About the Job
The Director of Alumni Advocacy Communications is a UMAA professional responsible for working with senior leaders to execute a visionary, enterprise-level communications strategy that elevates the reputation, influence, and engagement of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association. As a member of the UMAA’s strategic advocacy team, this individual provides counsel and executes alumni communications, public relations, media relations, crisis response, and advocacy. The Director serves as a thought leader and trusted advisor to the Vice President of Strategic Advocacy and partners across University campuses and external networks to amplify the UMAA's brand and impact.
With strong team-building skills, the Director works within a high-performing team, builds cross-functional partnerships, and writes clear, compelling communications that inform and inspire alumni and other stakeholder audiences. This individual must be an agile, confident, and proactive professional who is comfortable navigating complex environments and influencing outcomes at the highest levels.
35% Advocacy Communications & Public Affairs:
- Collaborate on the development and execution of compelling advocacy campaigns that mobilize alumni to support University goals, particularly at the state level.
- Perform a broad range of internal and external communications work in support of advocacy-oriented work, which may include public relations, news releases, newsletters, web content, multi-media, photo and video, event coordination, and social media, ensuring consistent and effective messaging and branding across all platforms.
- Write clear and compelling messages and communications that inform and inspire alumni and other key audiences.
- Support the communications strategy with written content for alumni when high-stakes, time-sensitive issues arise.
35% Executive Communications:
- Help shape the UMAA leadership narrative, CEO and Board communications across all platforms, including speeches, written communications, briefings, etc.
- Collaborate with the Senior Director of Executive Operations to provide strategic, written support for the CEO and UMAA Board of Directors. Collaborate with the Senior Director of Executive Operations to provide strategic, written support for the CEO and UMAA Board of Directors.
- Develop high-level presentations and briefing materials for the CEO’s engagements with internal and external audiences.
20% System Engagement & Greater Minnesota Strategy:
- Help support initiatives that expand the UMAA's reach and brand across Greater Minnesota by developing messaging and communications materials that resonate.
- Enhance state alumni impact on the University's enrollment, visibility, reputation, and legislative support as part of the strategic advocacy team, its events, and communications.
10% Strategic Communications:
- Develop clear, timely, and effective communications messaging and materials to support the UMAA's communications response to crises and public issues, including sensitive or high-profile events.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- BA/BS degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field.
- Minimum of six years of progressively responsible full-time work experience in communications, public relations, or marketing roles.
- Demonstrated ability to lead high-impact, multi-stakeholder communication strategies in complex organizations.
- Exceptional professionalism and team management skills.
- Outstanding writing, editing, and verbal communication skills. Exceptional ability to craft executive-level remarks, columns, and strategic presentations.
- Strong record of cross-functional collaboration, especially with senior leaders and external stakeholders.
- Able to work on campus a minimum of three days per week for this hybrid role.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in non-profit, alumni relations, or higher education environments.
- Background in advocacy or public affairs strategy.
Non-Essential Functions:
- Willingness and flexibility to work outside traditional business hours as needed.
- Commitment to the mission and values of the UMAA and the University of Minnesota.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
About the Department
Founded in 1904, the University of Minnesota Alumni Association® (UMAA) connects alumni with each other, supports student success, and advances the University of Minnesota. The Alumni Association advocates for the University and its alumni with a credible, independent, and collaborative voice. Members make Alumni Association programs strong and ensure that the more than 650,000 alumni across all five campuses share a sense of belonging to our vibrant global community of learners, makers and doers.
Through the U of M Alumni Association's programs and services, we strive to create impact and enrichment to our alumni no matter who or where they are.
Pay and Benefits
Pay Range: $90,000-$110,000 depending on education/qualifications/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
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.
How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and 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 jobcentr@umn.edu.
Diversity
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
Employment Requirements
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.
About University of Minnesota
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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.
