University of Minnesota

About the Job

Working Title: Director of Public and Partner Relations

Job Code Title: Marketing &Communications Manager 1-Mktg & Comm Generalist

Job Code: 9361MG

Job Summary:

The Director of Public and Partner Relations for Lions Gift of Sight is responsible for directing and executing a variety of marketing and communications initiatives. This role involves the development and implementation of strategic communication plans to support the programmatic goals, enhance its reputation, and effectively engage both internal and external stakeholders.

This position supports the efforts of Lions Gift of Sight (80%) and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences (20%) in all aspects of the position as described below.

Please note: This is a 100% in-person position. The successful candidate will be required to work on-site full-time, with a regular schedule of four days per week at Lions Gift of Sight in St. Paul, MN, and one day per week at the Department offices on the East Bank Campus, Phillips-Wangensteen Building, in Minneapolis, MN. In-person requirements may be adjusted in the future based on the evolving needs of both programs, but remote or hybrid work is not currently an option for this role.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Communication Planning: 40%

• Manages and directs internal and external communications. Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies to advance the program mission and objectives.
• Align communication efforts with the program goals, ensuring consistent and effective messaging across all platforms. Collaborate with the Medical School communications team to ensure alignment on messaging and priorities.
• Leverages communications resources to optimize effectiveness and decrease duplication of effort.
• Provide strategic leadership on messaging related to program initiatives, including public engagement, community partnerships, and professional development programs.
• Serve as primary communications advisor to eye bank and department leadership.

2. Content Creation and Management: 30%

• Oversee the creation of content and promotional materials for various channels, including print, social media, web content, multimedia, and internal communications.
• Write and oversee the production of brief articles, speeches, press releases, and executive correspondence.
• Ensure that all communications are clear, compelling, and aligned with the program branding and messaging guidelines.

3. Marketing and Branding: 10%

• Design, develop, and implement marketing programs to promote the program services, research, teaching, and clinical achievements.
• Lead the communication strategy and promotional materials for program events, including conferences, seminars, and community outreach initiatives.

4. Media Relations: As Needed (a component of the remaining 20%)

• Manage media relations activities, including crafting press releases, coordinating interviews, and maintaining relationships with program team members.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all media inquiries.
• Cultivate relationships with media outlets and coordinate public and media relations efforts to amplify program visibility.

5. Stakeholder Engagement: As Needed (a component of the remaining 20%)

• Engage with internal stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and students, to foster a collaborative communication environment.
• Act as a liaison between program and external stakeholders, including alumni, donors, and the general public.

6. Supervision and Leadership: As needed (a component of the remaining 20%)

• Work with Human Resources, in collaboration with the Executive Director, to facilitate hiring of all positions in the Partner and Public Relations team.
• Hire, train, and supervise Partner and Public Relations team personnel.
• Perform probationary and annual performance appraisals for direct reports.
• In concert with Human Resources, ensure any and all disciplinary actions for any direct reports are properly performed and documented and the Executive Director is kept informed of all issues (before and after notice to employee).
• Approve payroll forms and reimbursement requests for direct reports.
• Work in a backup capacity to all direct reports when necessary.
• Lead project teams, committees, and collaborative efforts, providing guidance and mentorship to team members.

7. Analytical and Technical Skills: As needed (a component of the remaining 20%)

• Provide consultation using advanced analytical and technical skills to solve complex problems and implement process improvements.
• Use a deep understanding of how technologies, processes, resources, and people fit together to enhance communication effectiveness.

8. Other: As needed

• May be assigned other related duties as required.

Qualifications

• To be considered for this position, please submit a resume, cover letter, and at least one writing sample with your application. If applicable, include a link to your online portfolio. A cover letter and resume may be submitted/uploaded with your online application. Writing samples must be attached as a separate process by clicking on the "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section following your initial application submission.***

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree in Communications, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of six (6) years of experience in communications, marketing, or a related area.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic communication planning, content creation, media relations, and event coordination.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage complex projects.
• Proven ability to work under general supervision while exercising discretion in daily operational decisions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in an academic or healthcare setting.

About the Department

The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences and its success is built upon the innovation and drive of every member of our team, from faculty to administrators to technicians. Put simply, all of us are driven to provide the best eye care for our patients, discover new treatments, and educate the next generation of eye care professionals.

For more information please visit our website at https://med.umn.edu/Ophthalmology.

Lions Gift of Sight

Lions Gift of Sight (formerly Minnesota Lions Eye Bank) was established after the partnership between the Lions and the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Neurosciences came to life in 1960, providing donor eye tissue for transplant, research, and teaching and promoting donation through education. Lions Gift of Sight has helped restore sight to more than 22,000 people by providing cornea tissue for transplantation and is one of the largest and most successful eye banks in the world.

For more information, please visit our website at https://www.lionsgiftofsight.org/.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $88,575 - $101,000 annually and we anticipate most offers will be around the midpoint of this range, depending on education and experience.

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

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

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 employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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 the U of M

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).

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