Communications Director, Minnesota 4-H Youth Development Program

Working Title : Senior Communications Specialist, Youth DevelopmentAppointment : Full-time, P&A, FLSA exempt, M&C Pro 3-Comm Gen (job code 9703CG)Extension Area : Extension CommunicationsOffice Location : Coffey Hall, St. Paul Campus; hybrid options may be possibleApply By : January 29, 2025The right person for this role will be a strategic communicator who approaches their work with an audience-first focus. You will be part of an Extension communications team that engages with the public as well as Extension participants, volunteers, funders, and supporters. Our shared goal is to advance Extension’s mission of bringing research-based educational programming to all Minnesotans. In particular, the person in this role is responsible for planning, creating, and sharing internal and external communications related to Minnesota 4-H.Key responsibilities include : Writing and editing content.Communication planning and crisis management.Project management.Repurposing and distributing information.Staff training and toolkit development.This position reports to the Senior Director of Communications & Strategy and works collaboratively with communicators across Extension and with educators and leaders in the Department of Youth Development.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSStrategic communications for UMN Extension's Department of Youth Development (30%)Provide strategic direction to department staff on communication initiatives, strategies, and issue resolution.Develop department communication strategies and plans congruent with University and Extension standards and industry trends.Evaluate emerging opportunities for communicating department activities and achievements.Plan and create publications and digital communications as needed with program staff, and manage related staff work to ensure performance and quality standards are met.Serve as liaison to the National 4-H Council.Department communications coordination (25%)Provide direction, content, and evaluation for 4-H and department social media channels and newsletters.Source, create, and write regular news updates and impact stories for Extension communications channels.Create and deliver communications guidance to department staff working at the state, regional, and local levels.Oversee and prioritize web content for the department; collaborate with educators and the Extension web team to prioritize and organize content.Department marketing (20%)Provide leadership direction, visioning, strategic alignment, and resource allocation for marketing, branding, and advertising activities in the department.Advise a broad range of staff, including administration, program directors, and educators, on the most effective and efficient methods of achieving their marketing goals.Work closely with Extension Communications to envision and create a cohesive marketing and public relations approach across multiple communications channels, including print, digital, speeches, and presentations.Plan, direct, execute, and evaluate the department’s marketing program including key messages, graphics, and video products. Direct production and vendor activities.Public relations (15%)Engage with department, Extension, and University colleagues, as well as the media and program participants on sensitive, controversial, and high-impact topics in consultation with the UMN Extension Senior Director of Communications and Strategy.Manage media relations onsite before, during, and after the Minnesota State Fair.Initiate and develop news coverage efforts to provide information to the public, educators, and staff concerning department programs and activities.Determine criteria for and direct type of response to news outlets with information related to and concerning the department.Supervision (10%)Initiate, recruit, hire, supervise, and onboard communications interns for MN 4-H Showcase at the Minnesota State Fair and other events.QUALIFICATIONSBachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or related field, plus 4 years of post-degree professional communications experience to include : Familiarity with 4-H.Project management experience, including proven ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects under tight deadlines.Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills with people from a variety of communities, using effective methods to communicate with culturally and linguistically diverse audiences.Experience in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers, community groups, outside agencies, media representatives, and the public.Experience / understanding of brand management in a complex organization.Demonstrated proficiency using Microsoft (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Shared Drives).Additional requirements : Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance. Mileage and sustenance reimbursement provided according to University policies.Travel (in-state frequently and national occasionally) will be necessary to perform the responsibilities of this position. Includes some overnight travel, typically once a month.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.When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile or alternate number at the employee's own expense.Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time.Ability to bend, reach, twist, and lift or carry 10 pounds frequently and 30 pounds occasionally.This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.Preferred qualifications : Master’s degree in communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field.Leadership experience effectively managing people and teams.Experience in preparing a marketing budget.Experience creating high-quality video content.#J-18808-Ljbffr