Web Editor, Extension Communications & Public Relations

Working Title: Web Editor

Appointment: Full-time, M&C Pro 2 - Web Content, 8342WC, Civil Service

Salary range: $27 - $30 per hour: depending on qualifications

Office location: St. Paul Campus - potential for hybrid work

Extension Area: Communications & Public Relations

Apply by: December 5, 2024

ABOUT THE POSITION

University of Minnesota Extension is seeking a collaborative and creative editor for its central website team. The ideal candidate for this position is a meticulous editor, highly organized, and prioritizes and advocates for the needs of the website's various audiences. As a member of the web editing team, you will organize, edit and manage content primarily about Extension's educational programs in health and nutrition, families, and personal finances, often for an audience from traditionally underrepresented communities. You will work with subject matter experts from Extension's faculty to ensure best practices in website organization, branding standards and accessibility are being met.

You will be part of an organization that values community and inclusiveness for both internal and external interested groups. The person in this position may have the option of a hybrid work environment and will be based in Coffey Hall on the St. Paul campus.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Web content strategy and user engagement (40%)

• Create engaging web experiences to share science-based knowledge, expertise and training that reflects Extension's educational programming.
• Share communications expertise and best practices with educators and faculty to edit and refine content for digital communications, including the main Extension website.
• Strategize and find the best solutions to serve the needs of the target audience; this can include other digital communication in addition to the main Extension site, such as Drupal Lite sites, Google sites and news feeds.
• Plan, organize and edit content, write headlines, select photos and create graphics where appropriate, and organize web pages for meaningful engagement.
• Monitor and share analytics with content owners and evaluation teams, and collaborate with them to respond to changes in users' needs.

Quality assurance and site improvement processes (25%)

• Advise faculty and staff colleagues on best practices for online communications including providing training in communications techniques and trends.
• Implement regular audits of content on the Extension website to ensure it is up-to-date, relevant, accurate and engaging. Responsible for all phases of the audit including developing content lists, setting goals and criteria for revisions, and communicating procedures and timelines to content owners.
• Consult with faculty to provide a holistic view of online content in their subject area.
• Work with content owners to refresh outdated content, with attention to meeting U of M and Extension goals and standards.

Ensure compliance with brand standards and accessibility requirements (25%)

• Create accessible web content and serve as an expert on web accessibility standards for content owners including graphics, videos, reports, forms and other online communications.
• Help create and maintain secondary websites for programs and projects when appropriate, using tools such as Drupal Lite and Google sites that meet U of M and Extension brand standards.
• Train new Drupal users in technical skills and standards and help them learn and follow best practices for online communication, including branding and accessibility.

Special projects and Extension communications (10%)

• Plan and execute strategically important web projects in collaboration with other web editors and developers.
• Collaborate with Extension communications colleagues to ensure that relevant online content is being shared with media, key stakeholders, and on social media.
• Represent the web team and serve as an online communications expert for presentations and training with the Department of Family, Health and Wellbeing faculty and staff.

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing or related field plus 2 years of relevant professional experience OR a total of six years relevant education and experience.
• Exceptional writing, editing and proofreading skills.
• Experience writing, editing and organizing content for a website
• Demonstrated ability to understand and explain complex subject matter.
• Excellent organizational skills including multi-tasking and time management
• Experience writing and editing for diverse audiences
• Microsoft and Google suite application experience
• Must be able to work on computer for prolonged periods of time

Additional Requirements:

• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• Must be able to work frequently at a dedicated/assigned Extension office.
• When not in the assigned office location, must provide a mobile phone number for work-related use.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work.
• Must be able to travel with overnight stays 1-2 times a year.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience using Drupal or other content management systems
• Experience tracking and measuring with Google Analytics
• Experience with user experience, accessibility, and search engine optimization (SEO)
• Familiarity with University of Minnesota Extension
• Experience collaborating with content owners to explain and apply best practices in digital communications and web content

ABOUT EXTENSION

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees and weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into all aspects of Extension's programming and employee engagement. Find further information at, https://extension.umn.edu/.

Pay Range: $27 - $30 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• 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

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. Please include the following attachments with your online application:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume/Vitae: Your resume must include all your education and experience as it relates to the required qualifications. The initial HR screening process focuses primarily on the resume.

Candidates invited to interview will be asked to provide:

• A writing sample.
• Contact information for three professional references including at least one supervisor.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. See full instructions, https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Applicant-Center/Help-Job-Applications/Using-Job-Application-System.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please email employ@umn.edu or call 612-624-UOHR (8647).

For questions about this position, contact:

Becky Beyers, Search Committee Chair, bbeyers@umn.edu.

The University of Minnesota and Extension recognize and value 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.

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).