The Senior Strategist, Executive Communications, partners closely with the Sr. Director, Executive Communications and members of the Office of the President and University Marketing Communications teams and leaders across the University to support the President’s executive visibility and engagement strategy. 

This role manages executive communications platforms, including the Office of the President website and social media strategy, develops multi-channel communications content, and leads the overall management and coordination of responses to the President’s externally-facing email and other correspondence.

Under the direction of the Senior Director, Executive Communications, this role will collaborate with members of the Office of the President team and leaders across the University to formulate content and meet communications-related requests for the President. Additionally, it will support the development of a strategic, cohesive strategy in support of the priorities of the President and University, for current events and shifting priorities.

This position will dual report to the Senior Director, Executive Communications and Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the President. This role is required to be in the office Monday-Thursday with remote work on Fridays and will include night and weekend support. This position is primarily in-office.

Key Responsibilities

• Executive Content & Project Management 
  • Assist in content creation, including development of first drafts (speeches, key messages, commentary), to support appearances in partnership with The Office of the President’s staff and partners across the University.
  • Proactively gather assets – content, background information, photos, videos, etc. – that support the University President’s appearances inside and outside the University in collaboration with members of the Office of the President team and leaders across the University. 
  • Maintain trackers, organization and templates to support executive visibility strategy and message consistency for Office of the President. 
  • Assist in routing materials through various levels of review, overseeing quality control to ensure accuracy, clarity, coherence, and adherence to style guidelines.
• President’s Social Media Presence
  • Development and implementation of a proactive social media strategy in partnership with the University Marketing Communications social media team, and communications partners across the University.
  • Manage editorial strategy and approvals, partnering with the social media team on content and asset creation, account management, and reporting.
• Web Presence
  • Be an active part of the team that formulates the strategy for the Office of the President website.
  • Responsible for day-to-day management of the Office of the President website, including content development. 
• Executive Correspondence
  • Manage the Office of the President email account, partnering closely with members of the Office of the President and University Marketing Communications teams. 
    • Triage incoming communications and draft comprehensive responses. 
    • Escalate relevant issues, themes and trends - as appropriate to team members across Office of the President and communications partners.
    • Create and maintain reports that summarize key issues, themes and trends and are easily accessible for the President and other University senior leaders. 
  • Create content—including letters, acknowledgements—and ensure timely response. 
• Manages multiple priorities with tight deadlines and diverse audiences while maintaining a professional and consistent strategic approach and brand identity.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with members of the Office of the President and University Marketing Communications teams and leaders across the University, along with community organizations, and external vendors. 

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field
• Minimum of six years of related experience in executive communications, strategic communications, social media strategy and related 
• Demonstrated experience with social media management 
• Excellent written and oral communications skills
• Prior experience writing in an executive voice (speeches, long form commentary, etc) and elevating an executive leader on prioritized topics
• Strong judgement, attention to detail and interpersonal skills including ability to work cooperatively with variety of internal stakeholders and individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Excellent analytical skills - distilling information to identify trends and prioritize tasks
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to the demands of changing and challenging environment with multiple competing priorities
• Proven ability to work independently and in collaborative team-based environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with content management systems. 
• Strength in critical and strategic thinking with proven ability to problem solve and offer up a plan for how to move forward. 
• Excellent organizational and planning skills, with the ability to independently manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Prior experience working in a complex, decentralized organization.  
• The ability to respond quickly and deal successfully under pressure in an open and public environment.
• Experience with issues and crisis management communications.

Pay Range: $90,000 - $100,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience 

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment, 12 month

Position Type: 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