Communications & Marketing Strategist

About the Job
The Communications & Marketing Strategist (9703CG) collaborates with the OTE team to coordinate, develop, and implement various communications strategies, events & initiatives, publications, and public relations. This position is responsible for writing, editing, and designing OTE communications, including print and digital publications, social media messaging, websites, videos, event publicity, and other marketing materials. The role oversees diverse communication functions to deliver high‑quality, aligned messaging that engages new students and families while building constituency support for OTE’s outreach initiatives. Responsibilities include collaboration, writing, design, development, production, and distribution of OTE communications under the supervision of the Associate Director of Operations & Strategic Initiatives. The strategist facilitates content coordination with the Office of Undergraduate Education (OUE), Office of Admissions (Office of Enrollment Management), University Marketing Communications, and the Office for Student Affairs (OSA) to support broader undergraduate communication initiatives and strategy alignment with University brand standards and protocols.

Work Environment: Hybrid, with some days working in office.

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

Duties & Responsibilities
Communications – (45%)

Coordinate and implement strategic communications goals for OTE across print publications, email, web, the MyU Web portal, video, social media, and outreach.

Collaborate with OTE content providers regarding communications projects and deadlines, supporting initiative execution and issue resolution.

Facilitate projects and execute key publications including the Gold Book Planner, Family Calendar, Class of Logo, and Welcome Poster.

Maintain the Gopher Guide website that connects students to campus resources.

Develop student‑centered communication plans for multiple OTE programs that engage U of M students and stakeholders.

Act as the liaison between internal stakeholders and the central MyU team to coordinate and execute an annual MyU content calendar.

Coordinate with graphic designers, Printing Services, and University Marketing Communications on multiple communication projects.

Facilitate mass emails sent to student populations through Salesforce Marketing Cloud.

Build and maintain automation workflows within Salesforce Marketing Cloud Journeys.

Monitor OTE publications’ tone and voice, ensuring content and images comply with University branding standards.

Analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) for email campaigns, web traffic, and social media to measure effectiveness of marketing initiatives and the Transition Hub.

Assist in facilitating focus groups to obtain feedback on communication methods and strategies for enhancement.

Internal and External Marketing & Public Relations – (30%)

Maintain communication channels with colleges, departments, and other constituencies.

Liaise with Office of Student Affairs (OSA), Housing & Residential Life (HRL), Office of Admissions (Office of Enrollment Management), Office of Equity & Diversity (OED), University Marketing Communications, MyU, and other units as needed.

Engage with local and national media through University Marketing Communications, complying with University protocols.

Oversee bid processes for student promotional items and programmatic supplies needed within OTE.

Stay informed of marketing and public relations industry trends, integrating emerging best practices into OTE’s roadmap.

Supervision – (15%)

Recruit, select, train, and supervise two undergraduate student interns.

Manage student staff performance through coaching and annual reviews to foster professional growth.

Orientation & Transition Experiences Support – (10%)

Provide support to initiatives implemented by Orientation & Transition Experiences and the Office of Undergraduate Education.

Support office colleagues as necessary.

Conduct research and leverage metrics to ensure needs of student populations are met.

Support the University's commitment to equity within OTE spaces.

Participate in professional staff trainings, retreats, meetings, and projects.

Qualifications
Essential Qualifications

BA/BS degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Graphic Design, Art, or related field, or a non‑communication degree plus 4 years of professional full‑time experience.

Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects from inception to completion, adhering to deadlines, budgets, and producing high‑quality outputs.

Proven experience using Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) to develop visually engaging content.

General understanding of current social media landscapes, best practices, emerging trends, and platform‑specific functionalities for Facebook and Instagram.

Demonstrated project management skills, including multitasking, prioritization, delegation, and sustaining momentum.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working with students and understanding of their developmental and transitional needs in higher education.

Strong interpersonal skills, especially working effectively with diverse groups and organizations across the University.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Ability to build consensus with diverse groups of people.

Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Excellent writing and editing skills.

Experience with Salesforce Marketing Cloud, Canva, Drupal, video creation and editing, and graphic design.

About the Department
The Office of Undergraduate Education’s Orientation & Transition Experiences (OTE) mission is to provide high‑quality, dynamic experiences that cultivate community and empower students to champion their own development and leverage campus resources. OTE oversees the onboarding and transition experience for every undergraduate student (over 9,000) at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, collaborating with more than 50 campus departments and external partners to deliver signature programs such as Orientation & Welcome Week.

Pay and Benefits
Pay Range: $68,000 to $70,000 annually; depending on education, qualifications, and experience.

Time Appointment: 100% appointment.

Position Type: P&A Staff.

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

Benefits

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 opportunity.

Financial counseling services.

Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost.

EEO Statement
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: 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.

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