Working Title:            Web Editor

Appointment:            Full-time, M&C Pro 2 â“ 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 websiteâ™s various audiences. As a member of the web editing team, you will organize, edit and manage content primarily about Extensionâ™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 Extensionâ™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 Extensionâ™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 usersâ™ 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:

• Bachelorâ™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 University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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