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 design of OTE communications, including print and digital publications, social media messaging, websites, videos, event publicity, and other marketing materials.

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

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 managed within their area, supporting initiative execution and issue resolution.
• Facilitate projects and execute key publications including but not limited to the Gold Book Planner, Family Calendar, Class of Logo and Welcome Poster.
• Maintain the Gopher Guide website that connects students to key student success campus resources in one central location.
• 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/or University Marketing Communications on multiple communication projects including print, email, web, MyU Web portal, social media, and video.
• Facilitate mass emails sent to various student populations through Salesforce Marketing Cloud.
• Build and maintain automation workflows within Salesforce Marketing Cloud Journeys.
• Monitor OTE publications’ tone and voice, and ensure content and images are compliant with University branding standards.
• Analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) for email campaigns, web traffic, and social media to measure the effectiveness of marketing initiatives and the Transition Hub.
• Assist in the facilitation of focus groups to obtain feedback from student populations and other stakeholders on communication methods and strategies for enhancement.

Internal and External Marketing & Public Relations (30%)

• Work collaboratively to maintain communication channels with colleges, departments, and other constituencies.
• Work with and serve as the communications liaison 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.
• Work with University Marketing Communications to engage with local and national media, complying with the University’s protocols.
• Oversee bid processes for any student promotional items and programmatic supplies needed within OTE supported by the Associate Director.
• 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 ongoing coaching and accountability measures, culminating in annual reviews designed to foster professional growth and address areas for improvement.

Orientation & Transition Experiences Support (10%)

• Provide support to any initiatives implemented by Orientation & Transition Experiences (such as and not limited to summer and winter Orientation ), Resource Fairs, and Welcome Week) or the Office of Undergraduate Education.
• Support office colleagues as necessary.
• Conduct research and leverage metrics to ensure that needs are met with the student populations we serve.
• 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 other related field or non-communication degree plus 4 years of professional full-time work experience (experience while in undergrad will count as halftime).
• Strong organizational skills to effectively manage multiple projects from inception to completion, while adhering to deadlines, staying within budget, and producing high quality outputs.
• Proven experience using Adobe Creative Cloud (specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign) to develop visually engaging content.
• Possess a general understanding of current social media landscapes, including best practices, emerging trends, and platform-specific functionalities for Facebook and Instagram.
• Demonstrated understanding of project management skills including multitasking, prioritization, delegation, and the ability to maintain project momentum over periods of time.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working with students and an understanding of their development and transitional needs as related to a higher education environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills, particularly the ability to work effectively with groups and organizations across the University.
• Ability to work both 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.