Responsibilities

• Create, orchestrate, and execute external communications strategy to advance division priorities. Oversee all incoming and outgoing media opportunities. Drive promotion strategy and execution.
• Serve as consultative communications partner within the Division of Applied Economics and Agricultural Education, Communication and Marketing. Advise division members on internal and external communications efforts for events and programs.
• Create and refine key message architecture, and ensure message alignment.
• Link media approach to broader CFANS and UMN strategies and priorities. Coordinate with broader CFANS and UMN partners to formulate an overall visibility approach to demonstrate the impact of our work to Greater Minnesota.
• Develop familiarity with the teaching, research, and outreach programs of the division as a whole as well as individual faculty and centers in an effort to discover stories to promote across communications channels.
• Create and champion new, innovative channels and approaches to effectively reach and influence key stakeholders.
• Collaborate with CFANS communications teammates to determine story positioning and messaging.
• Track and report communication metrics as appropriate
• Serve as writer and editor for external communications vehicles across print and digital channels.
• Lead science storytelling and communications efforts to create understanding and underscore the impact our research and teaching has across stakeholder groups.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or closely related field, and at least four (4) years of professional experience related to this position
• Experience with understanding of marketing, branding and communications principles, managing the creative services process, project management and excellent attention to detail
• Demonstrated experience with marketing, branding or communications practices
• Strong written, digital and web communications skills
• Experience with digital platforms, including Drupal, Salesforce and/or related platform
• Demonstrated experience with Google Office Suite and/or Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience writing and editing scientific research stories
• Ability to work independently while adhering to deadlines

Preferred

• Familiarity working within academic environments
• Familiarity with food, agricultural and natural resource sciences sectors

Benefits

• 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