Digital Communications Specialist - Communications Specialist 2

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities•Austin, TX

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Digital Communication Specialist coordinates Riverland Community College's digital communications by managing the college's public website, digital content, social media, and online engagement strategies. Working within the priorities established by Riverland’s Comprehensive Marketing and Communication plan, this position plans and implements integrated digital communications that support enrollment, student success, community engagement, and institutional priorities. Working collaboratively with the Communication team, this position develops engaging visual and written digital content, manages Riverland's public website, coordinates institutional social media activities, supports digital accessibility initiatives, and uses analytics to improve communication effectiveness. The position serves as the department's primary resource for website content management and governance, social media practices, digital engagement, search engine optimization (SEO), and digital accessibility.

Requirements

Minimum of two (2) years work experience OR a bachelor’s degree and one (1) years work experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
A master's degree may substitute for 18-months of experience; a bachelor's degree may substitute for 12 months of experience; and an associate's degree may substitute for 6-months of experience.
The degree must be within any of the following disciplines: marketing, advertising, journalism, web development, English, higher education or related.
Professional experience developing and managing digital communications, including website content and digital content across multiple social media platforms.
Experience using a content management system (CMS) to create, organize, and maintain website content.
Experience creating graphic design, photography, videography, or multimedia content.
Knowledge of professional design software including Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft 365, Adobe Acrobat Professional, and related digital content tools.
Completing employment references and a driver’s license background check.
Legally authorized to work in the US.

Nice To Haves

Experience developing and implementing digital communication or social media strategies.
Knowledge of website accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA) and inclusive communication practices.
Experience using website analytics, social media analytics, or other digital performance measurement tools.
Experience with search engine optimization (SEO) and improving website usability.
Experience coordinating projects across multiple departments.
Knowledge of the Minnesota State system and higher education marketing practices.
Bilingual/multilingual fluent in Spanish, Karen, Karenni, Somali, Pohnpeian, French, Nuer, Anuak, or other languages that reflect our student body, workforce, and communities.
Demonstrated experience working with multicultural and underserved populations.

Responsibilities

Administer Riverland’s website content and governance. In coordination with departments, create and manage content for web pages on the public website Independently administer and continuously improve Riverland's public website in alignment with the Comprehensive Marketing Plan, institutional priorities, and established brand standards. Implement and maintain website governance processes to ensure content is accurate, current, accessible, user-focused, and aligned with institutional priorities. Develop, document, and apply operational standards and best practices for website content organization, navigation, user experience, and content lifecycle management. Coordinate website updates with departments, content managers, and external vendors. Analyze website traffic, search performance, search engine optimization (SEO), user behavior, and engagement data to identify opportunities and recommend improvements that increase the visibility, usability, and effectiveness of Riverland's digital communications. Monitor emerging website trends and recommend improvements to strengthen Riverland's digital presence. Serve as the department's primary resource for website governance and web best practices.
Coordinate digital communications and institutional social media. Develop and implement coordinated social media strategies that support enrollment, retention, advancement, and institutional priorities. Coordinate digital communication campaigns across the website, social media, email, and other digital platforms. Develop digital content calendars in collaboration with the Communication team. Create engaging graphics, videos, photography, reels, stories, and other digital content supporting institutional goals. Provide consultation, guidance, and operational coordination for departmental social media accounts. Monitor engagement, audience trends, and campaign performance and recommend improvements in accordance with college standards. Collaborate with the Marketing & Graphic Specialist to ensure consistent visual identity across print and digital communications.
Create digital content supporting marketing and institutional priorities. Develop visual and written digital content highlighting student success, workforce partnerships, alumni, academic programs, community engagement, and institutional accomplishments. Design graphics and digital assets for websites, email campaigns, social media, presentations, etc. Coordinate content updates to ensure digital communications remain timely, accurate, and relevant. Collaborate with the Communication team to create integrated campaigns combining design, storytelling, photography, video, print, and digital communications.
Support accessible and inclusive digital communications. Coordinate the Communication Department's efforts to ensure digital communications meet applicable accessibility requirements and college standards. Collaborate with Technology & Learning Resources and campus partners on institution-wide digital accessibility initiatives. Conduct accessibility reviews of webpages, PDFs, and digital communication materials. Develop resources on accessible digital communications. Coordinate remediation efforts for Communication Department-managed digital content. Promote inclusive communication practices that improve access for all audiences.
Provide technical consultation and support for digital communications. Serve as the Communication Department’s primary technical resource for digital communications, website content management, governance, social media practices, and digital engagement. Support major institutional initiatives and marketing campaigns through collaborative planning and execution. Assist with crisis communications and urgent digital messaging as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the smooth functioning of the department and maintain the reputation of the organization(s) as a viable business partner.

Benefits

Low-cost medical and dental insurance with affordable deductibles
Employer-paid life insurance
Short- and long-term disability
Pre-tax healthcare and dependent care accounts with a roll-over option
Confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, legal, and financial counseling
12 paid holidays
Generous vacation and sick time
Six weeks of Paid Parental Leave
Pension Plan
457(b) and 403(b) retirement accounts
Various investment options
Dedicated professional development
Tuition waivers for both you and your dependents