About the Job

The Communications and Event Coordinator is responsible for implementing and assisting the design and creation of a comprehensive, dynamic, and nimble communications plan, using a variety of tools and ensuring consistent and effective messaging and branding for the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. The Communications and Event Coordinator works independently to determine stories, photos, content and focus for the department’s communications efforts. The position is responsible for generating original content for internal and external communications.

The Communications and Event Coordinator is responsible for event planning and execution for Graduate Seminars and other assigned department 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 college’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, multimedia, 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 Communications and Event Coordinator ensures that all communication tools are designed to engage their targeted stakeholders; enhance and promote the reputation of the department; provide accurate and interesting information about the department and how its students, faculty, and staff are engaged in education, research, and outreach; and garner support from and recruit prospective students, faculty, and donors.

Responsibilities

Original Content Creation & Design (55%)

• Assist the development of a strategic communications plan to promote the department programs and initiatives internally and externally.
• Implement the communications plan 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 (annual ISyE Magazine, newsletter 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 website as needed.
• Maintain the departmental digital signage and update information continuously.
• 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 (40%)

• Organize and promote weekly Graduate Seminars by collaborating with internal and external stakeholders; coordinate and execute all the logistics of weekly Graduate Seminars 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) and showcasing the Seminars through all necessary communications channels.
• Collaborate with others in the department who also plan events and assist in event execution as needed. This also includes working closely with the college’s communications team and development staff on special events, marketing, or targeted communications to alumni and donors.
• Plan, promote, and execute the event details for special events such as Distinguished Seminars, conferences, department retreat 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 (including catering if needed) for faculty meetings.
• Manage the department’s communication tools such as meeting Owls, dept. loaner laptops, HDMI/camera adapter etc.

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 developing and implementing a communications plan to meet specific objectives
• 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 social media plan for a company or organization
• Experience with event planning and execution
• Experience working in a higher education institution, preferably in STEM disciplines
• Experience working with diverse constituents
• Experience with web content management, preferably with Drupal and Google Sites
• Experience working in in Microsoft Office, and Adobe Suite including InDesign, Illustrator, AfterEffects, and Photoshop software
• Experience with photography and/or video production
• Ability to manage and execute print and multimedia projects from start to finish on budget and deadline
• Ability to solve problems and work independently

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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