Communications Specialist

As a member of the Office of the President team, the Communications Specialist is responsible for supporting communications on behalf of the President and Office of the President. Reporting to the Chief of Staff, this role manages executive correspondence, including email, the President's social media presence and the Office of the President's website. The Communications Specialist will work in close partnership with the Executive Director of Executive Communications to develop a strategic, cohesive strategy in support of the priorities of the President and University, current events and shifting priorities. This role works within the Office of the President but will work with key stakeholders and diverse audiences across the University and the State of Minnesota.

This position will be required to be in the office Monday-Thursday with remote work on Fridays.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Strategic and proactive response to inquiries made to the Office of the President, including management of the Office of the President email account in partnership with administrative staff.
  • Drafting tailored replies and triaging incoming communications.
  • Creating timely relevant reports on themes and trends
• Oversight of email communications on behalf of the President and editing to maintain a consistent voice
• Develop and implement a proactive social media strategy in partnership v and in alignment with the University's Marketing and Communications social media strategy.
• Social media content creation, account management, and engagement reporting in partnership with the Director of Executive Communications and University Marketing and Communications.
• Develop and implement Office of the President website strategy
• Supervision of the production and distribution of print and digital materials sent on behalf of the Office of the President
• Manages multiple urgent projects, tight deadlines, and diverse audiences while maintaining a professional and consistent strategic approach and brand identity.
• Build and maintain partnerships with University departments, community organizations, and external vendors

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field
• Minimum of four years of related experience in communications, strategic communications, social media strategy and related .
• Demonstrated excellent written and oral communications skills
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills including ability to work cooperatively with variety of internal stakeholders and individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Demonstrated excellent analytical skills
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to the demands of changing and challenging environment with multiple competing priorities
• Demonstrated ability to work in collaborative team-based environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of experience with social media management and CRM experience
• Attention to detail for precise analysis of data, critical thinking and problem-solving skills,
• Excellent time management and multitasking skills with the ability to prioritize tasks.
• Prior experience working in a complex organization

Pay Range: $72,000.00 - $85,000.00; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 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

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.

For a completed application, please include a resume and cover letter. Finalists will be asked to provide references.

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).