University of Minnesota Looking for Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Communication Strategist at Minneapolis, MN  Full Time

Introduction
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a community outreach unit of the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences. The Arboretum is located west of Minneapolis/St Paul and its 1,200 acres traverse the municipalities of Chaska, Chanhassen and Victoria. As a member of the American Public Garden Association and an accredited museum through the American Alliance of Museums, the Arboretum is a tremendous public asset. Visitors engage with gardens, collections, natural areas, a farm, research demonstrations, youth and adult education, events and exhibits.

Overview
This position provides professional writing, editing and content strategy for Arboretum print and digital publications; communication planning for events; and manages our email marketing program and blog. This position ensures the greater community is aware of the Arboretum’s programs and that information is consistent and on-brand, which results in greater attendance and utilization of programs.

Responsibilities
Communication Planning (40%)

• Create and implement promotional plans in consultation with department leaders.
• Write clear, concise and accurate event and promotional information. Keep information updated and store it in a central location for the Marketing & Communications team.
• Meet with stakeholders to gather event details and plan promotions.
• Develop ticket roll-out plans and promotion calendars.
• Reviews materials with stakeholders and approves materials prior to completion.
• Report on results.

Writing and Editing (25%)

• Responsible for writing, editing and proofreading content for accuracy and grammar across various print and digital publications. Provide editorial insight and suggest improvements to publications. Responsibilities include:
  • Arboretum magazine: Write 1-3 stories for each bi-monthly magazine issue, proofread content and provide editorial insight.
  • Print materials: Write and edit content for brochures, posters and rack cards.
  • Advertisements: Develop concepts for ads, write content and proofread ads.
  • Website: Write and edit content for the Arboretum website.
  • Email marketing and blog: More below.
• Coach colleagues within the Marketing & Communications team and throughout the Arboretum on effective writing, editing and messaging. Maintain and uphold the Arboretum style guide.

Email Marketing (20%)

• Develop and manage the Arboretum’s biweekly eNews. Gather stories from multiple stakeholders, shoot and edit photos, write and edit content. Work with the data team on pulling lists and maintaining clean address data.
• Write, layout, edit and send mass email messages as requested by other departments. Act as department lead for the Arboretum’s Salesforce Marketing Cloud platform.
• Serve as an Arboretum-wide coach on content and design for mass email messages; ensuring consistent branding and messages across all departments.

Blog (10%)

• Develop a content strategy plan for the Arboretum’s blog aligned with the organization’s communication plan, reader interest and search engine optimization (SEO) opportunities – to showcase the Arboretum’s work and natural beauty.
• Seek out story ideas, research and write stories.

Other (5%)

• Attends Arboretum events, acting as a representative on behalf of the Arboretum.
• Attends Marketing & Communications team meetings, all staff meetings and project meetings.
• Collaborates with team and Arboretum colleagues in a professional manner.
• Continues professional development.

This description does not include all possible responsibilities in this work and does not limit the assignment of related responsibilities to any position of this specialty.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS in marketing, communications, journalism or related field, plus at least four years of experience.
• Proven track record of excellent written and oral communications across various communications platforms.
• Strong writing and editing experience.
• Experience with communication planning.
• Experience with both digital and print communications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in working with cultural attractions, museums or nonprofit organizations.
• Experience with email marketing (Salesforce Marketing Cloud is ideal).
• Experience coaching others on writing, editing and content strategy.
• Experience as a media spokesperson and coaching designated staff in media interviews.

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
• 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)
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the for more information regarding benefits.

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 [email protected] or call (612) 624-UOHR (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.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University’s Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit:

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.