Communication And Social Media Specialist

DICKINSON STATE UNIVERSITY (DSU) is a regional comprehensive institution within the North Dakota University System, whose primary role is to contribute to intellectual, social, economic, and cultural development, especially to Southwestern North Dakota. The University's mission is to provide high quality, accessible programs; to promote excellence in teaching and learning; to support scholarly and creative activities; and to provide service relevant to the economy, health, and quality of life for the citizens of the State of North Dakota.

DSU is seeking a Communication and Social Media Specialist. The university communication specialist will create and curate content to be used in print, digital and social mediums. This position is responsible for the oversight and management of primary university and foundation social media accounts. This individual should be a highly motivated, creative individual with experience and a passion for connecting with current and future students as well as community and alumni relations. An essential component is communicating the University's brand in a positive, authentic way that will attract today's students. This position will support recruitment, and alumni and public relations efforts on behalf of the University, the DSU Heritage Foundation and academic schools on campus.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: Bachelor's degree or higher in communications, social media marketing, or related field

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:

• Displays knowledge and understanding of social media platforms, their respective participants/audiences (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest etc.)

• Demonstrates excellent writing, editing, and language skills.

• Displays ability to effectively communicate information and ideas.

• Detail-oriented, with strong office management skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in related field

DELIVERABLES & OUTCOMES:

• Content Creation

• Research and write compelling stories and copy for promotional use for the University and DSU Heritage Foundation. Content should support the University's goal for growing enrollment and building relationships. This function includes writing press releases, spotlights, and other articles as well as editing articles written by the Vice President or other administrators.

• Conduct interviews and research as needed to develop content that is strategic, relevant and engaging.

• Produce multi-media content relevant to University audiences.

• Assist in promoting major University and DSUHF events (Commencement, TR Symposium, Yuletyme, etc.).

• Edit content for accuracy and Associated Press (AP) style guide compliance.

• Work with other departments to understand content needs and objectives.

• Work as directed, to develop and write content that can be modified for use across a variety of platforms (i.e., email, social, print).

• Monitor and utilize office project tracking systems.

• Work collaboratively with members of the Office of University Relations and provide assistance in writing and marketing projects during peak periods.

• Develop promotional materials to support Dual Mission initiatives.

• Complete other writing projects as assigned.

• Social Media Management

• Oversee and manage the University's primary social media accounts.

• Serve as a reference for other University-related social media accounts.

• Develop and distribute relevant content topics to reach DSU's target audiences.

• Create, curate, and manage all published content (images, video and written).

• Develop and execute digital social media campaigns as needed across a variety of platforms.

• Monitor, listen, and respond to users in a "social" way while cultivating leads for recruitment and engagement.

• Responsible for facilitating the development and distribution of multimedia for social networks, advertising and beyond.

• Develop and expand community and/or influencer outreach efforts.

• Design, create, post, and manage promotions and social ad campaigns on time and within budget, including University event promotions.

• Meet with University students, staff, and faculty to gather information for use in development of media content.

• Compile reports on analytics and other trends that helps to inform the decision making of the Vice President, team members in UR, and the Director of Admissions.

• Monitor trends in social media tools, applications, channels, design, and strategy.

• Participate in ongoing education to remain highly effective.

• Monitor effective benchmarks (Best Practices) for measuring the impact of social media campaigns.

• Analyze, review, and report on effectiveness of campaigns in an effort to maximize results.

• Public Relations

• Oversee content and design for University publications (e.g. the Blue Hawk Bulletin or Newsletter).

• Assist with compiling, editing, and producing publications.

• Manage the DSU News Blog.

• Produce and distribute a weekly news digest.

• Develop positive relationships with university students, faculty and staff to demonstrate goodwill.

• Work with students, faculty, and staff to gain insight into possible news/feature stories.

• Develop positive relationships with community members/groups to foster goodwill toward the University.

• Compile and distribute internal and external communication pieces to appropriate platforms (media core, blogs, social media, etc.)

• Assist the Vice President with public relations duties as assigned.

• Service to the University

• Assist with Office of University Relations special projects.

• Be courteous and act in alignment with the DSU code of conduct.

• Develop positive relationships with university students, faculty, and staff to demonstrate goodwill.

• Develop positive relationships with community members/groups to foster goodwill toward the University.

• Represent DSU at public events as needed and attend events as assigned (i.e. SOAR, commencement, TR Symposium, etc.). This may include work after normal business hours and on weekends.

• Hire, train, and monitor student employees, including scheduling.

