Communication Specialist

Overview and Responsibilities

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is seeking candidates who are eager to contribute to its Lasallian Catholic mission of awakening, nurturing, and empowering learners to ethical lives of service and leadership. We invite individuals to help transform lives through education, inspired by the Catholic Intellectual Tradition’s quest to understand the human experience through faith and reason and its embrace of all who are dedicated to learning from one another through authentic conversations in search of the truth. We are especially interested in and give preference to candidates who demonstrate a vision to create and nurture initiatives that will advance our mission within the scope of their duties and who will foster a culture of dialogue that, with respect for all people, supports the search for meaning and purpose in pursuit of excellence.

Job Summary

Reporting to the senior director of communications, the communication specialist tells the many stories of Saint Mary’s through compelling long and short-form content ranging from stories to social media posts, to video scripts, to university announcements and press releases/pitches. This position will handle both internal and external communications and provide day-to-day content and system oversight of the university’s newsroom and internal communications platforms. Channels include newsletters, magazines, social media, university events, video and audio scripts, and more. The role will also support the senior director in issue/reputation management and PR.

All work done by the position maintains, enhances and expands the image, reputation, and visibility of Saint Mary’s University. The position is both strategic (i.e. project management, communication planning, etc.) and tactical (i.e. writing, posting, distributing, management of lists, implementing communication plans, etc.).

Salary Range: $50,000 - $56,000

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Research and write content including researching topics and interviewing students, alumni, faculty, staff and external subjects
• Create and execute communications plans, considering strategy around messaging, channels, audiences, and metrics both for internal and external purposes
• Edit, amend or develop content for use across multiple channels, including long- and short-form content
• Maintain the editorial calendar and support our internal and external communications platforms as directed by supervisor
• Support the work of the senior director of communications in executing and enterprising media relations and public relations (press releases, pitch strategies, media lists, coverage tracking, reports); build relationships with reporters, producers and other media contacts in the Twin Cities, Rochester, and Winona
• Prepare proactive public relations statements and work on issues mitigation as assigned

Other Duties & Responsibilities

• Edit and proof one’s own work and that of others for consistency of tone and style, and accuracy of punctuation, grammar, and usage
• Work closely with department colleagues to execute effective communications content across various platforms at the direction of the senior director of communications
• Must be available on call, both after hours and on weekends (infrequent, need-based)

Qualifications

Experience and Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, marketing, journalism, or related field is required
• Three to five years related experience
• Long- and short-form story writing experience
• Knowledge of AP style is preferred
• Public and media relations experience preferred. Open to being developed.
• Understanding of marketing principles a plus
• Experience with employee/internal communications and managing newsletters preferred

Essential Knowledge & Skills

• Excellent writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal communication skills
• Strong service-orientation, organizational skills
• Communication planning background from development to execution
• Ability to prioritize, work under deadlines, results-orientation and desire to collaborate with numerous teams to ensure successful communication of desired message
• Knowledge and experience in writing content for multiple channels
• Able to fact-check and ensure content accuracy
• High ethical standards and deep respect for confidentiality when working with sensitive communications messaging

Physical Demands

• Sedentary work. Sedentary work involves lifting no more than 10 pounds at a time and occasionally lifting or carrying articles like docket files, ledgers, and small tools. Although a sedentary job is defined as one which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required occasionally and other sedentary criteria are met.

Physical Hazards – Health and Safety Concerns

• General office environments

Application Requirements

Apply online at https://www.smumn.edu/about/offices-services/human-resources/employment-opportunities/ and include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota believes inclusion and human dignity contributes to a robust academic and work environment and is critical to achieving the University's mission in an increasingly diverse society. Individuals with expertise and diverse skills from underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. The successful candidate must support, respect, and advance the mission of Saint Mary's University as a Lasallian Catholic institution.

Saint Mary’s offers a comprehensive benefit package including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, flexible spending, retirement pension plan, and both undergraduate and graduate tuition remission plans.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.