Marketing & Communication Strategist

Overview
The Marketing & Communications Strategist designs and runs marketing and communications efforts for an assigned department in University Services and supports broad University Services initiatives.

This position largely serves the University of Minnesota Bookstores.

The strategist will develop new and creative approaches to enhance the customer experience and drive business growth. They will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to identify market trends, customer preferences and competitive insights in order to optimize campaigns, events, product/service offerings and routine communication with customers and partners.

This position reports to the University Services Director of Strategic Communications & Marketing and works daily with leadership and team members across the assigned department to identify and meet needs. The strategist will be expected to adapt to change in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving environment. Daily activities and responsibilities may change as demands change and are at the discretion of University Services and department leadership.

Primary responsibilities
Marketing and communications (60%)

Campaign development and management: Develop, implement and measure digital and print marketing strategies and campaigns that advance the department’s goals and mission, including managing budgets.

Stakeholder communication: Create and distribute communications for students, faculty, staff and other community members including announcements and promotions via email, social media and other channels.

Email marketing: Manage email marketing platforms, subscribers lists and metrics.

Digital content and branding: Create and maintain web content and brand style guides to optimize user experience and search visibility and drive traffic to web store, and ensure compliance with University and external vendor branding requirements.

Channel management: Coordinate and update business information to maximize digital reach.

Measurement and analytics: Identify, monitor and analyze key marketing and communications metrics, and provide and implement data-driven recommendations.

Opportunities and trends: Research best practices, track trends and spot opportunities for business growth.

Internal communications planning: Manage an internal communications program to keep team members informed of department and campus events and promotions.

Content creation: Create and disseminate newsletters and other content for department team members.

Engagement infrastructure: Lead department employee engagement committee and processes.

Documentation and training: Assist with standardizing and updating process and reference material and produce video training components.

Event coordination (20%)

Planning and execution: Assist with the development, planning, execution and staffing of virtual, in-person and offsite events around campus and the community.

Promotion and outreach: Partner with internal departments to implement strategic promotional campaigns across social media, newsletters and internal channels to drive event attendance.

Logistics and management: Assist with logistics and management of large-scale events, including coordinating internal departments responsible for staffing, budgeting and day-of logistics.

Stakeholder collaboration: Meet with key campus partners, student groups and external vendors to facilitate meetings, discussions and successful cooperation.Customer service: Ensure a high standard of customer service is being provided by staff and students during all events and promotions.

Other duties as assigned (5%)

Perform miscellaneous duties and assist in all areas as needed.

Location and work environment
On-campus, main location in Coffman Memorial Union with other locations as needed. Standard work hours are Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. with occasional evening and weekend hours for campus events.

Visa Language: Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications or a related field plus at least two years of relevant experience, or a combination of related education and relevant work experience to equal six years.

Experience planning and executing multichannel marketing campaigns.

Experience working in a retail environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of retail operations and processes.

Experience in graphic design, including use of Adobe Creative Cloud or similar design software.

Experience using email marketing platforms.

Experience in content management systems including Drupal and/or Shopify.

Experience writing and editing for multiple publications and audiences.

Experience planning and creating content for social media channels.

Experience capturing and lightly editing photos and video.

Pay and Benefits
Pay Range: $27.88 - $32.69 per hour ($58,000 - $68,000 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.

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.

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