Director of External Affairs - HigherEdJobs

Director of External Affairs
University of Minnesota, Duluth

Position Summary:

As the Director of External Affairs, you will provide leadership and administrative oversight to a newly created External Affairs unit consisting of media and public relations, community relations, government relations, marketing and communication, publications and photography. This is a cabinet-level position and serves as a key member of the chancellor's senior management team. In this administrative position you will be responsible for providing leadership, counsel and strategic direction to the chancellor as well as the campus community. You will optimize UMD's extensive academic, research, public service and facilities assets while fostering the development of effective and beneficial partnerships with the university's diverse constituencies and stakeholders.

This is a full-time, 12-month, annually renewable, academic professional (P&A) appointment. Annual renewals are contingent upon a successful performance review, continuing need for the position and availability of funds.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive annual and long-range strategic plan for internal and external promotion and education of university activity.
• Provide leadership for the development of collegial working relationships with local media, chambers of commerce, service clubs, and other key community leadership.
• Provide leadership for the development of collegial working relationship with key elected governmental officials as well as legislative assistants and educational lobbyists.
• Provide leadership for the development of a new UMD visual identity, brand and positioning based upon the new UMD Strategic Plan.
• Participate as a member of Chancellor's Cabinet and advise on institutional planning, policy issues and the management of issues that may have external/internal implications.
• Identify key issues for discussion by the senior management team that allow for proactive leadership in external/internal affairs.
• Provide analysis and strategic consultation to the chancellor, senior management team and members of the campus community, where appropriate, on the optimal approaches for positioning the institution with key external constituencies on issues that impact UMD.
• Act as a liaison between the Office of the Chancellor and other university offices regarding external/internal affair matters.
• Coordinate special projects on behalf of the chancellor involving broad external constituencies.

Minimum Qualifications:

A bachelor's degree plus a minimum of 10 years progressive experience in external/internal relations is required, as well as a minimum of five years of management experience. A proven, documented record of success demonstrating excellent skills and experience in administration or achievement in the field.

Preferred Qualifications:

An advanced degree with a background working in higher education and direct, hands-on experience as it relates to this job description. Additional selection criteria include evidence of:

• Ability to perform complex tasks and to prioritize multiple projects.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present effectively to large and small groups.
• Leadership, organizational and management skills.
• Experience working with governmental units at the state and local levels.
• Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
• Advanced analytical, evaluative, and objective critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze, summarize, and effectively present data.
• Strategic planning skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills which foster the ability to interact effectively in a cooperative environment with senior leadership, faculty, staff, government officials, community leaders, and donor constituencies.
• Final candidates will be required to provide information regarding their affirmative action accomplishments.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Requirements: Office environment including standing and sitting at desk, periodic use of PC and occasional light lifting (generally less than 10 lbs.).

Reasonable Accommodations: If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the University of Minnesota Disability Specialist at 218-726-7725.

Background Check Requirement: The hiring offer to the selected applicant will be contingent upon the successful completion of a full background check.

UMD: The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) is a comprehensive regional university. Undergraduate students enroll in one of five schools and colleges (the College of Liberal Arts, the Swenson College of Science and Engineering, the School of Fine Arts, the College of Education and Human Service Professions, and the Labovitz School of Business and Economics) and can choose from twelve bachelor's degrees in seventy-five majors. In addition, UMD offers graduate programs in nineteen different fields (16 Graduate School programs and 3 Collegiate Graduate programs), plus six cooperative programs offered with the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.

UMD consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Reports' America's Best Colleges issue. Providing an alternative to both large research universities and small liberal arts colleges, UMD attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. UMD provides multiple opportunities for active learning through internships, honors programs, research, and community service, which in turn promotes the development of skills, critical thinking, and the maturity sought by society. Our demanding standards of performance for students, faculty, and staff make UMD attractive to students with strong academic potential.

Application Instructions: Review of complete applications will begin on September 7, 2012, and will continue until the position is filled. To apply, go to https://employment.umn.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind= 104748 . Applications received via email or hard copy will not be accepted. Complete applications must include online attachments as follows: a letter of application expressing interest and ability to meet qualifications and fulfill job duties, a current resume, and a list of three references with all their contact information. NOTE: References will only be contacted for final candidates.

The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

Source: http://www.higheredjobs.com/details.cfm?JobCode=175658449

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