Primary Purpose of the Position/Overview:
The Marketing and Communications Specialist will be an integral member of the Communications team for the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health (DFMCH). Reporting to the Senior Communication Specialist, this position works closely with faculty and staff in each of the DFMCH’s areas – clinical, research, and education to communicate with internal and external stakeholders while raising awareness around the DFMCH’s mission and programs. This position will support the department’s overall communications needs to include its research division, the Eli Coleman Institute for Sexual and Gender Health, graduate medical education recruitment, the Minnesota Northstar Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program, and more.

This position is based out of Minneapolis, MN and is eligible for hybrid work from home and/or on campus work dependent upon individual performance and organizational need, though some regular on-site work will be expected. Because the University of Minnesota is a land-grant institution that serves the state, residing in Minnesota is typically required.

Job Responsibilities:

30 %-Content Development and Editing:

• Assist with identifying compelling stories and writing a variety of content such as articles, website copy, and social media posts.
• Contact and interview alumni, faculty, staff, and trainees to learn about and create news stories for the website and newsletters.
• Proofread, copyedit and fact-check content for grammar, punctuation, accuracy, style, etc.
• Work with faculty and staff to learn about research studies and assist in partnering with the Medical School and other units to promote our faculty’s research.
• Create short videos using basic video editing tools (e.g., iMovie and Animoto).

30%- Manage Communications Projects:

• Create and/or manage materials including printed collateral, ISGH annual report, posters, presentations, printed and digital signage, videos, etc. for a variety of audiences, both internal and external.
• Coordinate the work of vendors including photography, printing, addressing/mailing, video production, and others as needed to ensure projects are on-time, within budget, accurate, and align with University and DFMCH branding guidelines.
• Assist with other communications projects and events, in-person and virtual, as needed.
• Assemble monthly newsletters and send via email to various audiences.

20%- Social Media Marketing:

• Support the senior communications specialist in building and executing the social media strategy, including the creation of social media plans for events.
• Assist with developing and maintaining an editorial calendar for social media across all channels.
• Assist with planning and writing social media posts while helping to think of new ways to engage our audiences on our platforms.

20%- Administration and General Communications Support:

• Monitor communications email inbox and respond to inquiries and website update requests, escalating more complex inquiries and requests as needed.
• Create and maintain Z links and assist with Zoom webinar creation.
• Complete website updates and send emails via Salesforce Marketing Cloud.
• Generate social media and email engagement reports on a regular basis to track trends.
• Monitor relevant news, Google Alerts, and publications to post to the website and social media.
• Assist with organizing, maintaining, and updating our photo library and our video library on YouTube.
• Maintain contact lists for marketing and promotion of MN GWEP projects.
• Assist with monitoring news, social media, and competitor websites for content ideas and emerging trends.
• Take new staff and faculty headshots on an as-needed basis and take photos at courses and events on occasion.

Salary Range: $21.64 to 33.34 per hour; $45,011.20 to $69,347.20 annually. Anticipated starting salary: $26.67 to $28.34 per hour depending on experience.

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree in communications, marketing, journalism, art, or a related field with two years of professional experience or a combination of related education  and work experience to equal (6) six years.
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues at all levels to facilitate positive working relationships and further cross-functional projects and initiatives.
• Demonstrated analytical, prioritizing, and project management skills.
• Respect for and interest in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion with a willingness to communicate about a variety of health topics for all individuals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least four years of professional communications experience.
• Experience in developing content for social media with an eye toward new, engaging tactics.
• Knowledge of Adobe InDesign, Adobe Express, and PhotoShop software and basic functions.
• Experience with content management systems and mass email tools like Salesforce Marketing Cloud and MailChimp.
• Ability to work with accuracy, meet deadlines, receive and give constructive feedback, prioritize projects, handle interruptions, and work independently when needed.

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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