Careers

Overview:
The primary role of the communication specialist is to support efforts to increase awareness and interest in the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD). This position will effectively and creatively communicate UMD news and information to key stakeholders, working with the UMD community to develop and distribute content that is clear, concise, actionable, and engaging. This position will reach target audiences through UMD’s website, social media channels, media relations, and additional communication platforms. This full-time, 10-month Civil Service position reports to the chief marketing and public relations officer.

University Marketing & Public Relations (UMPR) is dedicated to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. Diverse teams, perspectives, and backgrounds are necessary to create a strong and creative team that communicates effectively to the University’s many communities, on campus and beyond.

Responsibilities:
● Write vibrant feature stories and news releases about students, faculty, staff, alumni, and University events using traditional and digital media channels to connect and inform target audiences.
● Be creative, build strong relationships, and collaborate effectively with internal and external partners to identify and amplify stories, news, research findings, accomplishments, faculty expertise, and other key messages.
● Create, develop, and implement measurable communications strategies, bringing into account relevant University channels (e.g., social media, marketing, or internal channels) and audiences (prospective students, alumni, opinion leaders).
● Employ curiosity, personal initiative, and problem-solving skills to translate complex research topics into everyday language for general audiences.
● Respond and coordinate strategic responses to media inquiries; create and maintain professional, productive relationships with regional media.
● Support internal communication needs, government relations communication efforts, and speech writing for university leadership.
● Anticipate the needs of University leaders and spokespeople through coordinating and staffing media engagements, spokesperson training, interview prep materials, etc.;
● Utilize strong organizational skills, and an ability to juggle multiple tasks in a professional manner.
● Attend and promote campus events as needed to share the UMD experience with other key stakeholders.
● Partner with team members to support day-to-day social media activities.
● Edit and proof internal and external communications, utilizing Associated Press (AP) guidelines when appropriate.

Required qualifications:

● BA/BS communication, journalism, or marketing plus at least 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, sound news judgment, and an entrepreneurial attitude.

● Demonstrated success communicating sensitively and effectively across cultures, including historically marginalized/underrepresented communities.

● Ability to pitch and earn placement of news stories across major forms of media.

● â‹â‹â‹â‹â‹â‹Proven understanding of how stories may be strategically amplified through social media and other communications channels.

● Demonstrated commitment to critical communications skills including flexibility, adaptability, active listening, ability to understand and incorporate other perspectives, navigating sensitive or challenging conversations.

● The ability to develop and execute communications strategies, take initiative, prioritize work, and follow through and work independently under deadlines.