Digital Marketing Strategist

The Digital Marketing Strategist serves on the Strategic Engagement team, within the marketing and communications area, and leads journey-based email marketing strategy and execution; digital project management; and marketing performance analysis. Strong content creation skills (including copy creation) are a must. In addition, this position supports digital marketing content needs for the University of Minnesota Alumni Association's website: making edits, creating pages and updating content, keeping up-to-date on best practices in accessibility and compliance, and managing timely audits of all website content.

They are responsible for digital initiatives that are scheduled and emergent, highly customized, and recurring. The Digital Marketing Strategist is an email marketing expert who serves all areas of the Association with high-level technical capabilities, builds relationships with partners and executes strategic, branded digital-first campaigns. UMAA's Strategic Engagement team partners with teams across the University system and prioritizes collaboration, innovation, digital strategy expertise, inclusion, and a growth mindset.

This position reports to the Sr. Director of Alumni Communications at the Alumni Association.

Email Marketing Journey Planning, Strategy and Execution (60%):

• Collaborate with UMAA team members to design effective and strategic marketing journeys for U of M alumni and members.
• Lead the team's use of Salesforce Marketing Cloud (SMC), Journey Builder, and HTML to create email marketing journeys for audiences and then build, test, and send UMAA email communications, some of which include photos, galleries, surveys, videos, or other interactive components.
• Create the digital strategy and lead the execution of SMC tools and tactics for automation, dynamic/variable content, and more to aid in advancing and growing UMAA's email marketing work.
• Manage UMAA email marketing projects, including but not limited to advising on digital marketing strategy, deadline management, intake, prioritization, copy creation and content creation, timing, communication, approval, and execution.
• Create and oversee email applications, including but not limited to coding, testing, troubleshooting, and developing and modifying specifications.
• Maintain an organized digital file system for all email assets.

Website Management (20%):

• Work with UMAA colleagues to determine and strategize digital content needs for the website.
• Support efforts to write copy, source images, and create graphics or multimedia for digital-first cause marketing efforts email marketing, social media, and on websites.
• Make website edits, create pages and update content, keeping up-to-date on best practices in accessibility and compliance, and managing timely audits.
• Use Canva and other software for efficient digital content production.
• Adhere to UMAA style and ethical storytelling guidelines and approval processes. Manage competing priorities from various areas of the organization with guidance from the Sr. Director of Alumni Association Communications.
• Manage 1-2 digital student interns, as needed.

Digital Marketing Analysis (15%):

• Establish project goals and assess digital marketing performance for elements such as email and social media marketing, websites, videos, digital ads, and more.
• Make recommendations to the Strategic Engagement team for ongoing development, innovation, efficiencies, and enhancements based on results.
• Work with others across the University, and subject matter experts, to recommend ways to improve digital marketing results, analysis, and workflow processes.

Other Duties as Assigned (5%):

• Represent UMAA at select events, serving as an engaged and informed ambassador for the alumni community.
• Contribute to special projects and cross-functional initiatives that advance UMAA's mission, enhance the alumni experience, or improve internal systems and operations.
• Proactively identify areas for improvement and bring forward ideas that support greater efficiency, connection, or service excellence.
• Step in where needed to support the team during peak periods, staff transitions, or evolving organizational priorities.

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree in communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field plus at least four years of full-time relevant work experience.
• Experience with mass email systems, such as SMC, Constant Contact, Mail Chimp, etc.
• Understanding of and ability to create and use email data extensions.
• Proficiency building/deploying complex email campaigns, testing quality assurance, and reporting.
• Experience producing polished digital marketing copy for web, email, ads, and social media.
• Experience with SEO, Google Analytics and Tag Manager.
• Proven record for problem-solving and successful completion of complex projects.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, exemplary attention to detail, and the ability to multitask while prioritizing a high volume of projects at one time.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with HTML coding, inline CSS (i.e., creating tables, links, etc.), and alt text.
• Experience with managing campaigns, performing data analysis, and audience segmentation.
• Familiarity with using Litmus and other digital marketing tools.
• CAN-SPAM, ADA, and applicable compliance knowledge for digital media.
• Comfort with using Canva templates.
• Experience with the Adobe Creative Suite.

The University of Minnesota Alumni Association fosters a lifelong spirit of belonging and pride by connecting alumni, students, and friends to the University of Minnesota and each other. The Association advocates for the University and its alumni with a credible, independent, and collaborative voice.

Pay Range: $70,000-$80,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100%-time 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. To ensure full consideration of your application, please be sure to upload the following documents with your application:

• A cover letter which expresses your interest in and qualifications for the position
• Your updated resume
• The best example of your content creation work. Please include one feature-written work and one series of multi-channel communications (email and website page, for example).

This position will remain open until filled.

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).