Career Center

 Position overview
This position advances the project goals and objectives of the TRIO Student Support Services program in the College of Education and Human Development.   The Communications & Programming specialist coordinates program events including managing logistics and purchasing food, and supplies.  This position is 75% time, requiring 30 hours of work per week. Some weekend and evening work may be expected. 

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.

This position is represented by the AFSCME Union, Local Council 6. The work hours are scheduled M-F 8:00am - 4:30pm for a total of 30 hours per week.  The work location is on the Minneapolis campus. The minimum starting pay for this position is $21.49 per hour.

Job Responsibilities
Program Communications and Marketing Management (40%)

• Manage all aspects of program communications to ensure effective service, student reach and meets compliance standards
• Plan, implement and assess annual program communication strategies and systems, report  on effectiveness, reach and innovate improvements
• Develop, manage and update marketing & communications calendar
• Write content for both print and web including the program’s website, social media, brochures, participant letters and an e-newsletter.
• Serve as lead program editor, proofread official documents to ensure accuracy of information and consistent tone and language; provide comments and edits for approval by the director.
• Coordinate the development and implementation of marketing and promotional campaigns, initiatives and materials; these include a program newsletter (through Salesforce), catalogs, text messages, social media sites, videos, digital displays, program websites.
• Work with undergraduate student staff to develop, curate and distribute content
• Monitor the program’s social media and online presence and implement techniques to improve reach of program messaging

Program Administration Support (35%)

• Assist program staff and student board with planning and implementing program events, initiatives, conferences, team building activities, and participant services
• Assist in the selection, recruitment, and onboarding processes for new participants and make admissions recommendations
• Support the implementation of standard operating procedures and program policies
• Assist in the preparation, submission and archiving of federal and local reports
• Participate in program initiatives and serve as a back-up driver or chaperone (on some weekends and evenings) annual trips, conferences, and local events and activities as assigned
• Develop agendas and take minutes at assigned meetings
• Provide administrative and logistical support for committees
• Provide updates and suggest improvements at weekly staff and 1:1 meetings
• Other duties as assigned and required to administer the TRIO SSS federal grant and meet program objectives.

Recordkeeping, Supplies and Compliance Management (20%)

• Manage all aspects of student data tracking for both University and TRIO SSS grant via established tracking systems
• Organize, maintain and archive federally mandated student personnel files
• Manage data for program compliance and recordkeeping regulations for TRIO programs
• Serve as local expert on Blumen, National Student Clearinghouse and other data reporting systems; including training other staff members.
• Manage, organize,  track and maintain inventory of program supplies and equipment; establish check out processes and audit supplies and equipment.
• Organize, maintain and audit student personnel files
• Stay up to date on and ensure program compliance with regard to federal record keeping requirements for TRIO programs; create record keeping processes, implement quality and security control measures, and archive data.

College and University Involvement and Service (5%)

• Participate in professional development opportunities related to the continuous improvement of the TRIO programs and service to students.
• Serve on TRIO, Student Services, College and University-wide committees and workgroups as needed.
• Complete professional development that fosters diverse growth in a hybrid of areas and/or related to the continuous improvement of the program, in accordance with federal grant professional development funding guidelines 

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED and five years related experience to include project management.  Coursework in a related field may substitute for some years of experience
• Experience with general office management in an education or youth-service setting.
• Demonstrated experience with computer programs, including Microsoft Office software.
• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment
• Experience implementing effective communication and marketing techniques

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts degree in any field, with experience relevant to communications or project management.
• Demonstrable understanding of student development as it pertains to students eligible for participation in TRIO programs.
• Experience in a comprehensive service center, with preference for student services or higher education setting serving underrepresented students.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills including writing business documents
• Strong time-management and organizational skills
• Experience managing undergraduate student staff to produce work projects
• Experience with grant funded or non-profit programs or organizations.
• Evidence of commitment to high level of service for students and families as well as other stakeholders
• Evidence of successfully supporting all facets of special events and programs.
• Preference given to individuals who are TRIO program alumni and/or have shared life experiences with TRIO-like populations including growing up low income, first generation, identify as having a disability or having overcome significant obstacles in pursuit of education.

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

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