CFANS Marketing Communication Specialist

CFANS Marketing Communication Specialist
8342CG (M&C Pro 2-Comm Gen)

This critical communications position focuses on the strategy and execution of key marketing and communications activities to build, enhance and protect the reputation of units/departments within the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS).

This position is part of the CFANS Marketing and Communications team, and will serve college units, including the Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, and the Department of Animal Science, and work directly with department heads. A strategic communications foundation is core to building, shaping and protecting organization brand, and this key position will have a specific focus at the unit level, while aligning unit strategies to the College and to the University.

This position will manage and execute planning and coordination for external and internal audiences, including alumni, benefactors, corporate partners, students, faculty, and staff. Rooted in strategy, this position will help modernize the CFANS communications discipline through compelling promotion, digital communications, events and social media campaigns that reach and motivate target audiences. Further, this position will help capture and communicate the meaningful work, societal impact and purpose driven nature of CFANS and the broader organization to amplify the mission, vision and goals of the College and of the University of Minnesota.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or related field, or closely related experience, and at least two (2) years of professional experience related to this position. Or a combination of related education and experience to equal at least six (6) years
• Demonstrated experience with marketing, branding or communications practices
• Strong written, digital, and web communications skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with digital platforms, including Drupal, Salesforce and/or related platforms.
• Demonstrated experience with PowerPoint and Excel, as well as the Google software suite (Calendar, Sheets, Slides, Documents, Forms, etc.).
• Experience writing and editing scientific research stories.
• Experience with event planning and execution
• Ability to work independently while adhering to deadlines
• Familiarity working within academic environments
• Familiarity with food, agricultural and natural resource sciences sectors.

Location
This position is in St. Paul on the Twin Cities campus, including a hybrid option.

Position Overview

• Coordinate and execute a branding and communications strategy in support of CFANS and College units, Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, and the Department of Animal Science.
• Maintain a communications strategy to raise visibility and awareness for these College units.
• Maintain and enhance select departmental websites and intranets.
• Create and gather promotional content for the newsletters, websites, and social media channels. This may include writing and editing articles, documenting departmental events, and sharing content from others in the departments.
• Coordinate with scientists and principal investigators to understand the research landscape.
• Determine and write content for newsletters, websites and other promotional products for internal and external audiences. Assign writing tasks to faculty, staff and students for inclusion in media outlets. Hire and liaise with designers and printers.
• Hire, supervise, mentor, and assign work to undergrad student workers who will assist with communications efforts.
• Partner with CFANS Admissions in student recruitment efforts.

External Communications (50 percent)

• Write and distribute content promoting and showcasing departmental and CFANS research and educational programs.
• Maintain and improve select College unit/departmental websites.
• Write and distribute marketing materials to promote key research at targeted events throughout the year.
• Draft regular content for digital, social and print channels aimed at key stakeholders including, media, industry groups, alumni, donors, prospective students and other crucial audiences.
• Identify, implement, evaluate, and improve efforts to promote select departmental programs and events.
• Manage and execute social media strategies and approaches for College units.

Internal Communications and Events Support (30 percent)

• Draft and distribute departmental communications, including regular newsletters.
• Maintain select unit/department intranets.
• Manage and assist with planning and executing departmental/unit functions and events including unit showcases, and student welcome events and celebrations.
• Maintain unit/department event google calendars.
• Maintain unit/department listservs and Google groups, monitor bulletin boards and directories.
• Manage internal communications, google groups, digital display content.
• Support faculty awards committee and other departmental committees as assigned.
• Compile, edit, and submit faculty and staff award nominations, proposals, etc.

Alumni Relations and Development Support (20 percent)

• Support and maintain donor, alumni, and stakeholder relations including executing a communications and engagement plan, maintaining donor and alumni databases.
• Develop and produce an annual electronic report for stakeholders, donors, and alumni geared to garner interest in current research and future activities within the department.
• Strategize promotions for annual giving events, including Give to the Max Day and other fundraising efforts.
• Actively participate in the CFANS Advancement Team to network and share information with other departments and increase the visibility of the department and college to a wider community.

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
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

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).