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The board and internal communications specialist at the University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF) is part of the Marketing and Communications functional area, and is primarily responsible for supporting board and internal communications strategies. A keen eye for detail, technical aptitude, and commitment to collaboration are key to this role.

The board and internal communications specialist supports a broad range of high-profile communications vehicles throughout the year, including hundreds of mass emails, four all staff meetings, a 400+ user intranet, a 60+ user board portal, and monthly e-newsletters. This position is responsible for supporting the organization's internal voice.

This position is a member of the Board Relations and Executive Communications team and will execute collaboratively-developed strategies and make recommendations for improved internal communications. This position frequently engages cross-functional partners from the foundation and broader University with the objective of connecting internal audiences (board and staff) to the overall mission of the organization.

UMF currently has a hybrid working model, with 2-3 days a week in the office. Many of the responsibilities outlined below require in-person support. Therefore, in-office days for the Board Relations and Executive Communications team are often dictated by business needs. The team works together to determine in-office and remote days.

Starting salary: $50,000- 55,000 based on experience.

Responsibilities

Create and coordinate board relations and internal communications (45%)

• Translate large volume of information into clear, concise, user-oriented language.
• Curate content, develop and send monthly newsletters for board and staff.
• Write and edit email messages and intranet content on behalf of executive and departmental leaders to be shared with staff and board audiences.
• Execute board and internal editorial calendars including emails, meetings, and other touchpoints.
• Use Salesforce Marketing Cloud email platform to create and send mass emails.
• Communicate with colleagues and stakeholders via email, phone, and in person to ensure smooth team operations.
• Use analytics data, web best practices, and organization's style guide to develop optimal content.
• Provide ad hoc support for foundation teams as needed.

Manage board and staff meetings and events (35%)

• Coordinate logistics for approximately 45 board and all staff meeting/events annually, all of which are hosted hybrid, requiring in-person support (ex: remote meeting details, catering, parking reservations, RSVP tracking, materials posting).
• Build PowerPoint presentations for key organizational meetings (ex: board and all staff meetings and ad hoc support).
• Serve as a representative on cross-functional team to generate ideas and execute opportunities for colleague connection.
• Support two to three evening board events annually (ex: greet guests, room setup, etc.).

Manage content and technology for Drupal-based UMF intranet (400+ users) and board portal (60+ users) (20%)

• Review and manage proposed and current site and content, manage projects to execute changes as needed.
• Execute regular updates reflecting staff changes, institutional news, philanthropic news, etc.
• Partner with Digital Engagement team to configure strategic site changes as needed to enhance user experience.
• Develop and maintain consistent language, look, and feel of intranet site.
• Manage upgrades, provide technical support, and troubleshoot individual user issues for web-based board portal.

Demonstrate commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an equitable and inclusive working and learning environment (exhibit 100% of the time)

• Continuous learning in diversity, equity and inclusion for oneself and team via training, podcasts, articles, etc.
• Seek to explore and understand cultural differences and create a culture of belonging.
• Develop and employ anti-racist practices and principles to accomplish work.
• Advocate for employees of all ethnicities, genders, ages and backgrounds.
• Cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with employees, colleagues, stakeholders, etc.
  

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, communications, journalism, marketing or a related field, OR a combination of education and experience in marketing, communications, or web design to equal at least four years.
• Strong project management skills, accountability to deadlines, willingness to provide leadership in cross-functional teams
• Strong commitment to collaboration and working together as a team toward shared goals
• Ability to pivot and adapt when time-sensitive work takes priority
• Self-starter, proactive, takes initiative
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with appropriate discretion.
• Maintains composure and professionalism under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain relationships at all organizational levels.
• Ability to creatively communicate information visually.
• Communication Skills
  • Possess strong professional presence in working with executives, high-level volunteers, and curating information for wide distribution.
  • Proven experience making sound editorial decisions about content based on knowledge of audience as well as strategic communications goals.
  • Experience with content sourcing, creation, and editing.
• Technical Skills
  • Demonstrated advanced proficiency with PC and Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
  • Experience with bulk email tools such as Salesforce Marketing Cloud/Exact Target
  • Experience with or aptitude to learn web development (basic HTML,CSS, Java)
  • Experience and/or aptitude in formatting and publishing web content using Drupal or similar CMS

Preferred:

• Knowledge of development/fundraising and/or marketing terminology and procedures
• Experience working in a non-profit organization
• Experience creating sensitive and widely distributed messages for executive and departmental leaders

American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Requirements:

• Office environment including standing and sitting at desk, use of computer, occasional lifting of approximately 10#.
  

At the University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF), our mission is to connect passion with possibility, inspire generosity, and support greatness at the University of Minnesota by placing donors at the heart of everything we do and every decision we make. UMF is a nonprofit organization responsible for raising and managing gifts to the University of Minnesota.

For more information about UMF, please visit about/about-umf.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also 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

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

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 or call .

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:

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 the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).