Communications and Social Media Manager

The Communications & Social Media Manager serves as the University of Minnesota Crookston's primary communications professional and is responsible for leading internal and external communications, media relations, public relations, and social media strategy. This role develops and delivers communications that engage key audiences, support institutional priorities, and strengthen the university's reputation.

The ideal candidate is an exceptional writer, strategic communicator, and relationship builder with experience managing communications across multiple channels and audiences. This individual will be responsible for ensuring consistent, engaging, and mission-driven communications that strengthen campus engagement, enhance visibility, and support the university's strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities

Internal Communications & Campus Messaging

• Serve as the university's primary internal communications professional and coordinate institution-wide communications efforts
• Develop and manage employee and student communications, including newsletters, campus announcements, leadership messages, daily updates, and other university-wide communications
• Develop and execute communication plans for major campus initiatives, policy updates, events, organizational changes, and strategic priorities
• Ensure timely and accurate communication of information affecting employees and students
• Support executive communications including but not limited to speeches, talking points, presentations, and leadership messaging
• Coordinate emergency and urgent communications related to weather closures, campus disruptions, safety incidents, and other time-sensitive situations
• Maintain consistency of messaging, voice, and brand standards across all internal communication channels

Media Relations & Public Relations

• Serve as the university's primary media contact and spokesperson liaison
• Develop and maintain relationships with local, regional, statewide, and higher education media outlets
• Research, write, and distribute press releases, media advisories, feature stories, and other public relations materials
• Coordinate media interviews and prepare university representatives for media engagement opportunities
• Monitor media coverage and proactively pursue earned media opportunities that highlight university programs, student success, faculty expertise, research, and institutional achievements
• Maintain media contact databases and earned media reporting metrics

Social Media Strategy & Management

• Develop and execute social media strategies that increase awareness, engagement, audience growth, and brand affinity
• Manage the university's official social media channels including content planning, publishing, monitoring, and community management
• Create engaging written, visual, and video content tailored to platform-specific audiences and best practices
• Monitor platform trends and performance metrics to identify opportunities for audience growth, engagement, and continuous improvement
• Respond to inquiries and engage with audiences across social media platforms in a timely and professional manner
• Collaborate with marketing, admissions, athletics, academic departments, and campus partners to support recruitment, events, and institutional initiatives through social media

Strategic Communications & Reputation Management

• Develop and implement strategic communication plans aligned with institutional priorities
• Strengthen the university's reputation through storytelling, public relations, and community engagement
• Monitor public perception and emerging issues that may impact the institution
• Support communication planning and response efforts during emergencies, sensitive situations, and crisis events

Analytics, Reporting & Compliance

• Monitor communication performance and develop reports on engagement, audience growth, media coverage, and key outcomes
• Track earned media placements and measure public relations impact
• Utilize data and audience insights to inform communication strategy and content planning
• Ensure all communications comply with university policies, accessibility standards, copyright requirements, and brand guidelines
• Evaluate communication effectiveness and recommend improvements to internal and external communication channels

Success in This Role

• Serves as a trusted communications resource for campus leadership, employees, and students
• Successfully manages internal, external, and emergency communications with professionalism and accuracy
• Increases positive media coverage and strengthens relationships with media partners
• Grows social media engagement and community interaction
• Connects communication efforts to measurable institutional goals and outcomes

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing or a related field
• 4+ years of professional experience in communications, public relations, social media management, journalism, marketing communications, or a related field
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with experience producing press releases, feature stories, newsletters, executive communications, and other organizational content
• Experience managing organizational social media accounts and developing content strategies across multiple platforms
• Experience coordinating communications initiatives and collaborating with leadership, internal stakeholders, and external partners
• Strong interpersonal, relationship-building, and project management skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong understanding of social media best practices, audience engagement strategies, and content planning
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain professionalism when handling sensitive or confidential information

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education
• Experience serving as a media contact or managing media relations activities
• Knowledge of AP Style and professional editorial standards
• Experience supporting executive communications, leadership messaging, or speechwriting
• Experience developing communication plans for major initiatives, organizational changes, or crisis situations
• Experience using email marketing and mass communication platforms
• Familiarity with accessibility standards, brand governance, and digital communication best practices

Pay Range: $54,000 per year - $61,000 per year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 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

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

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.

University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC)

With a strong tradition of technology-enhanced teaching and learning, the University of Minnesota Crookston (UMC) serves as the U's major outpost in Northwest Minnesota. UMC provides both experiential, career-oriented degree programs as well as high-quality online programs, while connecting its teaching, research, and outreach to rural economic development and service to the region and beyond.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.