Director of Media Relations

Job Title M&C Dir 1-Public Relations
Posting Title Director of Media Relations & Public Affairs
Job ID 9365PR
Location Minneapolis, MN

About the Job:
The Director of Media Relations & Public Affairs is responsible for developing and implementing of strategic communication plans that advance CIDRAP's programmatic goals, elevate its reputation, and foster meaningful engagement with both internal and external stakeholders. Serving as the lead media relations advisor and lead spokesperson, this role works closely with the CIDRAP Director and other leaders across CIDRAP and the University.
This position plays a critical role in shaping and implementing communications strategies that are aligned with CIDRAP's mission and strategic priorities, guided by clear objectives and performance metrics. The Director is also a key contributor to the organization's crisis communications response efforts.
The ideal candidate brings a proven track record of success in leading comprehensive communications initiatives for complex organizations. The candidate possesses the ability to increase visibility, deepen stakeholder understanding, and inspire engagement across diverse audiences.

Duties and Essential Functions:
1. Ensure that objectives and performance metrics-driven strategies are in place to further the CIDRAP's mission and strategic priorities (30%)
2. Foster innovation by developing new communication channels and implementing strategies to optimize the performance and reach of existing ones. (20%)
3. Protect and enhance CIDRAP's reputation by proactively managing news media relations, addressing issues, and building positive relationships with influencers about CIDRAP's success. (15%)
4. Develop and execute news media outreach strategies, including news releases, media pitches and interviews that earn broad reach and further University mission and business priorities (15%)
a. Advise senior leadership on communication strategies and prepare them for public appearances inside and outside the organization and for news media interviews.
b. Monitor national trends in higher education and public health issues, analyze how they could affect the UMN / CIDRAP, and recommend communication strategies for how best to represent the University's interests short- and long-term.
5. Write grants, develop proposals, and interact with external funders. (10%)
a. Develop long-term strategies and relationships with funders
6. Serve as a member of CIDRAP's Executive Team and participate in program planning for the center. (5%)
a. Participate in strategic planning for short and long-term goals CIDRAP's vision and goals.
b. Build a collaborative, supportive environment that facilitates a culture of professional growth, learning, and success.
7. Perform other duties as assigned by the CIDRAP Director. (5%)
a. Assume other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
* Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
* At least 12 years of experience that includes strategic communications experience of increasing scope, with some experience at a public agency or with a large, complex organization.
* Demonstrated success in strategic communication planning, content creation, and media relations.
* Demonstrated experience building successful communications strategies inside complex organizations, inspiring collaboration across boundaries.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage complex projects
* Exceptional writing, content development and communications skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues across the University and external partners.
* Demonstrated ability to exhibit interpersonal, interdisciplinary, and multidisciplinary communication skills, as evidenced by working on cross-disciplinary teams.
* A working understanding of infectious diseases and related topics of major public health importance.
* Cultural sensitivity and competency, as evidenced by experience working with diverse or underserved populations.
* Ability to travel several times per year, including internationally.

The mission of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) is to prevent illness and death from targeted infectious disease threats through research and the translation of scientific information into real-world, practical applications, policies, and solutions. CIDRAP has a strong Web presence through the CIDRAP website and CIDRAP News. Each business day professionals worldwide turn to CIDRAP News for up-to-date information supported by analysis, insights, and perspective not available anywhere else. The website also contains a range of resources on infectious disease-related topics. CIDRAP also addresses a variety of public health policy issues related to prevention and control of infectious diseases, include vaccine-related issues, emerging infectious disease threats, development of R&D roadmaps, antimicrobial resistance and stewardship, and bioterrorism/pandemic/emergency preparedness.

Pay Range: $186,000 - $206,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% 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. 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.

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).