Public Relations Strategist (# 358737)

About the Job

The Public Relations Strategist for Government Relations is a
key role within the University Relations PR team. This role reports to the Senior Director of Public Relations, who oversees the central
team built on an agency-style model to partner with campuses, colleges and units across the U of M System. This is a primary communications
role for the University’s government relations work, closely collaborating with the Executive Director for Government and Community
Relations and the Gov Relations team to build and execute communications strategies aligned with University objectives and government
relations needs. The PR Strategist will be a primary contact for media interested in the University’s work with elected officials and state
and federal agencies, and a valued contributor to Gov Relations media relations planning and execution. This role will collaborate with
University partners system wide to share stories that highlight the University’s work for local, state and federal leaders, promoting
University initiatives, research, teaching and community engagement. 

The PR Strategist is a 100%-time, 12-month, annually renewable
academic professional appointment in the academic professional and administrative (P&A) personnel series. The job code for this position
will be M&C Pro 3-Public Relations (9703PR) or M&C Pro 4-Public Relations (9761PR), depending on qualifications. Salary will be commensurate
with qualifications and experience.

Specifically, the PR Strategist for Government Relations will:

• Maintain a
  strong, collaborative relationship with the Executive Director for Government and Community Relations and the Government Relations team to
  effectively advise on their work and develop communication strategies that support the University’s public policy goals and team
  objectives.
• Work closely with UR Public Relations team members, as well as marketing and communications leaders from across the
  University as needed, to align communications and priorities, including providing insight on Gov Relations strategic priorities and
  identifying communications and PR work that may support those priorities;
• Build strong relationships and work effectively with the
  media and University partners to identify and publicize news, work through challenges, and thoughtfully manage responses to media requests
  as a primary media contact for the University’s government relations work;
• Show strategic and forward-looking thinking in the
  development of communications plans, small and large, and take an active role in supporting and successfully implementing these
  plans;
• Demonstrate proficiency in core media relations skills, including: building/managing media relationships;
  coordinating/staffing media engagements; media training spokespeople; developing talking points, FAQs or other written materials; advising
  on presentations, speeches or other external engagements as needed;  and strategic planning. In addition, anticipate the needs of University
  leaders and spokespeople conducting Gov Relations-related media engagements.
• Contribute to issues and crisis management
  communications in close collaboration with the Senior Director of Public Relations, the Chief Public Relations Officer, the Director of
  Internal Communications and other leaders, when needed, to advance the reputation of the University and minimize risk, particularly with the
  audiences of elected officials and other local, state and federal leaders in mind;
• Ensure that University Relations-produced content
  that is relevant to Government Relations audiences is made available, and in some instances, properly framed, for use by the Gov Relations
  team in social media and other communications channels.
• Employ curiosity, personal initiative, and problem-solving skills to
  translate complex and nuanced topics into everyday language for general audiences;
• Stay up-to-date on emerging trends in news,
  social media and public relations to help the UR PR team innovate and effectively communicate.

This is a hybrid
position that will require regular in-person work (on campus or in other locations like the Capitol). The University of Minnesota is
currently offering flexible working options. Specifics about this position will be discussed during the interview
stage.

SALARY RANGE: $75,000 to $85,000 depending on qualifications and
experience

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor’s degree and four years
  of experience in media relations, public relations, journalism or other communications, public affairs or government relations, or other
  relevant fields (for 9703PR) or a bachelor’s degree and six years of experience in media relations, PR, journalism or other relevant fields
  (for 9761PR)
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, sound news judgment and an entrepreneurial attitude about media
  relations 
• Ability to pitch and earn placements of news stories, as well as develop and implement strategic communications plans
  that effectively support or advance broader organizational objectives
• Demonstrated success communicating (or working) sensitively
  and effectively across cultures, including historically marginalized/underrepresented communities
• Good judgment and ability to
  respond quickly and operate effectively under pressure and in a very open and public environment

PREFERRED
QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous experience with public affairs or government relations (federal, state or local)
• Able to
  work effectively as a teammate
• Able to deliver results independently under competing deadlines
• Able to understand and
  incorporate other perspectives

About the Department

Public Relations team within University Relations works
with leaders and communications teams across the UofM system to share stories with media and external audiences about the people, the work
and the value that the University delivers to our students, our state’s economy, every Minnesotan and
beyond.

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you’ll
find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning.  We prioritize work-life balance,
allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also 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 Scholarship
• 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
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro
  area

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

How To Apply

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 employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR
(8647).

Diversity

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

Employment
Requirements

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.

About the U of M

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).