Communications & Content Strategist

About the Department

The Management Information Systems Quarterly (MISQ) is a premier, international academic journal in the field of management information systems. The MISQ publishes top-rated, peer-reviewed research about the development of IT-based services, the management of IT resources, and the use, impact, and economics of IT with managerial, organizational, and societal implications. The MISQ was founded in 1977 and is published through the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota.

Position Description

The MISQ team seeks a skilled professional to lead communications and content strategy, focusing on content creation, curation, and community engagement. The Communications and Content Strategist is responsible for developing and managing content, including its creation, curation, planning, and research. Academic publishing relies on fostering an engaged community of interested readers through digital communications, social media, and public outreach. As a strategist, you will brainstorm creative strategies to engage our global audience and serve as a key resource for internal and external partners regarding the MISQ's publication, impact metrics, copyright, initiatives, and more.

The Communications and Content Strategist role utilizes content management systems, web analytics, and digital tools to plan, publish, and maintain accurate data records. This position drives the development, implementation, and ongoing improvement of marketing and communications initiatives to align with the journal's strategic goals and objectives. This includes responsibility for both digital content (including digital newsletters, social media, email, and web content) and traditional content creation aligned with our brand. Essential traits include strong writing and communication skills, meticulous attention to detail, exceptional organizational abilities, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Preferred qualifications include experience collaborating with multiple stakeholders in academic publishing, as well as familiarity with regulatory processes.

Key Duties

Digital Media & Communications (50%)

• Develop and implement the journal's content and communications strategy to align with the journal's mission, promote research, and increase engagement.
• Manage web communication, electronic communication, and MISQ social media in alignment with the MISQ communication strategy.
• Plan the communications and content calendar; develop, produce, and manage communications campaigns, activities, and events.
• Develop, write, and distribute communications, including website copy, email campaigns, and promotional materials, to promote MISQ manuscripts, projects, and initiatives.
• Supervise the MISQ Insider initiative, assisting with content planning and implementation.
• Update all online, nonscientific content, including (but not limited to) author instructions, editorial board listings, and editorial policies, as needed.
• Manage MISQ's software platforms, updating content, and working with vendors, IT, and MISQ staff to ensure they are meeting the needs of the journal (software includes, but is not limited to: SaaS, ScholarOne, and e-commerce).

Marketing & Public Relations (20%)

• Address the needs and interests of the MISQ's global audiences through a myriad of communications and marketing campaigns to help build the MISQ community.
• Oversee appropriate use of logos, advertisements, and graphic design tasks within the department.
• Assist in planning editorial meetings, internal workshops, knowledge sharing sessions, external engagements, community events, etc.
• Research publishing trends, competing journal analysis, and potential growth opportunities to help optimize new and ongoing campaigns.

Data & Content Management (20%)

• Ensure all materials contain proper metadata and are deposited online appropriately.
• Registration of DOI metadata for each published article and each compiled quarterly issue.
• Assist in managing the journal's online repository of archived articles and issues, managing updates and corrections to files as needed.
• Research and evaluate citation statistics of MISQ papers across multiple aggregators; conduct journal citation analysis and collect impact metrics data.
• Provide data, progress reports, and performance statistics related to the peer review process to senior staff and the Policy Committee, as needed.
• Prepare analytics and usage reports for stakeholders and subscribers, as needed.

Operational & Administrative (10%)

• Oversee subscription management (including, but not limited to, subscription fulfillment, renewal notifications, online access to individuals, etc.) and provide high-quality customer service.
• Help to manage and monitor departmental MISQ email accounts, responding to queries in a timely fashion.
• Attend training and partner in professional development activities related to scholarly communication and academic publishing.
• Be cross-trained and knowledgeable in all positions of the department.

Perform other related duties as directed

Required

• BA/BS plus at least two (2) years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least six (6) years.
• Experience in planning and implementing successful content strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to work with a global audience that includes individuals with varying levels of English-speaking abilities.
• Working knowledge of academic journal peer-review and production processes.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision; able to solve problems creatively using available resources and guidelines.
• Experience and proficiency using Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and Zoom are essential, working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite helpful.
• Demonstrated experience in prioritizing, following through, and working to meet required deadlines.
• Proven attention to detail, thoroughness, and accuracy.

Preferred

• Advanced degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Digital Media, Information Technology, or related field.
• Experience with Silverchair, Scopus, and/or Clarviate products, such as ScholarOne.
• Experience with multimedia and social media.
• Experience with XML.
• Experience with HTML.
• Outstanding organizational skills with the demonstrated ability to manage multiple and competing projects concurrently while adhering to deadlines.
• Familiarity with metadata.
• Patience with and disposition for the combination of a small entrepreneurial department nestled within a large institution.

Pay Range: $60,000 - $67,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

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

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
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

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) 624-8647.

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).