Communications and Marketing Manager

Position Overview

The Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI) is seeking a qualified professional to serve as the unit's Communications and Marketing Manager. CAREI is a research center within the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

The Communications and Marketing Manager is a strategic and hands-on role responsible for the planning, execution, and oversight of all marketing and communications activities for our research center. This role will serve as the creative and operational engine behind campaigns that elevate CAREI's brand, engage stakeholders, and support our research-based products and services.

The ideal candidate is a resourceful and creative self-starter who can seamlessly balance strategy with execution in a dynamic, mission-driven environment. Key Competencies include: a strategic thinker with strong project management skills; ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines; a collaborative mindset and ability to work cross-functionally with research, business development, and administrative staff; and creativity and attention to detail in both writing and visual design.

The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. Please note that 100% remote work requires approval prior to offer.

Job Responsibilities

Marketing Campaigns & Outreach (40%)

• Design, implement, and evaluate integrated multi-channel marketing campaigns aimed at increasing awareness and engagement among existing and prospective clients.
• Develop campaign content for email, digital, print, and social platforms in alignment with audience segmentation strategies.
• Collaborate with the business development team to align campaigns with business development goals and lead generation strategies.

Brand & Design Support (30%)

• Maintain and evolve the organization's visual identity and ensure brand consistency across all internal and external communications.
• Provide design support for digital and print products, including reports, briefs, infographics, web content, and presentation materials.
• Serve as a creative partner to internal teams to support the production of client-facing materials.

Communications Strategy & Content Management (30%)

• Lead proactive communications efforts to elevate the center's visibility, credibility, and impact with key audiences.
• Oversee website content strategy and ongoing management, ensuring timely updates and strong user experience.
• Manage social media presence, including content creation, scheduling, monitoring, and reporting.
• Draft and distribute press releases, newsletters, and promotional materials as needed.
• Collaborate with the center director to track progress toward CAREI annual goals. Provide support to the Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives and the Director of Business Development on tracking metrics toward annual CAREI goals.
• Partner with CEHD and UMN to support college and University marketing and communications objectives
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, public relations, design, or a related field plus six years of relevant experience in a marketing and/or communications role.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills for diverse audiences.
• Proficiency with design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite or Canva.
• Experience managing websites (e.g., WordPress, Drupal or similar CMS) and email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp).
• Working knowledge of SEO, Google Analytics, and CRM systems.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or research-driven environments.
• Familiarity with social media management tools and metrics (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer, or native platforms).
• Ability to translate complex research or technical information into engaging and accessible communications.

Department Overview

The Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI) is a well-established college-wide center that serves as the link between research and practice in Minnesota schools PreK-16 and other agencies interested in applied educational and social science research. CAREI's mission is to maximize wellbeing in schools, families, and communities with the vision to become the premier hub for making research accessible and actionable to ensure equitable outcomes.

College Overview

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the University's third largest college, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of life. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That's why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

Pay Range: The salary range for this position is $82,000 - $90,000. Final salary offers are dependent on the candidate's experience, skills, and internal equity within the department.

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment

Position Type: 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
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

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 attach a cover letter and resume.

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.

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.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).