CS&E Communications Coordinator

About the Job:

This position is responsible for developing and implementing strategic public relations for department programs and initiatives. This position reports to the Department Administrator and will have informal reporting to the Department Head, Associate Department Head, and College of Science and Engineering Communications Director.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Strategic Communications Planning (50%)

• Develop a strategic public relations and communications plan to promote department programs and initiatives to both internal and external stakeholders 
• Collaborate with the College of Science and Engineering and University of Minnesota Foundation to ensure that the strategies of Computer Science & Engineering align with other University marketing and brand strategies. 
• Establish and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders. 
• Coach faculty and staff in effective communication with both internal and external stakeholders 
• Evaluate emerging opportunities for communicating department activities and achievements 
• Provide marketing consultation to master’s programs within the department

Communication Materials Development (40%)

• Execute the strategic plan by providing planning, development and production coordination, as well as hands-on research, writing, and editing, for various print and multimedia projects 
• Write content and tell compelling stories that show impact; use these stories in various print materials, website, and social media 
• Develop multimedia materials (images and videos) for website and social media 
• Initiate and develop marketing and promotional materials, including newsletters, brochures, biennial department reports, digital signage, website, social media, and promotional items 
• Update and maintain the department website

University-Wide, Collegiate & Department Citizenship (5%)

• Serve on committees as needed for the University, College and Department

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public relations, marketing, English or related field and at least four years of professional communications experience 
• Non-communications degreed individuals must have six years of progressive responsibility in communications

Preferred Skills:

• Experience developing and implementing communication strategies to meet specific objectives and streamline existing processes in a fast-paced environment 
• Strong writing skills with ability to take complicated topics and simplify them for a general audience and tell compelling stories that show impact 
• Ability to manage and execute print and multimedia projects from start to finish on budget and on deadline 
• Proficiency in brand management and demonstrated ability to create visually compelling, creative and informative communications 
• Experience writing and editing materials for a variety of audiences, including students, faculty/staff, alumni, donors, legislators, industry partners, and other external audiences 
• Experience managing social media channels to achieve specific goals 
• Understanding of graphic design principles, including layout, typography, photography/illustration, color usage, information hierarchy, mapping, and trends 
• Experience with photography and video production 
• Experience with web writing and using a website content management system 
• Proficiency using in Microsoft Word, Adobe Creative Suite and Web CMS systems software and willingness to learn and use other communications technologies 
• Ability to solve problems and work independently 
• Ability to diplomatically balance needs of various stakeholders 
• Experience working in a higher education institution or nonprofit organization 
• Demonstrated excellence in verbal, written, and interpersonal communications