Marketing & Communications Manager

The Marketing & Communications Manager serves as a senior individual contributor responsible for guiding communications, marketing, and storytelling initiatives in support of UMAA programs and services. This role provides writing and editorial expertise as well as project management and creation of digital and print communications that strengthen alumni connection, participation, and affinity with the Alumni Association and five University of Minnesota campuses. Crucially, this role will integrate brand stewardship, effective messaging, and campaign execution to ensure cohesive, high-impact storytelling in support of programs and services.

This position reports to the Senior Director of Alumni Communications at the Alumni Association.

Communications and Marketing (70%):

• Serve as the primary marketing and communications strategist for UMAA's programs and services, aligning initiatives with audience and organizational priorities and goals.
• Develop and execute integrated marketing and communications plans that articulate clear value propositions, compelling messaging, and defined target audiences.
• Identify and deploy appropriate channels and tactics to address business objectives and engagement challenges.
• Provide leadership in audience segmentation, positioning, and message architecture to maximize impact.
• Establish measurable goals and performance metrics for campaigns; monitor effectiveness and recommend optimizations.
• Identify barriers to achieving objectives and proactively recommend solutions.
• Ensure campaigns are executed cohesively from strategy through delivery, maintaining consistency in voice and brand standards.
• Partner across internal teams and external collaborators to ensure alignment and effective implementation.
• Contribute to broader organizational marketing and communications strategy discussions.

Editor & Writer (25%):

• Shape and execute alumni storytelling initiatives that reinforce the Alumni Association's mission and impact across the five campuses of the University of Minnesota.
• Translate complex initiatives into clear, compelling, audience-centered narratives and calls to action across print and digital platforms.
• Write, edit, and proofread high-quality communications materials for accuracy, clarity, tone, editorial standards, and brand alignment.
• Develop content for sections of Minnesota Alumni magazine.

Other Duties as Assigned (5%):

• Represent UMAA at select events, serving as an engaged and informed ambassador for the alumni community and gathering communications assets for use in current and future promotions.
• Contribute to special projects and cross-functional initiatives that advance UMAA's mission, enhance the alumni experience, and/or improve internal systems and operations.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, or related field.
• Minimum of four years of professional marketing and communications experience.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills across multiple platforms.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Collaboration: must demonstrate exceptional teamwork and a consistent collaborative spirit as a member of the communications team and provide backup as needed.
• Experience in a professional setting with high standards for quality, accountability, and service.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple priorities, solve problems, and follow through with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with a positive, customer-focused approach.
• Proven track record of taking initiative, improving systems or workflows, and anticipating needs without constant direction.
• Committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment and handling sensitive information with integrity and discretion.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Eight or more years of professional experience in marketing and communications.
• Supervisory or mentoring experience, especially of students or part-time staff
• Familiarity with Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Calendar)
• Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) systems or databases
• Prior experience in higher education, nonprofits, or membership-based organizations
• Understanding of or connection to the mission of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association

The University of Minnesota Alumni Association fosters a lifelong spirit of belonging and pride by connecting alumni, students, and friends to the University of Minnesota and each other. The Association advocates for the University and its alumni with a credible, independent, and collaborative voice.

Pay Range: $70,000-$80,000 based on qualifications and years of experience

Time Appointment: 100%-time Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• 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

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. Please upload the following documents with your application:

1. A cover letter which outlines your interest in and qualifications for the position
2. Your updated resume

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

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. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).