Job ID359245 LocationTwin Cities Job FamilyMarketing & Communications Full/Part TimeFull-Time Regular/TemporaryRegular Job Code8342CG Employee ClassCivil Service About the Job Working Title: Communications Specialist Appointment: Full time, M&C Pro 2-Comm Gen (job code 8342CG) Extension area:Extension Communications & Public Relations Salary range:Estimated $59,000 - 64,000, depends on qualifications Location:St. Paul campus and has the option of some hybrid work Reports to: Senior director of communications and strategy, UMN Extension Apply by:January 22, 2024 Summary Are you an innovative, collaborative communications professional who is passionate about telling stories that help people live healthier lives? This communications specialist role may be for you. In this position, you will be part of the Extension communications and public relations team, working primarily with the Department of Family, Health and Wellbeing (FHW). This communicator will create and publish engaging and informative stories about FHW's educational programming; implement and evaluate communications and program marketing campaigns; and ensure that these efforts align with and advance the strategic direction of University of Minnesota Extension communications and public relations. Essential Functions Creating, coordinating and distributing content 45% Discovers, reports and writes news and feature stories about FHW programming for multiple print and digital communications channels. Manages FHW social media channels, including testing of new formats and evaluating existing channels for effectiveness. Develops communication plans for department activities that are aligned with University standards, Extension guidelines and industry trends. Finds, tests and evaluates emerging opportunities for communicating center activities and achievements. Collaborates closely with the Extension web team to write, edit and prioritize website content related to FHW programs. Internal and partner communications 30% Consults with leadership regarding communications initiatives and strategies. Collaborates with a broad range of staff, including administrators, program directors and educators, to effectively and efficiently achieve communication goals for educational programs. Contributes to managing the department's intranet content. Delivers communications best-practices training to department educators and administrators. Manages internal and partner communications including messages from the associate dean, occasional updates for funders and partners, and a monthly internal newsletter. Helps to create a cohesive marketing approach and tools for programs that allow educators to market their programs to partners and collaborators. Public and media relations 25% Engages with department, Extension and University colleagues, as well as program participants, to strategically plan for the department's public profile and for potential crisis communications management. Appointment/Salary/Benefits A is available. Salary commensurate with education and experience. Estimated salary range is $59,000 - 64,000 and will be negotiated at time of offer. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy. This is a full time at the job classification of M&C Pro 2-Comm Gen (job code 8342CG). Qualifications Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in a related field with two (2) years of professional communications experience to include: Writing and editing for professional publications and websites Understanding and communicating effective and efficient methods of achieving marketing goals for an organization Self-initiated communications work that contributes to a larger organizational effort Developing and using social media and websites as a channel for communication and marketing A high degree of attention to detail, follow through, and quality assurance. Project management experience, including proven ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects under tight deadlines. Interviewing, storytelling and editing experience. Experience working collaboratively with people from a variety of communities, using effective methods to communicate with culturally and linguistically diverse audiences. Experience in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers, community groups, outside agencies and the public. Experience/understanding of brand management and accessibility requirements in a complex organization. Preferred Qualifications Master's degree in communications, public relations, public health or social sciences Demonstrated commitment and achievement in advancing diversity and inclusivity. Digital media content creation experience including video, slideshow or photographic storytelling. Prior communications work in an organization that serves underserved communities. Additional Requirements Working ability to perform tasks involving prolonged keyboarding, reading computer screen; and bending or twisting with occasional exertion of up to 30 pounds of force. Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance to be used for occasional travel related to events, programming, activities, and training. Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening and weekend work, and approved overtime will be provided as comp time off. Personal cell phone that can be used, as needed, for work purposes. Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location. Must be able to work regularly at a dedicated/assigned Extension office. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. About the Department About Extension How To Apply Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. Please include the following attachments with your online application: Cover letter- Please include qualifications for the position based upon the job requirements and position responsibilities. Resume- Your resume must include your education and experience as it relates to the required qualifications. The initial HR screening process focuses primarily on the resume. Three professional references will be requested for those invited to interview. In addition, candidates who are invited to an interview will be asked to submit samples of written print or digital content that show versatility and professionalism in writing style. Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. See full instructions, . To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647). For questions about this position contact: Becky Beyers, Senior Director of Communications & Strategy, For questions about applying online, contact: Lisa Brownstein, Extension HR, Diversity The... For full info follow application link. 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.