Title: Digital Engagement Specialist

Appointment: Full-time, P&A, M&C Pro 3-Social Media (job code 9703SM)

Extension Area: Extension Communications

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

Salary range: Estimated starting annual salary range, $65-73,000 annually, DOE/DOQ

Apply by: June 7, 2024

RESPONSBILIITES

Digital media strategy and planning (40%)

• Strengthens and leads Extension's digital media presence to amplify key messages and promote brand and impact awareness. Leads college-wide campaigns and initiatives that use social media and mass emails/newsletters.
• Gathers and analyzes performance metrics to measure achievement of institutional objectives and recommends changes to content and procedures based on those results.
• Leads social media and email planning, execution and accountability across Extension departments and programs; sets policies for best practices.
• Establishes a consistent Extension brand voice and tone for digital communications. Develops and maintains relationships with the online community by creating content that both engages and informs current and future Extension stakeholders.
• Advocates for digital accessibility and creates/promotes content that reflects the diversity of Extension's stakeholders.
• Stays up to date on trends and tools in the industry; ensures that Extension collaborators are using current best practices.
• Plans and coordinates digital strategy with University of Minnesota and other external partners.
• Collaborates with the email lists manager and Salesforce Marketing Cloud users to strategically manage lists and email sending schedules.

Social media and newsletter management (40%)

• Expand, update and maintain Extension's social media accounts and engage with stakeholders using those channels.
• Engages with social media followers in real time and tracks brand mentions, comments, and messages.
• Monitors accounts for potential crisis communications situations and uses independent judgment to resolve or elevate those situations.
• Analyzes how Extension's monthly Source newsletter and other externally focused mailings are received by recipients and whether the mailings are achieving their goals; suggests and tests tactics for effectiveness using tools such as A/B testing and audience segmentation.
• Establishes content strategies and tactics; tracks/analyzes engagement metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of campaigns and initiatives, and to make data-driven recommendations for optimization.
• Actively participates in editorial planning across Extension communications and ensures that digital communications are contributing to the achievement of strategic priorities.
• Creates content using digital media - video, slideshows, or podcasts - that cover Extension-wide activities. This may include local, regional, and statewide Extension programming, events and projects that could be highlighted in communications to external stakeholders.
• Coach Extension teams to develop and grow newsletters, social media and other communication channels creatively and effectively.

Communications coordination for statewide operations team (20%)

• Triages and troubleshoots requests for support-staff assistance with communications projects; ensures support staff have appropriate training, determine permissions, etc.
• Consults with statewide operations team on an ongoing basis about communications issues including newsletter strategy.

Required qualifications :

• BA/BS plus at least four years of related work experience
• Experience in strategic communications and social media, including campaign planning and using analytics to drive strategy.
• Creative, innovative thinker with a passion for storytelling and building relationships.
• Exceptional project management and proactive communication skills with confidence speaking to cross-functional internal and external stakeholders.
• Creative content creator using text, video, and other formats; expert in editing all types of content for clarity and style.

Additional qualifications:

• Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance, to be utilized for travel; or ability to provide own means of transportation to work locations. Position may travel to in state and out of state locations as needed.
• Must be able to work regularly in an assigned office location on a regular basis; typically, 3-4 days a week in the office, 1-2 days per week may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule as determined by the supervisor.
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile number at the employee's own expense.
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including some evening and weekend hours to meet the position requirements.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry a minimum weight of 15 lbs.
• Must be able to work regularly in a stationary position and on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Preferred qualifications :

• 3 years of experience in strategic communications and social media including campaign planning and using analytics to drive strategy.
• Master's degree in strategic communications
• Familiarity with University of Minnesota and Extension communications standards and practices

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/.

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.

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.

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.

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).