) and intranet.
  • Oversees communications for special events and donor recognition initiatives, providing guidance and leadership to staff and volunteers.
  • Assists the president with various communications/marketing duties, such as board communications and speech-writing as requested.

(30%) Manages the foundation's Marketing and Communications staff and department budget.

  • Supervises, either directly or indirectly, a staff of approximately 24 working in the following department units: alumni and donor relations, direct marketing, editorial services, electronic communications, event planning, media production and advertising, and medical advancement–Duluth campus.
  • Leads and/or participates in the following processes: staff recruitment, selection, and retention; orientation and training; performance management/coaching/discipline; and professional development.
  • Ensures staff compliance with MMF policies, procedures, and programs. Collaborates with other foundation staff on process improvements to increase efficiencies between functions and departments.
  • Plans, develops, and manages the department budget, soliciting input from department staff and providing guidance to ensure projects are completed in a timely, cost-effective manner.

Qualifications

Essential (Required) Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in journalism, English, communications, public relations, or other related field of study
  • Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, and/or public relations, preferably in a university setting
  • Minimum of five (5) years experience in a management position directing a communications program and staff
  • Ability to plan, organize, and present ideas and concepts to groups
  • Ability to build effective, collaborative relationships with academic and foundation leadership, deans, faculty, staff, and volunteers
  • Discretion in handling confidential matters
  • Ability to assimilate and analyze information from a variety of sources and recommend a course of action based on that information
  • Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Working knowledge of the Internet and related e-communications, as well as graphic design principles
  • Working knowledge of the Chicago Manual of Style and/or the AP Stylebook
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, especially Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint

Selection Criteria (Preferred Qualifications)

  • Advanced degree in journalism, English, communications, public relations, or other related field of study preferred
  • Experience in planning and executing communications in support of a comprehensive college or university campaign strongly preferred
  • Experience serving on an executive management team preferred
  • Experience working with boards or other key volunteers preferred

Applications will be accepted only through the University of Minnesota's online employment system. Please submit a cover letter and resume to this system for consideration.

The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.