Communications Specialist

Second level professional communications work in the areas of marketing and public/internal relations, responsible for programmatic communications and marketing planning and implementation, content creation, and project management.

Programmatic Communication and Marketing Duties – 90%

• Creates, implements, analyzes, and evaluates the department’s educational programs and events (visiting artist, emerging artist, diversity residency, exhibitions, and international exchange of artists and students).
• Develops communication and marketing plans for events, services, and activities that are in line with a greater department communications and/or marketing strategy. Acts as PR and Media Coordinator, developing all advertising, marketing and public relations materials to promote and reinforce the strategic communication plan with student employees who are also supervised by this position. Does occasional video and photography work.
• Creates press packets for news outlets announcing faculty/student/alumni achievements. Designs invitations, fliers and announcements for department events and exhibitions. Creates specialized or technical materials for marketing, publication, and/or public or internal relations that incorporate both written and graphic work, and utilize multiple media methods.
• Engages with other University colleges and departments, the media, or the public on questions, comments, or requests for information. Writes responses to news publications for information related and concerning the University of Minnesota.
• Develops marketing materials for prospective students. Identifies promotional or advertising opportunities, analyzes existing markets; coordinates and monitors the use of Department of Art brands.
• Designs and implements the department’s current website. Works with OIT to create a visually exciting site that fits within the set format. SKILLS NEEDED: extensive Adobe Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator), Premier/Final Cut Pro, Drupal, Mail Chimp, Google Suite, Word, PowerPoint; a necessary and sophisticated aesthetic to create graphics that compete with other art institutions. Also develops and maintains the department’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube pages. Analyzes web usage to identify trends in new media communication tools and social media.
• Other programmatic and marketing duties as assigned.

Supervision – 10%

• Manages the daily supervision of student workers related to Department of Art communications. Prioritizes and assigns work; trains student communications staff on work methods and procedures. Makes recommendations regarding hiring, promotion, discipline, and rewarding student communications staff.

About the Department

The Department of Art is located in Regis Center for Art: 145,000 square feet of modern space dedicated to art production, exhibition, and studio art education. The Regis Center houses state-of-the-art facilities in sculpture, foundry, ceramics, digital fabrication, imaging and editing, printmaking, drawing and painting studios, black and white photography labs, and digital moving image studios. The Regis Center for Art also houses the Katherine E. Nash Gallery, a 5,000 square foot research laboratory for the practice and interpretation of the visual arts. Regis West and the Quarter Gallery provide additional exhibition space.

Our department provides instruction for graduate and undergraduate students in four areas of study :

Drawing, Painting, and Printmaking

Interdisciplinary Art and Social Practice

Photography and Moving Images

Sculpture and Ceramics

How To Apply

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 Activities” page and uploading documents there.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

Diversity

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: http://diversity.umn.edu.

Background Check Information

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.

About the U of M

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.