Senior Communications Specialist, Youth Development

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 Extension'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 department'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

• Bachelor'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

• Master'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 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/.

Pay Range: $68,000 - $74,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• 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
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

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. In addition, those invited for interviews will be required to provide writing samples.

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.

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).