Communications Specialist

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements communications strategies that align with University priorities and amplify the value of spatial thinking and tools.
• Seeks out and identifies relevant, systemwide UMN spatial-related research stories to feature via RIO and other UMN communication channels.
• Writes, edits, and/or coordinates production of content for website, news releases, speeches, newsletters, mass email, marketing collateral, and other outlets to highlight geospatial-related activities across the university.
• Reviews materials for grammatical and stylistic accuracy, branding requirements, message consistency, and clarity of presentation.
• Collaborates with RIO Communications and UMarComm team members to establish editorial calendars and pitch story ideas.
• Compiles and assembles regular communications aimed at partners and stakeholders.
• Establishes and manages social media accounts that highlight and amplify University spatial-related research stories, messaging, and visuals.
• Creates basic graphics and images for use in social media and news stories in coordination with the RIO communications/branding team.
• Provides support planning/marketing key events and attends events and takes photos for use in social media and news stories.
• Establishes/assists with the further development and maintenance of the GeoCommunities, LINC, U-Spatial and other related unit websites in collaboration with RIO website project manager and/or outside vendors.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Marketing, or other writing or communications-intensive field with two years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least six years
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including proofing and editing, sound news judgment and an entrepreneurial attitude.
• Demonstrated commitment to critical communications skills, including: flexibility/adaptability, active listening, an ability to understand and incorporate other perspectives, etc.
• The ability to help develop and execute communications strategies, prioritize work, and follow through and work independently under deadlines.
• Demonstrated success communicating (or working) sensitively and effectively across cultures, including historically marginalized/underrepresented communities.
• Proven understanding of how stories may be strategically amplified through social media and other communications channels.

Preferred

• Exposure to or familiarity with a geospatial field such as geography, mapping, planning, location analytics
• Knowledge of Drupal content management system; basic website UX design; content strategy; and basic maintenance.
• Knowledge of AP style or other style guides
• Experience working across units at the University or other large complex organizations
• Experience developing successful pitches for earned media
• Proficiency with these apps: Microsoft Office and Google Suite; Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Lightroom; Salesforce Marketing Cloud (newsletters); Sprout Social
• Project management experience
• Photo and/or video photography and editing experience
• Graphic design skills with an awareness of web layout, visual hierarchy, and digital media standards
• Basic understanding of principles of digital accessibility (WCAG 2.0)

Benefits

• Pay And Benefits
• The University 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