The MarComm and Event Coordinator is responsible for implementing and assisting the design and creation of comprehensive, dynamic, and nimble communications plans, using a variety of tools and ensuring consistent and effective messaging and branding for the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics (AEM) and its centers. The coordinator works independently and collaboratively to determine stories, photos, content and focus for the department and its centersâ™ communications efforts. The position is responsible for generating original content for internal and external communications.
The MarComm and Event Coordinator is responsible for event planning and execution for AEM Colloquium and other assigned undergraduate, graduate, and department and center events. The position also works with others in the department who plan events to define goals and specific audiences. This also includes working closely with the collegeâ™s communications team and development staff on special events, marketing, or targeted communications to alumni and donors. Duties also include writing and editing content for all platforms such as social media, website, photo and video, and department-wide events; translating information into clear, concise, and understandable language; developing branded materials, including brochures, newsletters, posters, and research summaries; creating and managing the production and distribution of information. The MarComm and Event Coordinator ensures that all communication tools are designed to engage their targeted stakeholders; enhance and promote the reputation of the department and its centers; provide accurate and interesting information about the department and its centers and how the AEM students, faculty, and staff are engaged in education, research, and outreach; and garner support from and recruit prospective students, faculty, staff, and donors.
Responsibilities
Original Content Creation & Design (60%)
Assist the development ofstrategic communications plans to promote the department programs, centers, and initiatives internally and externally.
Implement the communications plans by providing planning, development, and production coordination, as well as hands-on research, writing, and editing, for various print and multimedia projects.
Design and write/copyedit for all print/electronic communications, publications (AEM Magazine/newsletters etc.), and marketing materials for the department, including posters, brochures, press releases, stories, articles, and flyers, adhering to the University-wide brand standards.
Take photos or videos for all print/electronic publications, website, and social media.
Maintain the departmental website and intranet and update information continuously.
Create and maintain faculty research websites as needed.
Maintain the departmental digital signage and update information continuously.
Collaborate with the collegeâ™s communications team and development staff on web, print, event promotional materials as needed.
Create images/e-mail templates for regular undergraduate and graduate newsletters.
Build presentation slides for department recruiting, outreach, and orientation efforts, and for special events.
Creates websites for special events such as conferences as needed.
Create signs for departmental space.
Evaluate emerging opportunities for communicating department activities and accomplishments.
Event Planning and Execution (35%)
Organize and promote weekly AEM Colloquium by collaborating with internal and external stakeholders; coordinate and execute all the logistics of the Colloquium including speaker invitation, room reservation, abstract, website and social media event update, digital signage display, visitor itinerary, calendar update, speaker welcome folder, hospitality items including food catering, event setup and teardown, video recording in person or via Zoom (with speaker permission) as needed and showcasing the Seminars through all necessary communications channels.
Collaborate with others in the department who also plan events and assist in event planning and execution as needed. This also includes working closely with the collegeâ™s communications team and development staff on special events, marketing, or targeted communications to alumni, donors, and other stakeholders.
Plan, promote, and execute the event details for special events such as Distinguished Seminars, conferences, department retreat, Advisory Board Meeting, etc.
Work with faculty and staff to identify strategic event opportunities and produce marketing materials for event promotion and provide logistical support as needed.
Zoom/presentation and hospitality items setup/teardown if needed.
Other assigned projects (5%)
Required Qualifications
Requires BA/BS degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, English, Art or related field plus 2 years professional experience, or 6 years combined equivalent education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Strong oral and written communication skills with an emphasis on detail and accuracy.
Strong written communication skills with ability to take complicated topics and simplify them for a general audience and tell compelling stories that show impact.
Experience writing and editing materials for a variety of audiences, including students, faculty/staff, alumni, donors, legislators, industry partners, and other external audiences
Experience developing and implementing a communications plan to meet specific objectives
Experience developing and implementing a social media plan for a company or organization
Experience with web content management, preferably with Drupal and Google Sites
Experience with event planning and execution
Experience working in a higher education institution, preferably in STEM disciplines
Experience working with diverse constituents
Experience working in in Microsoft Office, and Adobe Suite including InDesign, Illustrator, AfterEffects, and Photoshop software
Experience with photography and/or video productivity
Ability to manage and execute print and multimedia projects from start to finish on budget and deadline
Ability to solve problems and work independently and collaboratively
The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.