Marketing and Communications Specialist

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program. This critical communications position focuses on the strategy and execution of key marketing and communications activities to build, enhance and protect the reputation of units/departments within the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS). This position is part of the CFANS Marketing and Communications team, and will serve units in CFANS, including the Division of Applied Economics, and Agricultural Education, Communication and Marketing, and work directly with department heads and program leaders. A strategic communications foundation is core to building, shaping and protecting the organization’s brand, and this key position will have a specific focus at the unit level, while aligning unit strategies to the College and to the University. The individual in this position will help modernize the Division’s communications efforts through effective storytelling, using channels that advance organizational mission, vision and goals to reach and motivate key audiences. Further, this position will help capture and communicate the meaningful work, societal impact and purpose-driven nature of CFANS and the broader organization. Communications Strategy (40% percent) Create, orchestrate, and execute external communications strategy to advance division priorities. Oversee all incoming and outgoing media opportunities. Drive promotion strategy and execution. Serve as consultative communications partner within the Division of Applied Economics and Agricultural Education, Communication and Marketing. Advise division members on internal and external communications efforts for events and programs. Create and refine key message architecture, and ensure message alignment. Link media approach to broader CFANS and UMN strategies and priorities. Coordinate with broader CFANS and UMN partners to formulate an overall visibility approach to demonstrate the impact of our work to Greater Minnesota. Develop familiarity with the teaching, research, and outreach programs of the division as a whole as well as individual faculty and centers in an effort to discover stories to promote across communications channels. Create and champion new, innovative channels and approaches to effectively reach and influence key stakeholders. Collaborate with CFANS communications teammates to determine story positioning and messaging. Track and report communication metrics as appropriate Content Creation (40% percent) Serve as writer and editor for external communications vehicles across print and digital channels. Lead science storytelling and communications efforts to create understanding and underscore the impact our research and teaching has across stakeholder groups. Draft and edit digital content to ensure crisp, impactful storytelling. Contribute to social media strategies and implementation. Coordinate with University Relations and CFANS on division-related opportunities to leverage broader UMN channels. Create a strategic and proactive storytelling approach and system to reach key stakeholders. Partner with division leadership to uncover and promote stories from departments, centers, research and outreach areas, undergraduate and graduate programs, alumni, donors, etc. Create and partner on writing, as appropriate, with others across CFANS, departments, centers, alumni and development team. Create dynamic department and program websites and presentations that build and reinforce the mission and vision of the division. Accept requests for communications input and create content or assign to student interns as appropriate. Attend Division events to capture story content in support of the Division, College, and University media strategy. Student Intern Supervision and Mentorship (10% percent) Hire, train, mentor, evaluate performance of a team of student worker interns interested in the area of communications, specifically students enrolled in the division’s majors and minors. Direct students’ work on newsletters, websites, social media, and other products. Assign interns to Division events so they can capture story content in support of the Division’s, College’s, and University’s media strategies. Conduct communications competitions and contribute to student showcase planning. Work with division faculty and staff to explore opportunities for students to create and present their communications-related work. Division Service (10% Percent) Actively participate in Division and CFANS Advancement and Communications meetings. Increase awareness of communications efforts and possibilities to Division members by regularly presenting in monthly faculty and staff meetings. Be an active and engaged member of the Division administration to assist and consult where needed and appropriate. Represent Division with outside partners as appropriate. Qualifications Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or closely related field, and at least four (4) years of professional experience related to this position Experience with understanding of marketing, branding and communications principles, managing the creative services process, project management and excellent attention to detail. Demonstrated experience with marketing, branding or communications practices Strong written, digital and web communications skills Experience with digital platforms, including Drupal, Salesforce and/or related platform Demonstrated experience with Google Office Suite and/or Microsoft Office Suite Experience writing and editing scientific research stories Ability to work independently while adhering to deadlines Preferred Qualifications: Familiarity working within academic environments Familiarity with food, agricultural and natural resource sciences sectors Pay and Benefits Pay Range: $72,000 to $76,000 annually ; depending on education/qualifications/experience The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts University HSA contributions Disability and employer-paid life insurance Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience. Diversity The University recognizes and values 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: Employment Requirements 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. About University of Minnesota 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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility. #J-18808-Ljbffr