Minimum qualifications
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BA/BS degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Art with four years of professional social media/communications experience, OR
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Non-communications degree with six years of progressive responsibility in social media, communications, or marketing.
Preferred qualifications
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Full-time experience in collegiate or professional sports social media, communications, marketing, digital, media relations, athletic communications or public relations
Position Overview
The Social Media Strategist will be responsible for creating and managing content across multiple social media platforms for Minnesota’s football and overall Gopher Sports accounts. Areas of responsibility include implementing social media strategies, creating and collaborating on content, monitoring and analyzing key social performance metrics, and serving as the primary voice of social media accounts. This position will work with other sports as well and on special projects, but the majority of their efforts will be spent on operating social platforms for football and overall Gopher Sports accounts. The position will be a member of the Athletic Communications staff and will report to the Sr. Associate AD for Communications, while also having direct communication and relationships with the football staff.
This position will also work closely with units throughout the department including athletic communications, creative services, digital productions, marketing, ticketing, fundraising, Gopher Sports Properties, etc. to effectively and efficiently meet the demands of the Athletic Department in today’s social marketplace. This position will orchestrate social media campaigns for football that help drive revenue as well as enhance the national visibility and exposure of the program and department as a whole.
Primary Responsibilities
Strategic Direction (50%): Develop social media strategies that support the goals of the football program. This responsibility will include, but not be limited to, introduction of “best practices,” monitoring of social media practices conducted by industry peers, and staying aware of emerging social media outlets and related technologies. The position will actively participate in leading the social media efforts of the program, which includes games, practices and daily operations. It will also monitor social media activities conducted by student athletes and provide ongoing advice and feedback, establish standards, and serve as a catalyst to improve overall social media performance. This position will also assist with management of third-party relationships. This position will serve as the “voice” of Gopher Football accounts, which will include leading and participating in conversation on all social platforms. It will also include posting in real-time, responding to topics/inquiries and promoting program initiatives. Use professional judgment to identify potential issues and respond accordingly.
Social Media Management (40%): Overseeing the ideation, creation and management of content for football and overall Gopher Sports social accounts. This includes social media content that will help recruit perspective student-athletes, engage sponsors, activate marketing, fundraising and ticketing plans, NIL strategy and amplification and any ancillary programing that requires social media assistance. The Social Media Strategist will work with members of the football program and the communications staff to fulfill social media campaigns. This individual should have the ability to take photos/video and basic editing experience. They will also assist in hiring, training, and managing a student work force.
Assistance/Mentorship (10%): This position will also assist the Communications team with special projects where needed. This function of the job will fall outside of their primary responsibilities. This position will also assist department staff members on social media preferences and best practices.
Salary Range: $52,000 - $57,000
With more than 140 years of tradition, Gopher Athletics is one of the oldest and most decorated athletics departments in the country. Minnesota was a charter member of the Big Ten Conference – our teams have won more than 200 conference titles to go with 26 national titles. There are more than 600 student-athletes and nearly 300 full-time employees in our athletics department. That community has built Minnesota into a nation’s top-ranked public school with respect to student-athlete academic performance in each of the past four years, a span of time during which the Gophers have won 13 conference team titles and a collection of individual conference and national crowns. Housed in the historic Dinkytown neighborhood on the northern edge of the University campus, Gopher Athletics is succeeding against a backdrop unique in college athletics, nestled at the heart of a bustling, modern metro area. We are proud of our decorated history, but we are prepared to achieve even greater success in the years to come. Ski-U-Mah!
United Are We
Gopher Athletic’s Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
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) 624-8647.
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.
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).
