Communications Specialist

The Communications Specialist will proactively perform marketing, communications, and outreach efforts for the Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI), which aims to enhance the way research is conducted to make a meaningful impact on people's lives. Work will focus on enhancing CTSI's visibility and reputation, demonstrating its value, and driving utilization of its funding programs, consultations, services, tools, resources, and training programs. The specialist collaborates with CTSI's programs and teams, serves on a small communications team, and reports to the chief of staff.

This position will be working in a hybrid-remote capacity, with occasional, in-person work expectations.

Salary range: $70k-$80k

Responsibilities

Strategic Communications and Branding (30%)

• Understand the communications landscape (e.g., web, email, social media, digital, print, in-person) and advise on how to effectively use it to achieve CTSI's objectives.
• Collaborate effectively with teams and leaders across the organization to understand business needs, consult on communications-related topics, proactively identify communications opportunities, develop strategies to reach key audiences, and maximize the impact of communications efforts.
• Develop project- and program-based strategic communication plans and execute tactical elements of the plans.
• Provide technical guidance and best practice support to CTSI staff who engage in communications activities.
• Advise on, and participate in, change management activities.
• Perform content changes across CTSI's web properties (ctsi.umn.edu, crsc.umn.edu, and biostats4you.umn.edu) and CTSI-managed web assets.
• Support and implement CTSI internal communications activities.
• Coordinate and monitor the use of CTSI's brand and visual identity to ensure consistent and effective use across the organization and its diverse business units.
• Engage communicators and administrative personnel across relevant University of Minnesota units and with CTSI partners to promote CTSI programs and offerings.

Content Development (50%)

• Write copy for news stories, in-depth features, and promotional content for CTSI programs, services, tools, and resources.
• Translate and distill large amounts of information into clear, user-oriented language.
• Ensure CTSI messaging is clear, compelling, and integrated.
• Identify and develop potential stories that demonstrate CTSI impact.
• Develop social media content and post frequently to appropriate social media channels.
• Collaborate with graphic designers on design/graphics needs.
• Create and distribute CTSI's monthly e-newsletter.
• Create and distribute stand-alone eblasts for CTSI programs, services, and funding programs.

Communications Infrastructure Support (20%)

• Track digital engagement and communications results to analyze trends and develop strategies that help drive results.
• Manage a CTSI inventory of marketing and event collateral.
• Maintain email subscriber database and internal distribution lists.
• Provide communications support for CTSI events.
• Keep up with emerging trends in the profession and the University's communication environment and recommend solutions to improve communication processes, tools, and systems.
• Other duties as assigned.
  

Team Values:
Collaborating
Being flexible and adaptable
Taking initiative and finding strategic, creative solutions

All required qualifications must be documented in application materials.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in strategic communications, public relations, or marketing or similar is required.
• At least four years' professional experience in a marketing or communications-related role.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Demonstrated experience developing communications strategies and executing marketing communications tactics across multiple channels (e.g., web, social, digital, print, in-person).
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team, but also work well independently.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to write effectively across multiple formats, including news articles, newsletters, feature stories, webpages, mass emails, and marketing materials.
• Experience working with web, mass email, and social media platforms, especially Drupal, MailChimp, Salesforce, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
• Strong client communication, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with diverse audiences, work across a complex matrixed work environment, and work collaboratively to drive results.
• Experience working in a higher education and/or healthcare system environment.
• Track record of successful collaborative work and engaging diverse communities.

The University of Minnesota Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) mission is to accelerate and improve clinical and translational science research, education and improve health. CTSI provides consultation, training, support, and services to researchers and research teams across the translational continuum. CTSI is part of the national, NIH-funded Clinical Translational Science Award (CTSA) program/consortium that works together to improve the efficiency, quality, and impact of clinical and translational research and science.

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 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

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

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.

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).