Communications Lead​/Specialist

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UP! Institute

Posted 2 days ago

This role is responsible managing our communications and marketing in accordance with our existing Communications Strategy. The role will be both an internal and external-facing position, meaning this person will work across the organization to meet departmental goals, but may also represent CI as a key contact and relationship builder (in writing, virtually, and in-person) to and with external stakeholders or community partners.

The candidate may not possess expertise in all project management strategies listed. Instead, they should bring transferable experience and be prepared to cultivate new expertise.

Phone calls required.

Gen‑Xers, First‑Gen Americans encouraged to apply.

• Lead the creation and execution of an annual communications/marketing plan.
• Work closely with community partners to cross‑promote information and opportunities.
• Work directly with Leadership and Programs Team to best position our brand & services.

• Manage communications materials from start to finish, which includes copywriting, graphic design, desktop publishing, choosing correct file formats and sizes, placing text and photos, and proofreading. Some templates exist (e.g., website, brochures, invitations, programs, annual reports, etc.).
• Monthly one‑page newsletter content using established templates.
• Social media calendaring and content.
• Press releases (5‑10/year).
• Work with the support of Communications Coordinator.

• Ensure all external communications are high quality and deliver on brand voice.
• Work closely with the Executive Director to create an annual social media strategy, and to ensure social media works with overall communications strategy.
• Serve as primary liaison to our website administrator (contractor) to update content on CI website using the IT request platform.

• Meet regularly to report/inform the staff on how communications are performing.
• Manage data scorecard on marketing and communications performance.
• Work with the support of Communications Coordinator.

• Participate in team meetings and contribute expertise to the Programs and brand.
• Support special projects as needed.
• Be a strong steward of and representative for the CI brand across the community by adhering to the organization’s values.
• Participate in CI's social media presence and events as requested and appropriate; contribute to creating content to support the recruitment of high‑potential entrepreneurs to the CI program.
• Support fundraising efforts as necessary, including attending fundraising events, speaking with donors, etc. in coordination with the Development Officer.
• Support new and ongoing CI efforts as requested.

• Time management and organizational skills.
• Experience with Mailchimp, Canva, Hootsuite, Salesforce or similar CRM and CMS platforms.
• 3+ years of experience creating or managing a communications plan.
• 3+ years of experience creating content in a variety of formats (digital & print).

• Experience in website management:
  Word Press, CMS tagging, SEO.

• Motivated and compelled by building collaborative systems change.
• Gets satisfaction from checking things off your checklist.
• Able to adapt to emerging digital mediums and trends.
• Enjoys driving multiple projects at one time.
• Desire to both drive and execute projects well and collaboratively.
• Finds joy in problem‑solving/find solutions.

• Salary: $50,000 - $60,000 per year, DOE.
• Benefits: PTO;
  Health;
  Dental;
  Leadership Development.
• Location: This position may require a person to participate in in‑person meetings and events. Candidates must be within two hours of travel distance to the Minneapolis‑St. Paul metro area. No relocation stipend currently available.
• Start date: as soon as possible.

Mid‐Senior level

Full‑time

Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing

Business Consulting and Services

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