Communications Associate

About the Job

The Communications Associate performs a broad range of internal and external communications work in support of Northrop’s communications, marketing, sales, fundraising, campus and community engagement, and K-12 arts education for Northrop programming, Northrop’s Gallery, the rental of Northrop spaces, The Bistro at Northrop, U of M Tickets and Events, and the U of M Twin Cities Campus Events Calendar. This position will collaborate closely and communicate with colleagues in all areas of Northrop, campus and community partners, media, and the general public. The Communications Associate will write, edit, and proof an expansive variety of materials from a large volume of information for all digital and print platforms and channels, ensuring clear, consistent and effective messaging and branding following Northrop and U of M brand and editorial standards. In partnership with and under the direction of the Marketing Systems Manager and Communications Manager, the Communications Associate will build content on Northrop’s website; build, test, and send email communications to targeted audiences; and support the U of M Twin Cities Campus Events Calendar by communicating with and assisting users and executing communications tactics for its promotion and expansion.

This position reports to the Communications Manager. This is a 75% time (30 hours per week) Civil Service appointment (job code 8341MC, M&C Pro 1).

This position is currently hybrid (remote and and on-site work), primarily working weekdays, and occasionally weekend and/or evening hours as needed based on the schedule of Northrop’s events.

Responsibilities/Duties of Position:

40% Copywriting, Editing, and Proofing

• Write, edit, and proof copy for a variety of channels, goals, and objectives for internal and external audiences for Northrop programming and related campus and community engagement, the Northrop Gallery, the rental of Northrop spaces, The Bistro at Northrop, U of M Tickets and Events, and the U of M Twin Cities Campus Events Calendar.
• Maintain the overall messaging strategy and brand voice of Northrop, and adhere to Northrop editorial style guide in conjunction with U of M and industry guidelines.
• Ensure digital content is optimized for search engines, accessibility, user experience, and other platform specific guidelines and engagement strategies.
• Collaborate with Communications Manager and others to analyze and evaluate effectiveness of the communications to identify trends and strategies to continuously improve outcomes.

25% Website and Email Communications

• In collaboration with Marketing Systems Manager, build new and edit existing content on Northrop website using Drupal.
• In collaboration with Marketing Systems Manager, build, test, and send email communications using Salesforce Marketing Cloud Email Studio and AudienceView.

20% U of M Twin Cities Campus Events Calendar:

• Execute communications tactics for promotion and expansion of U of M Twin Cities Campus Events Calendar.
• Communicate with departmental platform users.
• Proof and review content submitted by departmental account holders in accordance with style guide.
• Respond to platform service inquiries; set up accounts for users.
• Provide training as needed for departmental account holders.

10% Administrative/Miscellaneous:

• Build and track projects on Team Gantt project management system.
• Respond to internal and external questions, comments, and requests for information through Northrop email and other channels as needed
• Assist Northrop team at events and/or monitoring email and other communications platforms on or off-site during weekend and/or evening hours as needed.
• Provide exemplary customer service focused on creating positive and memorable experiences for all Northrop patron touchpoints.
• Assist with research and patron feedback.
• Participate on Northrop task forces and committees as needed
• Backup Communications Manager, Digital Marketing Manager, and other team members as needed.
• Administrative support and various tasks. Other duties as assigned.
• Participate in industry or role-related professional networking or learning opportunities.
• This position requires that essential functions are performed during weekend and/or evening hours as needed, based on the schedule of Northrop’s events.

5% Media Relations

• Support the Communications Manager with media relations tasks such as writing and distributing press releases, media advisories, and briefings/talking points.
• May assist with developing and updating targeted media distribution lists using Meltwater platform.
• Occasionally help escort media at on-site events.
• Contribute to archive of media coverage.

