Position Overview:
The Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota seeks an innovative, dedicated individual to serve as the full-time Program Director for the Backpack Student Agency and as a Teaching Faculty of Strategic Communication within its undergraduate program. This unique role combines leadership in student agency management with instructional responsibilities, with the aim to mold the next generation of communication professionals through experiential learning and classroom instruction.

Who We Are
The Hubbard School's Backpack Student Agency is a leading force in training the next generation of storytellers, creatives and strategists poised to innovate the future of brand communication. The agency is committed to fostering an environment of collaboration, creativity and professional excellence.

Your Impact
As the Program Director, you will play a pivotal role in developing a diverse and multifaceted group of future professionals in advertising, public relations, media design and strategic communication. Your leadership will not only influence the Hubbard School but also enrich Minnesota's creative services industry with well-trained, innovative professionals.

Reporting Structure
This position reports directly to the Director of the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication, serving as a thought leader and primary liaison for external relations and strategic communication student experiences.

Job Responsibilities:
Backpack Program Director Educational Program Administration (40%)

• Lead the operational oversight of the Backpack Student Agency, ensuring high-quality services and creative solutions for clients.
• Facilitate the recruitment, training, and advising of students, focusing on professional skills, agency processes, and client interaction.
• Create a positive agency work culture for student workers so they feel a sense of belonging and support in their professional development.
• Negotiate and manage client contracts and student work assignments, ensuring a steady flow of projects and external sales.
• Direct strategic planning, including setting agency goals, developing and managing budgets, aligning financial and personnel resources with project needs, and mapping out timelines for projects and initiatives.
• Supervise account management and student workers, ensuring projects meet client expectations and agency standards, while also managing client expectations of work.
• Plan and execute advisory board meetings, fostering strong relationships between the agency and industry professionals.
• Champion diversity, equity and inclusion within the agency, creating an environment that supports multicultural initiatives and student development.
  
  

Classroom Instruction and Curriculum Supervision (30%)

• Teach three strategic communication courses annually, spanning the academic year and including summer terms.
• Engage in curriculum development and assessment, Ensure content remains relevant and reflective of industry standards.
• Incorporate practical experiences and agency insights into classroom instruction, bridging theory with real-world application.
  

Teaching-related Service, Advising, and Professional Development (20%)

• Advise students on academic and career paths, offering guidance on opportunities within strategic communication and related fields.
• Encourage student participation in professional societies and industry events, facilitating networking and professional growth.
• Maintain membership in relevant professional societies and participate in continuing professional development to expand professional knowledge and skills
• Maintain currency on professional competencies and knowledge of accreditation standards relevant to teaching and learning; participate in university and school workshops and seminars on teaching effectiveness, classroom technology, and diversity and inclusion.
• Participate in school committee service, school educational initiatives, and industry engagement events.
  

Client Contract Development and External Relations (10%)

• Establish and set rates for internal and external sales in consultation with the Hubbard School fiscal and administrative team, facilitating all sales related activity, contracts and documents using academic expertise and institutional resources
• Establish and maintain clear contracts with clients, outlining deliverables, timelines and invoicing procedures.
• Identify and implement marketing strategies for the Backpack agency, enhancing visibility and attracting new clients.
• Engage in outreach to industry professionals, media outlets and organizations to promote the agency and its services.
• Oversee the development of promotional materials, including brochures, websites, press releases and presentations, in collaboration with the HSJMC communications manager.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree in relevant field, and at least 6 years of experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in training or teaching strategic communication.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Executive leadership or managerial experience in strategic communication within the Twin Cities.
• Experience in account planning, brand content management, digital marketing or advertising.
• Knowledge of service contract negotiations within the advertising and creative services industry.
• Experience in building multicultural teams and/or training diverse and inclusive student populations
  

About the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication:
The Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota is part of the College of Liberal Arts and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Journalism and Mass Communication. The Hubbard School offers majors in Strategic Communication - Advertising and Public Relations, Professional Journalism, and Media and Information; and minors in Media and Information and Digital Media Studies. The Hubbard School offers an academic M.A. and Ph.D. and a Professional M.A. in Strategic Communication.
Housed in Murphy Hall, a state-of-the-art facility for teaching and research of journalism, strategic communication, and emerging media studies, the Hubbard School is home to the Silha Center for the Study of Media Ethics and Law, the Minnesota Journalism Center, the Hubbard Digital Studios, and the Digital Information Research Center/Sevareid Library. Hubbard facilities also include the Murphy Hall conference center, multimedia classrooms, and psychophysiological communication research labs, and a focus group room, which is used to support graduate-level experimental research. For further information, please visit the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication's website, at: https://cla.umn.edu/hsjmc

About the College of Liberal Arts:
Home to the arts, social sciences and humanities disciplines and programs, the College of Liberal Arts is the largest college in the University of Minnesota and comprises 31 academic departments, and over 20 interdisciplinary research centers and administrative/support units. CLA has over 1,300 faculty and staff spanning research, teaching, advising, outreach, and administrative functions. CLA units reside in over 20 buildings on the East Bank and West Bank of the Twin Cities campus. CLA enrolls nearly 13,000 undergraduate students, more than 40% of the undergraduate enrollment on the Twin Cities campus, 1,400 graduate students, and has an annual all-funds budget of $290 million.
CLA is a destination for curious, compassionate individuals who are committed to making our increasingly interdependent and diverse global community work for everyone. That foundational commitment begins in our CLA Constitution. CLA is committed to increasing enrollment of underrepresented and under-resourced students, diversifying our faculty across all disciplines, recruiting, and retaining a diverse staff, and promoting the expression and exploration of diverse perspectives and viewpoints-so that we all gain the background knowledge and analytical skills we need to understand and respect differences.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also 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
• 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)
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the for more information regarding benefits.

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 have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or curriculum vita.
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.

In order to be considered for this position, applicants must submit the following materials as PDFs:

• Cover letter
• Resume or Curriculum Vita
• A document including names and contact information for three professional references
  

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.
References will not be contacted until finalists for the position are identified
Accepting applications until the position is filled.

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:

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).