University of Minnesota
Assistant Director, Communication/Media Relations, U of M Extension
University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States, 55130
Apply for Job Job ID 362061Location Twin CitiesJob Family Marketing & CommunicationsFull/Part Time Full-TimeRegular/Temporary RegularJob Code 9361PREmployee Class Acad Prof and AdminAdd to Favorite Jobs Email this JobAbout the Job
Title:
Assistant Director, Communication/Media RelationsAppointment:
Full-time, P&A, M&C Mgr 1-Public Relations (job code 9361PR)Extension Area:
Extension CommunicationsOffice Location:
Coffey Hall, St. Paul Campus; hybrid work options availableSalary range:
Estimated annual salary range, $90,000 - $105,000; DOE/DOQApply by:
July 8, 2024RESPONSIBILITIESExtension media relations manager (45%)Develops and implements a proactive media relations strategy and plan that positions Extension as the go-to source for key reporters and editors on strategic topicsManages reactive media relations, maintains relationships with reporters and editors and the U Relations media teamStrategizes with educators and programs to generate story ideas that can be pitched to reporters and producersProvides news media interview training for educators across ExtensionDevelops and maintains relationships with reporters and editors statewide, including trade publications and community news outletsCollaborates with Communications Director on crisis communications strategy and responsesDepartment of Agriculture and Natural Resource (ANR) Systems communications leadership (45%)Manages proactive public relations and marketing content for ANR programs and educatorsCollaborates with leadership to supervise and develop ANR communications team; (currently 3.0 FTE)Develops and maintains relationships with ANR Associate Dean, program leaders, and educators to ensure that information about educational programs and ANR expertise is communicated with external audiences following Extension communications procedures and practicesBe a resource/liaison for ANR program leaders to ensure ANR program coordinators have information on, and are following, UMN and Extension best practices across teamsCollaborate with the Extension web team on ensuring online content is up to date and presented in accessible and user-friendly styleContent creation and general communications responsibilities (10%)Writes news and feature stories, and creates video/photography that can be published in owned media and repurposed for multiple content streams, including earned mediaPlans and facilitates monthly all-Extension communications professional development sessionsBacks up the Communications Director in their absence
Qualifications
Required qualificationsBS in communications, marketing, or closely related field6 years of communications and public relations experienceDemonstrated experience as a strategic communicatorProject leadership experienceExcellent interviewing, writing, editing and editorial planning skills.Two years of supervisory experienceFamiliarity with Minnesota agriculture and natural resources systems and issuesExperience with Google and Microsoft Suite applicationsAdditional qualificationsAbility to travel throughout the state on occasion to include overnight stayReliable internet when not working at a designated Extension office locationDriver's license and applicable insuranceAbility to work on computer for prolonged periods of timePreferred QualificationsMaster's degree in communications, business or social sciencesEight or more years of experience in related communications workExperience leading a communications team in a higher education, government or non-profit environmentExperience creating, developing or managing agricultural and natural resources communications and public relationsFamiliarity with University of Minnesota and/or ExtensionVideography, photography and other digital media skills and experienceExperience using project management tools such as Asana and Trello
About the Department
ABOUT EXTENSIONUniversity 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/.Benefits
Working at the University
At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.
The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time offContinuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit ProgramLow-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plansHealthcare and dependent care flexible spending accountsUniversity HSA contributionsDisability and employer-paid life insuranceEmployee wellbeing programExcellent retirement plans with employer contributionPublic Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunityFinancial counseling servicesEmployee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no costEmployee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro areaPlease visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.How To Apply
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 letterResume/VitaeDiversity 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 experiencesTopics through the lens of your own knowledge or experienceIf you don't have personal experience on a topic, reflect on whyDemonstrated 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.Diversity
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.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 the U of M
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).
Title:
Assistant Director, Communication/Media RelationsAppointment:
Full-time, P&A, M&C Mgr 1-Public Relations (job code 9361PR)Extension Area:
Extension CommunicationsOffice Location:
Coffey Hall, St. Paul Campus; hybrid work options availableSalary range:
Estimated annual salary range, $90,000 - $105,000; DOE/DOQApply by:
July 8, 2024RESPONSIBILITIESExtension media relations manager (45%)Develops and implements a proactive media relations strategy and plan that positions Extension as the go-to source for key reporters and editors on strategic topicsManages reactive media relations, maintains relationships with reporters and editors and the U Relations media teamStrategizes with educators and programs to generate story ideas that can be pitched to reporters and producersProvides news media interview training for educators across ExtensionDevelops and maintains relationships with reporters and editors statewide, including trade publications and community news outletsCollaborates with Communications Director on crisis communications strategy and responsesDepartment of Agriculture and Natural Resource (ANR) Systems communications leadership (45%)Manages proactive public relations and marketing content for ANR programs and educatorsCollaborates with leadership to supervise and develop ANR communications team; (currently 3.0 FTE)Develops and maintains relationships with ANR Associate Dean, program leaders, and educators to ensure that information about educational programs and ANR expertise is communicated with external audiences following Extension communications procedures and practicesBe a resource/liaison for ANR program leaders to ensure ANR program coordinators have information on, and are following, UMN and Extension best practices across teamsCollaborate with the Extension web team on ensuring online content is up to date and presented in accessible and user-friendly styleContent creation and general communications responsibilities (10%)Writes news and feature stories, and creates video/photography that can be published in owned media and repurposed for multiple content streams, including earned mediaPlans and facilitates monthly all-Extension communications professional development sessionsBacks up the Communications Director in their absence
Qualifications
Required qualificationsBS in communications, marketing, or closely related field6 years of communications and public relations experienceDemonstrated experience as a strategic communicatorProject leadership experienceExcellent interviewing, writing, editing and editorial planning skills.Two years of supervisory experienceFamiliarity with Minnesota agriculture and natural resources systems and issuesExperience with Google and Microsoft Suite applicationsAdditional qualificationsAbility to travel throughout the state on occasion to include overnight stayReliable internet when not working at a designated Extension office locationDriver's license and applicable insuranceAbility to work on computer for prolonged periods of timePreferred QualificationsMaster's degree in communications, business or social sciencesEight or more years of experience in related communications workExperience leading a communications team in a higher education, government or non-profit environmentExperience creating, developing or managing agricultural and natural resources communications and public relationsFamiliarity with University of Minnesota and/or ExtensionVideography, photography and other digital media skills and experienceExperience using project management tools such as Asana and Trello
About the Department
ABOUT EXTENSIONUniversity 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/.Benefits
Working at the University
At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.
The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time offContinuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit ProgramLow-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plansHealthcare and dependent care flexible spending accountsUniversity HSA contributionsDisability and employer-paid life insuranceEmployee wellbeing programExcellent retirement plans with employer contributionPublic Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunityFinancial counseling servicesEmployee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no costEmployee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro areaPlease visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.How To Apply
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 letterResume/VitaeDiversity 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 experiencesTopics through the lens of your own knowledge or experienceIf you don't have personal experience on a topic, reflect on whyDemonstrated 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.Diversity
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.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 the U of M
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).