OPT Social Media Marketing Specialist Jobs

INTRODUCTION

The social media and marketing specialist will work as a member of the University of Minnesota Duluth’s (UMD) University Marketing and Public Relations (UMPR) team. UMPR serves as UMD’s central marketing and communications office and is responsible for external and internal communications, public and media relations, and institutional marketing efforts.

We are looking for a teammate like you if you are:

• a creative who loves telling stories through social media,
• a skilled content creator to lead our social media strategy,
• a strategic thinker, willing to innovate, experiment, and try new things to make an impact,
• eager to be part of a collaborative, mission-driven organization that improves lives.

This position is responsible for strategy and content creation for UMD’s official social media accounts and supports general marketing efforts. The incumbent should be creative, audience-focused, collaborative, organized, and enjoy working with a wide variety of people to tell UMD’s unique stories. They will also partner with colleagues in the University Marketing Communications system office to elevate impact stories, externally manage emerging issues and ensure consistency of messaging. This is an on campus, full-time, 12-month position that reports to the Creative Director.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Social media - 50%

• Plan, create, publish, edit, and curate social media content to attract and serve internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with UMPR team members on social media strategy and content creation.
• Conduct or utilize market research to identify social media content of most interest to key stakeholders and stay up to date on trends and new features.
• Plan and develop social media strategies that support enrollment management activities.
• Manage day-to-day social media operations, engagement, and interactions.
• Continuously improve social performance by capturing, analyzing, and reporting on appropriate insights, metrics, and key performance indicators to help drive strategic decisions.
• Practice community management to ensure productive relationships with our audience (parents, alumni, and students–both current and prospective) via social channels.
• Willingness and personality to actively be a part of the UMD community in order to identify opportunities to capture and share authentic moments of campus life.
• Maintain a solid understanding of how each social platform works and how to optimize content so that it is engaging and relevant on the appropriate channel.

Content production and management - 35%

• Create, write, and edit compelling content for various mediums and audiences.
• Assist with video and team member productions.
• Communicate effectively across cultures, including historically marginalized or underrepresented communities.
• Provide leadership and management to student worker(s) to help support content creation and authentic storytelling.

Marketing and communications support - 15%

• Assist with the execution of external and internal marketing efforts.
• Manage in-house paid social media efforts, with an eye toward highlighting strategic content for specific audiences.
• Create, develop, and implement measurable communication strategies with university partners.
• Adhere to and be an ambassador for UMD and the University of Minnesota brand standards.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in communications, journalism, marketing, design, business, writing studies, or a related field, plus at least four years professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience with social media management including creating original content.
• Demonstrated excellent written and oral communications skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with photography, videography, and creative writing.
• Solid editing and content organization skills.
• Experience with content strategy and analytics.
• Strength in critical and strategic thinking with proven ability to problem solve and offer up a plan for how to move forward.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills, with the ability to independently manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Prior experience working in a complex, decentralized organization.
• The ability to respond quickly and deal successfully under pressure in an open and public environment.

Priority consideration will be given to applications received by November 23rd.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please go to https://hr.umn.edu/jobs/Find-Job/Search-UMN-Jobs and search for job opening 376835. 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.

Complete applications must include:

• Letter of application
• Current resume
• Contact information for three professional references

Finalists will be asked to provide work samples related to the position.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

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.

LOCATION

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

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, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.