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.

Employee engagement communication (15%)

• 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.

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 Range: $27.88 - $32.69 per hour ($58,000 - $68,000 annually); depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service

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
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

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.

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.