Digital Communications Specialist - Communications Specialist 2

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Job Description

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.  

RESPONSIBILITIES AND RESULTS

1. 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.

Priority: Essential                                                           Percent of Time: 30%

2. 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.

Priority: Essential                                                           Percent of Time: 30%

3. 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.

Priority: Essential                                                           Percent of Time: 20%

4. 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.

Priority: Essential                                                           Percent of Time: 10%

5. 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.

Priority: Essential                                                           Percent of Time: 5%

6. 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.

Priority:   Secondary                                          Percent of Time:       5%

Salary Range:

$29.76 - $43.69 / $62,139.00 - $91,225.00

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Other Requirements

A complete online application will include a letter of interest and a resume/curriculum vitae.  Please note that the search committee will not review incomplete applications.

All internal applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be offered an initial interview.

This position requires completing employment references and a driver’s license background check.

In accordance with the Minnesota State Colleges & Universities (Minnesota State) Vehicle Fleet Safety Program, employees driving on college/university business who use a rental or state vehicle shall be required to conform to Minnesota State’s Vehicle use criteria and consent to Motor Vehicle Records check. 

Minnesota State is unable to sponsor Applicants for work visas. All Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

If you would like to request an accommodation as part of the application process, please contact Aimee Sue Larson at aimee.larson@riverland.edu

Work Shift (Hours / Days of work)

8:00 am - 4:30 pm / Monday - Friday

Telework (Yes/No)

Yes - (1) day

About

Riverland Community College is dedicated to fostering an environment where employees, students, and the region thrive. Guided by our vision, mission, and values, we provide excellent opportunities for students to reach their academic and career goals. Our values focus on cultivating student growth through service, collaboration, innovation, and respect. We offer a supportive and innovative culture that values individual and team contributions and is committed to diversity and inclusion.

Diversity and Inclusion: We are dedicated to continually developing a workforce that mirrors the diversity of our students and communities. We recognize the value of diverse experiences and perspectives, which enhance our ability to serve the people of our region effectively.

Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Commitment: Riverland is an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution. We welcome candidates who understand HSIs and the Latinx student experience, further enriching our inclusive community.

Student-Centered Education: With small class sizes, personalized instruction, and hands-on learning. Riverland offers student-centered education that empowers individuals to succeed. Our diverse range of credit and non-credit courses caters to various learning modalities.

Program Offerings: With campuses in Albert Lea, Austin, and Owatonna, Riverland offers associate degrees in over 90 career options, liberal arts and sciences, and customized training, providing comprehensive educational opportunities for all.

Community and Quality of Life: Located in southern Minnesota, our region boasts excellent public and parochial education systems, diverse recreational activities for all seasons, and upscale communities that enrich personal and professional lives.

Join Riverland Community College, where dedication to employees, students, and the region drives excellence in education and service.

To learn more about Riverland or Minnesota State, visit www.riverland.edu or www.minnstate.edu.

Benefits Information:

At Minnesota State, we take your well-being and work-life balance seriously. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that features low-cost medical and dental insurance with affordable deductibles, employer-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and pre-tax healthcare and dependent care accounts with a roll-over option. To further support your holistic health, employees also have access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, legal, and financial counseling. Detailed plan details, rates, and coverage choices can be reviewed directly via the State Employee Group Insurance Program (SEGIP) website.

To support your life outside of work, our package includes 12 paid holidays, generous vacation and sick time, and six weeks of Paid Parental Leave. We also help you secure your financial future with a robust Pension Plan, 457(b) and 403(b) retirement accounts, and various investment options. Furthermore, we invest in your growth by providing dedicated professional development and tuition waivers for both you and your dependents. Please note that specific benefit eligibility and coverage levels may vary depending on the type of position, employee classification, and collective bargaining agreements.

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