Career Center

The head of marketing and communications provides leadership in defining and implementing all strategies related to marketing and communication (internal and external) for the Institute of Child Development. Independent decision making will be used to create marketing and communication plans and implement strategies to reach a variety of external audiences from a variety of backgrounds, communities, and identities (e.g., prospective undergraduate and graduate students, professional audiences seeking development opportunities, families seeking a preschool, etc.) and disseminate research findings to the broader public.

A key responsibility of this position is to actively support and advance the University’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Specifically, in close collaboration with the Institute’s Director and its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, the head of marketing and communications will play a central role in fulfilling the Institute of Child Development’s commitment to anti-racism.    

 This position is based on campus. Per UMN policy, work may be done remotely when appropriate and approved by your manager.  All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures.  

 Job Responsibilities

Writing and Communications (35%)

• Provide leadership in defining, mapping, implementing, and evaluating a communication plan for the department’s print and digital news media needs in alignment with branding and marketing strategy, ensuring content is delivered in ways that effectively account for a variety of diverse backgrounds, communities, identities, and abilities.
• Write and edit accurate, comprehensive, and persuasive content for the academic department, Center for Early Education Development (CEED) and Child Development Laboratory School (CDLS), as well as contribute to CEHD social media posts, newsletters and magazines.
• Solicit stories, biographies, and content from faculty, students, and stakeholders of diverse identities, rewriting as needed for marketing purposes, and promote externally by effectively translating research findings for various audiences, including those from historically marginalized communities.
• Lead internal and external communications efforts to include student newsletters, monthly department newsletters (The ICD Monthly), alumni newsletters (Further Developments), and consult on newsletters and special communications initiatives for CEED and CDLS.
• Make independent decisions and recommendations on how information is best communicated to internal and external audiences, with consideration given to social media outlets such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, etc.

Marketing and Branding (20%)

• Identify, understand, and cultivate ICD’s key diverse audiences through multiple, consistent touchpoints, resulting in a call to action.
• Conduct market analyses (surveys, focus groups and tests) for new program development (new degrees and professional development opportunities) and current programs, as needed.
• Develop mechanisms to drive website traffic and manage recruitment funnel, including reaching audiences from a variety of backgrounds, communities, and identities.
• Leverage UMN and College branding where appropriate to increase reach and brand equity while collaborating with department and center research and insights to reinforce brand identity.
• Develop and lead marketing campaigns, material design and oversee vendor negotiations.
• Develop and execute department policies for branding and monitor brand usage within the department.

Website and social media oversight (20%)

• Oversee and lead web-based communication for ICD’s academic programs in collaboration with program leads to ensure information is accurate, inclusive, comprehensive; collaborate with the college web team and communications office as needed to deliver the content.
• Research, develop, write, and edit material for department websites that highlight key initiatives, programs, students, alumni and faculty.  Maintain consistency across all ICD program area web pages.
• Ensure inclusive language is used across departmental websites, providing templates for areas of common messaging, such as admission processes and program requirements.
• Lead an ad hoc Communications Subcommittee of the ICD Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee that focuses on internal DEI-related communications and document sharing, and updating DEI information on the Institute's public-facing Institute website.
• Support ICD Faculty and staff from a variety of backgrounds, communities, and identities, with lab and project web pages.
• Select and develop social media platforms to grow ICD’s reach and engagement where appropriate.

Event Planning (15%)

• In consultation with the Chief of Staff, coordinate department events, including: recognition coffee-hours for awards or tenure/promotion, meet-n-greets of new faculty/staff, retirement celebrations, and three annual events (new academic year kick-off celebration, winter celebration, and end of academic year picnic).
• In consultation with the Associate Director for Curriculum and Student Services, coordinate graduation celebrations and recruitment events
• Under the direction of the director and chief of staff, coordinate the 100-year anniversary for the Institute of Child Development, happening in 2025.

Other (5%):

• Develop and maintain collaborative relations with ICD faculty as a consultant to assist faculty with communicating research findings to lay audiences.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relations with and staff and colleagues within the College of Education and Human Development and the University.
• Connect media requests to appropriate ICD faculty and staff.
• Supervise and direct the work of temporary/casual and student employees; delegate tasks to department administrative support staff.
• Serve on the department’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, meet with CEED and CDLS directors, and other department committees, as needed.
• Serve on CEHD and UMN committees on behalf of the Institute, as needed.

Research and measurement (5%)

• Use analytics and data to inform and finesse strategy.
• Solicit feedback from current and prospective audiences from diverse identities to refine communication and branding strategies.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS plus at least four years of experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing and executing a communications strategy for audiences from a variety of backgrounds and identities, including those from historically marginalized communities
• Strong written communication skills for print, web, and social media
• Demonstrated understanding of web content strategy and web site design
• Strong interpersonal skills enabling one to work independently, build consensus, and collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities
• Ability to function as a self-starter and work without close supervision
• Demonstrated commitment to advocating for an inclusive environment for all backgrounds and identities
• Familiarity with Salesforce, Google Analytics, HTML coding platforms, WordPress, etc.