M&C Pro 4-Mktg & Comm Gen

Position Overview

The Communications and Marketing Professional has primary responsibility for both the overall strategic direction of communications and marketing activities within the School of Social Work (SSW), and the implementation of all day-to-day communications within the school. Reporting to the Director of Operations, this position provides support to the Director of Social Work and all academic programs, publicizes the research happening within SSW, and advises the school and research centers on strategies for communication planning.

This position requires independent decision-making, and must have thorough knowledge of all University, College, and SSW communications policies and branding guidelines, and is responsible for ensuring all communications from the School of Social Work adhere to these policies and guidelines.

This position works closely with the College of Education and Human Development's (CEHD) Communications and Marketing Department, as well as the other communications specialists in the other CEHD departments. The Communications and Marketing Professional is responsible for fostering and maintaining effective relationships between the school and its constituents through the development of specialized content for communications and publication. This position is expected for providing outstanding customer service to both internal and external constituents within SSW.

The University of Minnesota (UMN) 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. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures.

The budgeted salary for this position is $75,000 - $90,000. Final salary offers are dependent on the candidate's experience, skills, and internal equity within the department.

Job Responsibilities

Writing and Communications (30%)
• Provide leadership in defining, mapping, implementing, and evaluating a communication plan for the department's print and digital news media needs in alignment with branding and marketing strategy
• Make independent decisions and recommendations on how information is best communicated to internal and external audiences, with consideration given to social media outlets such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, etc.
• Write and edit accurate, comprehensive and persuasive content for the school and its various programs and centers
• Plan, develop, and write significant editorial projects; oversee content for SSW newsletters, CEHD news blog, events calendar, as well as University media channels, in coordination with the CEHD Office of Communications and Marketing
• Solicit stories, biographies, and content from faculty and staff, rewriting as needed for marketing purposes, and promote externally by effectively translating research findings for different audiences including prospective students, practitioners and other constituents

Websites and Social Media (30%)
• Oversee and lead web-based communication for Social Work's academic programs in collaboration with program research leads to ensure information is accurate and comprehensive; work with the college web team and communications office as needed to deliver the content
• Research, develop, write, and edit material for department websites that highlight key initiatives, programs, students, alumni and faculty. Maintain consistency across all SSW's program area web pages
• Assess, evaluate, and implement changes to website architecture, organization and structure, technologies and tools, for continuous improvement
• Support SSW faculty, staff, and center project web pages
• Select and develop social media platforms to grow Social Work's reach and engagement where appropriate
• Hire and supervise communications student employees and direct work

Branding and Marketing (20%)
• Identify, understand, and cultivate SSW's key audiences through multiple, consistent touchpoints, resulting in a call to action
• Develop and implement an intuitive messaging hierarchy through the school's website and other communication channels
• Develop and implement Social Work's brand strategy including voice and tone guidelines and a brand style guide for SSW as a whole and for each area
• Leverage UMN and College brand where appropriate to increase reach and brand equity while collaborating with department and center research and insights to reinforce brand identity
• Provide consultation to department staff as to when printed materials are necessary and strategic
• Develop and execute department policies for branding, and monitor brand usage within the department
• Compile reports for departmental leadership
• Use analytics and data to inform and finesse strategy
• Solicit feedback from current and prospective audiences to refine communication and branding strategies

Project Management (15%)
• Develop and lead marketing campaigns, material design and oversee vendor negotiations
• Consult on committees and work groups in the department to define target audiences and develop marketing strategies and tactics, and provide leadership in these areas, based on knowledge of marketing strategies and best practices
• Lead efforts to promote undergraduate and graduate programs within the university community to establish a presence and attract prospective students
• Develop mechanisms to drive website traffic and manage recruitment funnel

Other Responsibilities (5%)
• Seek additional training in order to keep up to date on new applications and software, and remain current in the fields of communications and marketing
• Participate in University, Collegiate, and School-wide committees
• Attend professional development opportunities to advance skill set.
• Attend marketing events to support SSW communications and marketing plans.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with six years of professional communications experience
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, demonstrating exceptional writing skills for a variety of audiences and media outlets
• Experience with web applications such as Dreamweaver, WordPress, Drupal or others
• Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Art or related field
• 8+ years of experience in marketing and/or communications, preferably in higher education or public relations agency setting
• Demonstrated understanding of content strategy and web site design and production processes
• Experience with website redesign and optimization for student journey.
• Experience developing and executing a branding strategy for an academic department, non-profit agency, or agency providing professional development opportunities
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Proven ability to view problems through various lenses and implement change that fits multiple communications needs simultaneously
• Proven ability to manage multiple and simultaneous projects and activities, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines
• Ability to function as a self-starter and work without close supervision

About the Department

Department Overview

Founded in 1917, the School of Social Work at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is the oldest social work program in a public land-grant university. SSW is a unit within the College of
Education and Human Development, one of the leading colleges of education and human development in the country with programs and research in areas such as educational
psychology, child development, organizational leadership, family social science, and disabilities. The School offers a number of educational programs at the graduate and undergraduate levels.
Graduate degree programs include a PhD in social work, a Master of Social Work, and a Master of Education in Youth Development Leadership. At the undergraduate level, the School offers a
Bachelor of Science in Youth Studies, and minors in Family Violence Prevention, Youth Studies, and Social Justice. For more information please visit: http://www.socialwork.umn.edu

College Overview

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the third largest college at 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://www.cehd.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 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.

Diversity

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

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).