Working Title:            Senior Communications Specialist, Youth Development 

Appointment:            Full-time, P&A, FLSA exempt, M&C Pro 3-Comm Gen (job code 9703CG) 

Extension Area:        Extension Communications

Office Location:        Coffey Hall, St. Paul Campus; hybrid options may be possible

Salary Range:            Estimated $68,000 - $74,000, DOQ

Apply By:                   January 29, 2025

SUMMARY

The right person for this role will be a strategic communicator who approaches their work with an audience-first focus. You will be part of an Extension communications team that engages with the public as well as Extension participants, volunteers, funders and supporters. Our shared goal is to advance Extensionâ™s mission of bringing research-based educational programming to all Minnesotans. In particular, the person in this role is responsible for planning, creating and sharing internal and external communications related to Minnesota 4-H.

Key responsibilities include writing and editing content, communication planning and crisis management, project management, repurposing and distributing information, and staff training and toolkit development. This position reports to the Senior Director of Communications & Strategy and works collaboratively with communicators across Extension and with educators and leaders in the Department of Youth Development.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Strategic communications for the Department of Youth Development 30% 

• Provide strategic direction to department staff on communication initiatives, strategies and issue resolution. 
• Develop department communication strategies and plans congruent with University and Extension standards  and industry trends.
• Evaluate emerging opportunities for communicating department activities and achievements. 
• Plan and create publications and digital communications as needed with program staff, and manage related staff work to ensure performance and quality standards are met. 
• Serves as liaison to the National 4-H Council. 

Department communications coordination 25% 

• Provide direction, content and evaluation for 4-H and department social media channels and newsletters. 
• Source, create, and write regular news updates and impact stories for Extension communications channels. 
• Create and deliver communications guidance to department staff working at the state, regional and local levels 
• Oversee and prioritize web content for the department; collaborate with educators and the Extension web team to prioritize and organize content.

Department marketing 20% 

• Provide leadership direction, visioning, strategic alignment and resource allocation for marketing, branding and advertising activities in the department 
• Advise a broad range of staff, including administration, program directors and educators, on the most effective and efficient methods of achieving their marketing goals. 
• Work closely with Extension Communications to envision and create a cohesive marketing and public relations approach across multiple communications channels, including print, digital, speeches and presentations.
• Plan, direct, execute and evaluate the departmentâ™s marketing program including key messages, graphics and video products. Directs production and vendor activities. 

Public relations 15% 

• Engage with department, Extension and University colleagues, as well as the media and program participants on sensitive, controversial and high-impact topics in consultation with the UMN Extension Senior Director of Communications and Strategy. 
• Manage media relations onsite before, during and after the Minnesota State Fair. 
• Initiate and develop news coverage efforts to provide information to the public, educators and staff concerning department programs and activities. 
• Determine criteria for and direct type of response to news outlets with information related to and concerning the department.

Supervision 10% 

• Initiate, recruit, hire, supervise and onboard communications interns for MN 4-H Showcase at the Minnesota State Fair and other events

Required qualifications 

• Bachelorâ™s degree in communications, marketing, public relations or related field, plus 4 years of post-degree professional communications experience to include: 
• Familiarity with 4-H 
• Project management experience, including proven ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects under tight deadlines. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills with people from a variety of communities, using effective methods to communicate with culturally and linguistically diverse audiences. 
• Experience in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers, community groups, outside agencies, media representatives, and the public.
• Experience/understanding of brand management in a complex organization. 
• Demonstrated proficiency using Microsoft (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Shared Drives) 

Additional requirements

• Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance. Mileage and sustenance reimbursement provided according to University policies. 
• Travel (in-state frequently and national occasionally) will be necessary to perform the responsibilities of this position. Includes some overnight travel, typically once a month.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile or alternate number at the employee's own expense.
• Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to bend, reach, twist, and lift or carry 10 pounds frequently and 30 pounds occasionally.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Preferred qualifications 

• Masterâ™s degree in communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field 
• Leadership experience effectively managing people and teams 
• Experience in preparing a marketing budget 
• Experience creating high-quality video content

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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