Communications & Marketing Strategist

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. This position 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. The individual in this position will be responsible for collaboration, writing, design, development, production, and distribution of OTE communications. Duties are completed under the supervision of the Associate Director of Operations & Strategic Initiatives. Additionally, this person will facilitate content coordination with 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 strategies. This position is key to our efforts in ensuring our practices are in alignment with University brand standards and protocols.

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

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.

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.

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.

As a department within the Office of Undergraduate Education, the mission of Orientation & Transition Experiences (OTE) 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 creation and implementation of the onboarding and transition experience of every undergraduate student (over 9,000) at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Through our signature programs (Orientation & Welcome Week), we collaborate with over 50 campus departments, the nine undergraduate admitting colleges/programs, and a variety of external partners which help to bring our programs to life and to welcome over 9,000 students each year. This position is integral in bringing our vision to life by leading our communication and marketing efforts. We communicate through print, email, web, the MyU Web portal, social media, and video

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

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: P&A Staff

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

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• 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 (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• 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.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Priority Deadline: July 1, 2026

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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

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.

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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.