University of Minnesota Looking for Marketing & Communications Professional 1 – OLPD & CAREI Full Time

Position Overview
Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development (OLPD) and the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI), units within the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities are seeking a highly motivated, focused, and results-oriented communications specialist. This position will work primarily with, and in support of, the OLPD/CAREI Communications and Marketing Manager to create written, visual, and web-based communications.

The communications support specialist supports the communications and marketing manager with the execution of key communication strategies to ensure effective and timely implementation, targeting, and “on-message” content and tone. Specific job focus includes supporting OLPD and CAREI with implementation of strategic internal and external communications needs. This position utilizes Customer Response Management software/technology to facilitate the sending of all outbound recruitment emails, and ensures that communications are error-free and meet the brand and customer service standards set by the CEHD, OLPD, and CAREI. Communications must be strategic, on-message, on-time, error and issue free, and targeted to the correct audiences. This position is an excellent opportunity for professional development, as the employee will receive 1:1 mentoring and training from the communications and marketing manager with opportunities to expand their skillset within the scope of the position in conjunction with their interests.

The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. The role may work a hybrid schedule (on campus and remote), although some days may require an on campus presence depending on the work needs. Please note that 100% remote work requires approval. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures.

Job Responsibilities
Writing / Editing Support (40%)

• Write and edit short (500 words or less) news articles and feature stories to promote the work and accomplishments of OLPD and CAREI faculty, students, alumni, and staff.
• Write and edit content for internal and external newsletters.
• Use message templates to respond to email queries from prospective students in OLPD and prospective clients / collaborators in CAREI in a timely, professional, and personal manner.
• Provide copyediting, proofreading, fact checking, and quality assurance upon request to ensure that communications are error-free and meet the brand and customer service standards set by CEHD, CAREI and OLPD.

Mass email support (25%)

• Format newsletters and announcement email messages in Salesforce Marketing Cloud in accordance with OLPD and CAREI editorial calendars.
• Distribute mass messages sent out to various unit listservs and audiences.

Website maintenance (15%)

• Update web content upon request on OLPD and CAREI-affiliated public websites and intranet websites.

Graphic design support (10%)

• Develop promotional / recruitment materials in Adobe Creative Cloud software for course announcements, dissertation defenses, events, and research initiatives that utilize CEHD / UMN branding and templates.

Social Media (5%)

• Develop content and post to OLPD and CAREI social media channels under the direction of the Communications and Marketing Manager.

Event support (5%)

• Provide occasional direct support for online and in-person events, and implement event communication plans developed by others to drive successful recruitment and enrollment.

Required

• BA/BS or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least four years.
• High levels of skill and comfort writing for a variety of audiences and channels in a clear, concise, and engaging manner.
• Excellent organizational and coordination abilities.
• A learning-first mindset: interest in developing technical skills and content knowledge.
• Demonstrated commitment to advocating for an inclusive environment for all backgrounds and identities.

Preferred

• Demonstrated commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in practice.
• Experience with an email marketing platform and/or customer relationship management (CRM) technology (MailChimp, Salesforce, Constant Contact, etc.).
• Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud software.
• Experience with website content management systems (Google Sites, Wordpress, Drupal) and/or HTML.
• Experience with social media.
• Related employment experience in higher education or an organization with a complex structure.
• Demonstrated familiarity with the University of Minnesota and/or the College of Education and Human Development and its programs.

Department Overview
The Department of Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development is a leader in advancing knowledge about educational and organizational change in local, national, and international contexts. Our research, teaching, and outreach reflect a commitment to interdisciplinary and intercultural engagement with educators, scholars, and policy makers seeking to enhance leadership, policy, and development around the globe.
At the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement, our vision is to be the premier network hub that builds educators’ data-based decision-making capacity through high quality technical assistance, professional learning, and program evaluation in education. We work to improve the quality of education for all learners. As applied researchers and evaluators, we believe we can have an immediate impact on our communities. Accordingly, we listen to and work with our clients and partners to understand their experiences.

College Overview
The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the third largest college and the University, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of the life span. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That’s why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice. https://cehd.umn.edu/about

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
• 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)
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the 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.

Please include:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected] or call (612) 624-UOHR (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.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University’s Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit:

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.