The Temporary Communications Associate performs a broad range of internal and external communications work in support of Northrop’s communications, marketing, sales,
fundraising, campus and community engagement, and K-12 arts education for Northrop programming, Northrop’s Gallery, the rental of Northrop spaces, The Bistro at Northrop, U of M Tickets and Events, and the U of M Twin Cities Campus Events Calendar.

This position will collaborate closely and communicate with colleagues in all areas of Northrop, campus and community partners, media, and the general public. The Temporary Communications Associate will write, edit, and proof an expansive variety of materials from a large volume of information for all digital and print platforms and channels, ensuring clear, consistent and effective messaging and branding following Northrop and U of M brand and editorial standards. In partnership with and under the direction of the Marketing Systems Manager and Interim Communications Manager, the Communications Associate will build content on Northrop’s website; build, test, and send email communications to targeted audiences; and support the U of M Twin Cities Campus Events Calendar by communicating with and assisting users and executing communications tactics for its promotion and expansion. This temporary position reports to the Interim Communications Manager, but also takes direction from and works in close partnership with the Marketing Systems Manager.

This is a 75% time (30 hours per week) currently hybrid (remote and and on-site work) temporary position through June 30, 2024, primarily working weekdays, and occasionally weekend and/or evening hours as needed based on the schedule of Northrop’s events.

JOB DUTIES:

50% Copywriting, Editing, and Proofing:

• Write, edit, and proof copy for a variety of channels, goals, and objectives for internal and external audiences for Northrop programming and related campus and community engagement, the Northrop Gallery, the rental of Northrop spaces, The Bistro at Northrop, U of M Tickets and Events, and the U of M Twin Cities Campus Events Calendar.
• Maintain the overall messaging strategy and brand voice of Northrop, and adhere to Northrop editorial style guide in conjunction with U of M and industry guidelines.
• Ensure digital content is optimized for search engines, accessibility, user experience, and other platform specific guidelines and engagement strategies.
• Collaborate with Interim Communications Manager and others to analyze and evaluate effectiveness of the communications to identify trends and strategies to continuously improve outcomes.

25% Website and Email Communications:

• In collaboration with Marketing Systems Manager, build new and edit existing content on Northrop website using Drupal.
• In collaboration with Marketing Systems Manager, build, test, and send email communications using Salesforce Marketing Cloud Email Studio and potentially AudienceView.

10% U of M Twin Cities Campus Events Calendar:

• Execute communications tactics for promotion and expansion of U of M Twin Cities Campus Events Calendar.
• Communicate with departmental platform users.
• Proof and review content submitted by departmental account holders in accordance with style guide.
• Respond to platform service inquiries; set up accounts for users.
• Provide training as needed for departmental account holders.

10% Administrative/Miscellaneous:

• Build and track projects on Team Gantt project management system.
• Respond to internal and external questions, comments, and requests for information through Northrop email and other channels as needed, providing excellent customer service.
• Assist Northrop team at events and/or monitoring email and other communications platforms on or off-site during weekend and/or evening hours as needed.
• Provide exemplary customer service focused on creating positive and memorable experiences for all Northrop patron touchpoints.
• Assist with research and patron feedback.
• Backup Interim Communications Manager, Marketing Systems Manager, and other team members as needed.
• Administrative support and various tasks. Other duties as assigned.
• Participate in industry or role-related professional networking or learning opportunities.

5% Media Relations:

• Support the Interim Communications Manager with media relations tasks such as writing and distributing press releases, media advisories, and briefings/talking points.
• May assist with developing and updating targeted media distribution lists using Agility PR platform.
• Occasionally help escort media at on-site events.
• Contribute to archive of media coverage.

The employer reserves the right to change or add job duties to this position if consistent with the job classification.

PAY RANGE: $21.95/hr to $24.36/hr.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as communication, English or journalsm or a combination of related education and work experience to equal four (4) years.
• Demonstrated excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills for a variety of content types and platforms, preferably in the performing arts or entertainment industry requiring ticket sales and meeting goals.
• Experience writing and editing for target audiences using key messages in support of communications and marketing plans and goals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience creating content supporting search engine optimization strategies.
• Commitment to collaboration, partnership, and co-creation within an organization and with external partners.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
• Proficient with Google and Microsoft Office suite of products.
• Demonstrated work ethic with ability to handle and organize multiple projects simultaneously with varied timelines and duties.
• Investigative, deductive, and critical thinker with excellent attention to detail.
• Experience working both as a team and independently.
• History of completing projects and generating new ideas.
• Ability to build and maintain professional and positive relationships; excellent and intuitive customer service skills and philosophy.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, goal-oriented, multi-faceted environment.
• Able to learn new areas quickly, take ownership of issues/projects, and develop recommendations.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Interest in/knowledge of performing arts.
• Experience with Salesforce Marketing Cloud Email Studio.
• Experience with Drupal or similar.
• Basic understanding of HTML.
• Experience with Agility PR or similar.
• Experience with any project management platform.
• Experience with AudienceView or other ticketing platform.
• Experience with media relations.

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

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.

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