PAY RANGE: $20/hr-$24.36/hr

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least four (4) years.
• Demonstrated excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills for a variety of content types and platforms, preferably in the performing arts or entertainment industry requiring ticket sales and meeting goals.
• Experience writing and editing for target audiences using key messages in support of communications and marketing plans and goals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience creating content supporting search engine optimization strategies
• Commitment to collaboration, partnership, and co-creation within an organization and with external partners.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
• Proficient with Google and Microsoft Office suite of products.
• Demonstrated work ethic with ability to handle and organize multiple projects simultaneously with varied timelines and duties.
• Investigative, deductive, and critical thinker with excellent attention to detail.
• Experience working both as a team and independently.
• Demonstrated history of completing projects and generating new ideas.
• Ability to build and maintain professional and positive relationships; excellent and intuitive customer service skills
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, goal-oriented, multi-faceted environment.
• Able to learn new areas quickly, take ownership of issues/projects, and develop recommendations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Interest in/knowledge of performing arts.
  Experience with Salesforce Marketing Cloud Email Studio.
• Experience with Drupal or similar.
• Basic understanding of HTML.
• Experience with Meltwater or similar.
• Experience with any project management platform.
• Experience with media relations..

About the Department

Northrop shapes Minnesota’s rich cultural environment through arts presentations that celebrate excellence and innovation, community engagement, and creative exchange. Considered a Minneapolis architectural treasure, Northrop is an enduring symbol of the University of Minnesota, and the focal point of the Twin Cities campus and community.

Since opening in 1929, Northrop has served as the University’s primary gathering place for the performing arts, concerts, lectures, academic ceremonies, and major civic events. Our performances and engagement activities reach far beyond the student body and University community to citizens all across Minnesota and beyond. Programming has focused on bringing world-class artists and thinkers to Northrop, where the arts are incorporated into the student experience and shared with regional audiences. At the heart of our programming is the Northrop Season, presenting a series of extraordinary dance from all over the world since 1970 and a music series centered around our historic pipe organ. Northrop has commissioned new works, and presented scores of premieres, ranging from state and regional to US and world premieres.

The revitalized Northrop has been in operation since the grand reopening in April, 2014. The theater revitalization included re-configuring the existing 4800-seat outmoded auditorium into a new theater of 2692 seats featuring state-of-the-art acoustics, excellent sightlines, cutting-edge technologies, and updated amenities. In addition, the building now boasts the 168-seat Best Buy Theater, expanded lobby areas, The Bistro, and newly incorporated space for three signature academic programs: The Institute for Advanced Study, the University Honors Program, and the College of Design. Several lobby lounges provide spaces for student study and team learning activities.

Northrop is also the business owner and service provider of ticketing, membership, and donation services to the five U of M system campuses and the U of M Twin Cities Campus Events Calendar, listing thousands of campus events showcasing the U of M as a hub of activity in service to the campus and community. University of Minnesota Tickets and Events (UMTE) at Northrop provides ticketing services to a customer portfolio that includes departments from all five University of Minnesota (UMN) campuses, and some community organizations using University venues for their events, representing a wide range of needs, products, and event types.

Mission Statement
Rooted in the belief that the arts are essential to the human experience, we are committed to cultivating intersections between performing arts and education for the benefit of all participants now and for generations to come.

Vision Statement
Directly aligned with the teaching, research and service mission of the University, Northrop is a catalyst that uses the boundless power of arts and education to ignite transformation in each individual, inspiring positive change in our world.

Organizational Values
INSPIRATION: We embrace a culture that ignites discovery, bold creativity and transformation.
EXCELLENCE: We deliver programs of the highest quality that advance arts, education and cultural enrichment.
CONNECTIVITY: We foster and illuminate connections that bring meaning and value to our lives.
INCLUSIVITY: We invite, welcome and respect everyone, honoring and celebrating the richness inherent in our differences.
COLLABORATION: We cultivate relationships that create unique opportunities for exponential impact.

Staff Values
INTEGRITY: We each act according to the highest ethical and professional standards of conduct and serve as positive advocates for Northrop.
RESPECT: We uphold a workplace culture that is collaborative, encouraging and fulfilling.
EMPOWERMENT: We value and trust the skills of our colleagues and empower each individual to do their job, while upholding the mission and furthering the goals of the organization.
ACCOUNTABILITY: We are an outcome based, impact driven, data informed organization. Goals are transparent and each individual has ownership in successes and challenges.
BALANCE: We recognize the ebb and flow of our workloads and are committed to helping one another find and maintain sustainable work / life balance.

Benefits

Working at the University
At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also 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

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

How To Apply

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 MUST attach the following:

• a cover letter
• resume
• three or more distinctively different original writing samples
• three professional references.

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.

For more information and to apply:
External applicants: https://hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/ext/364038
Internal UMN applicants: https://hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/int/364038

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. (Job ID 364038)

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

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: https://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

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.