Does connecting donors with meaningful causes bring you joy? Are you insatiably curious about people as well as a talented storyteller? University of Minnesota Extension seeks an innovative communications specialist to join our team. In this newly created role, you will research and write stories and promotional copy for annual giving, major gift campaigns, proposals and stakeholder engagement.
The right person for this role will be a skilled writer who uses a variety of formats and approaches their work with an audience-first focus. You’ll be creating written and visual content that supports fundraising efforts and donor communications for signature Extension programs like 4-H, Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, farm safety education, Cooking Matters, rural leadership and entrepreneurship programs, citizen science efforts and more.
You will be part of an Extension communications and development team that engages with Extension participants, volunteers, funders and supporters with the shared goal of advancing Extension’s mission of bringing research-based educational programming to all Minnesotans.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Appointment: Full-time, M&C Pro 2-Comm Gen (job code 8342CG), Civil Service
- Apply by: November 7, 2024
RESPONSIBILITIES
Development and fundraising content creation (80%)
Collaborate with communications/fundraising colleagues to:
- Plan and create themes, story ideas and original content including copy, photography and videos for gift solicitation materials, donor communications, fundraising campaigns and stewardship reports. The content you create will be used for Extension’s website, social media, newsletters and related communication channels.
- Develop print materials, emails, newsletters, giving messages, invitations, thank you messages and other collateral for donor engagement events, fundraising campaigns and stewardship activities.
- Ensure consistent, high-quality and effective messaging and branding across all platforms through a collaborative editing and production process.
- Coordinate, write and distribute online stories and news releases for scholarship/award recipients and volunteers.
- Use data to help create persuasive stories and materials that communicate Extension’s impact to stakeholders, donors and external partners.
- Promote inclusivity and accessibility through engaging content.
- In collaboration with colleagues, create successful crowdfunding and annual giving campaigns, incorporating giving content into newsletters and building opportunities to thank donors and help them feel appreciated.
Other duties as assigned (20%)
- Support related projects and initiatives that advance Extension’s communications goals and objectives.
- Lead communications with Extension retirees and past program participants and volunteers via social media and a biannual e-newsletter.
- Support Extension’s presence and public engagement at the Minnesota State Fair.
LOCATION
This position will be based on the University’s St. Paul campus, offering a flexible work environment that includes in-office, remote and in-field work opportunities. The position involves occasional travel, including day trips 1-3 times per month and overnight trips within Minnesota 1-3 times per year, typically for 1-2 nights. Work-related travel will be reimbursed.
Additionally, the role requires a significant presence at the Minnesota State Fair.
Occasional weekend work 2-4 times per year, typically scheduled months in advance and with the ability to flex your weekday schedule to accommodate weekend assignments.
SUPERVISOR
This position reports to Extension’s Senior Director of Communications and Strategy and will be part of a dynamic team of communicators, content creators and storytellers within the college. You will work very closely with Extension’s Lead Development Officer and their team, fostering a significant collaborative relationship. Additionally, this role will involve partnership with communicators at the University of Minnesota Foundation.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- BA/BS degree in communications, marketing, or closely related field and two years of post-degree full time progressively responsible professional experience in communications, nonprofit or educational advocacy; or a combination of relevant education and experience to total six years
- Experience in strategically writing and communicating in styles/tones that are appropriate for donor relationships
- Demonstrated success interviewing people and using the interviews to create stories and other content that can be adapted and repurposed on multiple communications platforms
- Experience using social media channels as part of a communications campaign
- Experience and skills to create quality photography
- Demonstrated proficiency using Microsoft (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Shared Drives)
Additional:
- Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance
- Ability to travel throughout the state on occasion to include overnight stay. Mileage and sustenance reimbursement provided according to University policies
- Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work
- Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location
- Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time
- This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship
Preferred:
- Capital campaign experience
- Experience creating high-quality video content
- Experience working with diverse communities, employees, donors, interest groups
- Project management experience
- Demonstrated writing experience to influence without authority
- Demonstrated proficiency using graphic design and/or video editing software such as Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, WeVideo, iMovie, ScreenPal, Audacity, etc.
- Advanced skills in Microsoft and Google suite applications
- Familiarity with the mission, legacy and work of Extension
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees and weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into all aspects of Extension’s programming and employee engagement. Find further information at, https://extension.umn.edu/.
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