Content Manager

Work environment: Flexible-hybrid, at least 2-3 days per week in the office

The Content Manager will play a key leadership role in a new, University-wide approach to storytelling currently being developed to launch in Spring 2025. This role will support an integrated view of marketing communications, bringing forward and supporting plans that tell cohesive stories across multiple channels and audiences. Critical in this role will be a stakeholder-centric and strategic eye for identifying stories and building comprehensive approaches to amplifying content. In supporting comprehensive marketing communications strategies, it will be crucial for the Content Manager to build and maintain close working partnerships with many University communications leaders and others at the University.

The Content Manager role will also lead the implementation of a new content engine in support of this comprehensive and integrated approach to storytelling. This role will be responsible for implementing plans to collect, curate, share, and repurpose content with internal and external audiences using this new content engine as the primary hub. The Content Manager will report to the Senior Director of Public Relations.

Job Responsibility

• Play a key role in the development and successful implementation of a University-wide approach to coordinated content sharing and amplification between University Marketing Communications and marketing communications leaders across the University.
• Collaborate closely with University Marketing Communications colleagues, University leaders and internal partners to ensure aligned, strategic storytelling and broad, coordinated distribution and amplification of content to maximize visibility across key audiences.
• Work directly with editors, writers, SEO leads, project managers and other internal partners to coordinate content; increase coordination across functions and communications vehicles.
• Partner with University Marketing Communications PR, Internal Communications, and Marketing teams as it relates to facilitating the content process, aligning content strategy and needs with University's goals.
• Monitor and report out to University Marketing Communications and internal partners about emerging and ongoing local or national trends or issues related to the University of Minnesota, the University's mission and operations, and the University's strategic areas of focus, connecting these observations to strategic recommendations for University communications.
• Fully leverage technological capabilities to support this work, particularly the digital asset management aspects of a new content engine, in collaboration with a project leadership team.
• Create applicable style guides, taxonomies, metadata frameworks and content migration plans specific to content engine plans.
• Execute and regularly update an annual content calendar/plan, in collaboration with department leaders, using analytics as guidance for recommending future content selection, changes and enhancements.
• Optimize content and digital efforts based on marketing analytics to deliver on goals, through a test, measure and learn approach.
• Collaborate with digital and IT teams on the setup, implementation, and continuous improvement of the content engine and the related system integrations; evaluate current solutions for new features and opportunities based on system and user needs.
• Provide guidance, assistance and support to users as needed or requested, including development of training, instructional or best practices materials for digital asset management.

Required

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, media/ journalism or related field.
• 6+ years of experience in marketing communications, content amplification and editorial strategy.
• Ability to prioritize work and manage multiple projects at one time with flawless attention to detail.
• A focus and ability to build strong day-to-day working relationships with internal and external partners, with marketing communications and with other key contacts.
• Strong editorial sense for identifying stories and content ideas that can be developed across multiple channels, with a focus on stakeholder engagement and alignment with strategic goals.
• Experience with the creation, curation and amplification of content across a wide spectrum of marketing communications channels.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, including writing, proofing and editing skills, particularly within digitally focused environments.
• Familiarity with digital asset management tool(s), including best practices for filename and taxonomy structure, metadata, upload and organization of assets, asset lifecycle process,
• Working knowledge of content marketing systems, databases, basic publishing software, and leveraging a spectrum of digital solutions to achieve strategic goals.
• Demonstrated capabilities and understanding of analytics to optimize content, engagement and overall performance.

The University Marketing Communications (UMC) team is responsible for supporting the branding, marketing, and external and internal communications activities across the University of Minnesota. The UMC team works closely with internal partners throughout the University to deliver aligned communications that inspire commitment to the University's mission and strengthen the reputation of the University of Minnesota.

University Marketing Communications is dedicated to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. Diverse ideas, perspectives and backgrounds are necessary to create a strong and creative team that communicates effectively to our students, faculty and staff, as well as influencers inside and outside the University.

Pay Range: $100,000 - $110,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

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

The University 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

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.

• For a completed application, please include a resume and cover letter.

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 employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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

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).