• Oversee student workers, interns and graduate assistants as needed on various UR tasks across the team.

• Serve as a member of DSU's crisis communication team by managing and monitoring social media during crisis events. This may include work after normal business hours and on weekends.

• Utilize Outlook for scheduling meetings, appointments and personal leave, as directed.

• Participate in professional development opportunities.

• Greet guests, answer phones, transfer phone calls and perform other customer service as required on a daily basis.

• Participate in team and departmental meetings and trainings.

• Serve on DSU work groups, task forces, and committees.

• Complete other duties as assigned, in a timely manner and with a positive outlook.

COMPENSATION PACKAGE:

• Salary range of $50,000-55,000/annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience

• Comprehensive fringe benefits, including, but not limited to:

o 100% employer-paid health insurance (family or single coverage)

o TIAA retirement

o Tuition waiver benefits

o Possible eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program with the US Department of Education.

View https://www.dickinsonstate.edu/about/employment/ for information on the above and other benefits offered.

MAIN OFFICE/WORKING LOCATION: Dickinson, ND

STARTING DATE: As soon as possible

POSITION DETAILS:

• 3210 Public Information Professional

• 12 month term (July 1 - June 30)

• Full-time (100%)

• Exempt from FLSA Overtime

• Benefited

DISCLAIMER CLAUSE:

This job announcement is not intended, and should not be construed, to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of those principal job elements essential to making fair pay decisions and determining job performance.

For more information about the position, contact the direct supervisor at 1-800-279-4295 ext. 2195 or Vice President Dr. Holly Gruhlke

PREFERENCE DATE: June 20, 2024

APPLICATION INFORMATION: Applications received by the preference date will be given first consideration, the position will remain open until filled.

• Complete the online application at https://dickinsonstate.edu/jobopenings/postings.aspx
• provide three (3) references with contact information
• upload a letter of application/cover letter
• upload a curriculum vitae/resume
• upload transcripts (if applicable)

Applicants should fully describe qualifications and experience, with specific reference to each of the qualifications and responsibilities listed above as minimum/required/preferred because this is the information on which the initial review of materials will be based. Only applicants who appear best qualified based on this review will be contacted for an interview. The submission of all required materials by the preference date is the responsibility of the applicant. (Note: incomplete applications may not be considered).

Unofficial, or copies of official, transcripts are acceptable at the time of inquiry, but official transcripts will be required if hired. If you need to order transcripts you can have them emailed to DSU.HR@dickinsonstate.edu, faxed to 701-483-2574, or mailed DSU Human Resources, 291 Campus Drive, Dickinson, ND 58601.

Both internal and external applicants are eligible to apply if they are legally authorized to work in the United States. Federal USCIS I-9 employment certification is required at hire. Employer Sponsorship will not be considered.

ND Veteran's Preference laws apply to this position. Applicants who are eligible to claim veteran's preference must

provide proof of eligibility by the preference date.

Due to access to restricted information, the successful candidate will be required to complete a satisfactory criminal history record check before beginning employment.

Pursuant to N.D.C.C. 44-04-18.27, applications and any records related to the applications that identify an applicant are confidential, except records related to the finalists of the position, which are open to the public after the search committee has identified the finalists.

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. 23-12-10.

Dickinson State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action institution that does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, national origin, age, religion, gender identity, creed, marital status, veteran's status, political belief or affiliation, information protected by the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act ("GINA"), or disability in its admissions, student aid, employment practices, educational programs, or other related activities. Pursuant to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Dickinson State University does not discriminate based on sex in its educational programs, activities, or employment opportunities as required by Title IX. Dickinson State University complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act. Dickinson State University encourages applications from diverse candidates and candidates who support diversity. Inquiries concerning Title VI, VII, ADA, ADEA, Title IX, and Section 504 may be referred to either the Title IX Coordinator, Dr. Kathy Geisen, Dickinson State University, 291 Campus Drive, May Hall, Room 226, Dickinson, ND 58601 (701) 502-2081, dsu.titleix@dickinsonstate.edu or to the Affirmative Action Officer, Krissy Kilwein, Dickinson State University, 291 Campus Drive, May Hall, Room 309, Dickinson, ND 58601, (701) 502-4304, dsu.affirmativeaction@dickinsonstate.edu.

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Dickinson State University publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the University's policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found here.

For more information about Dickinson State University, please visit www.dickinsonstate.edu and watch this video. You can also visit this site https://findthegoodlife.com/ for resources and details about North Dakota!