Title: Assistant Director, Communication/Media Relations

Appointment: Full-time, P&A, M&C Mgr 1-Public Relations (job code 9361PR)

Extension Area: Extension Communications

Office Location: Coffey Hall, St. Paul Campus; hybrid work options available

Salary range: Estimated annual salary range, $90,000 - $105,000; DOE/DOQ

Apply by: July 8, 2024

RESPONSIBILITIES

Extension media relations manager (45%)

• Develops and implements a proactive media relations strategy and plan that positions Extension as the go-to source for key reporters and editors on strategic topics
• Manages reactive media relations, maintains relationships with reporters and editors and the U Relations media team
• Strategizes with educators and programs to generate story ideas that can be pitched to reporters and producers
• Provides news media interview training for educators across Extension
• Develops and maintains relationships with reporters and editors statewide, including trade publications and community news outlets
• Collaborates with Communications Director on crisis communications strategy and responses

Department of Agriculture and Natural Resource (ANR) Systems communications leadership (45%)

• Manages proactive public relations and marketing content for ANR programs and educators
• Collaborates with leadership to supervise and develop ANR communications team; (currently 3.0 FTE)
• Develops and maintains relationships with ANR Associate Dean, program leaders, and educators to ensure that information about educational programs and ANR expertise is communicated with external audiences following Extension communications procedures and practices
• Be a resource/liaison for ANR program leaders to ensure ANR program coordinators have information on, and are following, UMN and Extension best practices across teams
• Collaborate with the Extension web team on ensuring online content is up to date and presented in accessible and user-friendly style

Content creation and general communications responsibilities (10%)

• Writes news and feature stories, and creates video/photography that can be published in owned media and repurposed for multiple content streams, including earned media
• Plans and facilitates monthly all-Extension communications professional development sessions
• Backs up the Communications Director in their absence

Qualifications

Required qualifications

• BS in communications, marketing, or closely related field
• 6 years of communications and public relations experience
• Demonstrated experience as a strategic communicator
• Project leadership experience
• Excellent interviewing, writing, editing and editorial planning skills.
• Two years of supervisory experience
• Familiarity with Minnesota agriculture and natural resources systems and issues
• Experience with Google and Microsoft Suite applications

Additional qualifications

• Ability to travel throughout the state on occasion to include overnight stay
• Reliable internet when not working at a designated Extension office location
• Driver's license and applicable insurance
• Ability to work on computer for prolonged periods of time

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in communications, business or social sciences
• Eight or more years of experience in related communications work
• Experience leading a communications team in a higher education, government or non-profit environment
• Experience creating, developing or managing agricultural and natural resources communications and public relations
• Familiarity with University of Minnesota and/or Extension
• Videography, photography and other digital media skills and experience
• Experience using project management tools such as Asana and Trello

About the Department

ABOUT EXTENSION

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into all aspects of Extension's programming and employee engagement https://extension.umn.edu/ .

Benefits

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.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position.

Please include the following attachments with your online application:

• Cover letter
• Resume/Vitae
• Diversity statement: In 500 words or less, highlight your unique strengths, experiences, perspectives, and values as they relate to equity, diversity and inclusion. Your statement could include the following:
  • Personalized views and experiences
  • Topics through the lens of your own knowledge or experience
  • If you don't have personal experience on a topic, reflect on why
  • Demonstrated learning and growth

Three professional references and transcripts for all college work (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) will be required during the interview process.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. See full instructions, https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Applicant-Center/Help-Job-Applications/Using-Job-Application-System .

To request an accommodation during the application process, please email employ@umn.edu or call 612-624-UOHR (8647).

For questions about this position, contact:
Becky Beyers, Senior Director of Communications & Strategy and search chair, bbeyers@umn.edu .

For questions about applying online, contact:
Lisa Brownstein, Extension Human Resources, brow1806@umn.edu .

Diversity

The University of Minnesota and Extension recognize and value 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 .

Employment Requirements

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.

About the U of M

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).