Bell Museum Statewide Communication and Outreach Associate

Minnesota Council of Nonprofits; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 66,194,000 - 69,629,000; Full time

Job summary

Bell Museum seeks a Statewide Communication and Program Associate to drive statewide promotion and build partnerships across Minnesota. The role blends communications with program delivery and travel to partner sites.

Collaboration with statewide engagement and marketing teams is essential. Ideal candidates have strong written and verbal communication, relationship-building skills, and comfort with virtual meeting tools.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree or equivalent experience (4+ years) required.
• Minimum of two years in communications, outreach, non-profit, or government relations.

Responsibilities

• Develop external communications, social content, and media relations for statewide programs.
• Represent Bell Museum at community events and build partnerships across Minnesota.
• Support educational programming and assist with data collection for storytelling and reporting.

Skills

Relationship building

Written communication

Verbal communication

Zoom/Google Meet

Team player

Self-motivated

Adaptable

Diversity awareness

Travel ability

18+ eligibility

Education

BA/BS degree

Tools

Zoom

Google Meet

Job description

To extend the Bell Museum’s reach across Minnesota, this role combines strategic marketing with statewide community outreach, requiring both promotional strategy and relationship-focused program delivery. The Statewide Communication and Program Associate position will advance the promotion of the Bell Museum’s offerings throughout the state of Minnesota, working collaboratively and proactively with a wide variety of partners. This is a shared position between the Business and Marketing and the Statewide Engagements departments at the Bell. This position will be responsible for making connections and building relationships with new and existing collaborators across Minnesota, especially outside of the metro area. Will assist with program delivery as needed.

We believe that difference is a strength and are looking for candidates that reflect and respect diversity. We encourage you to apply for the position even if you do not believe you meet every qualification.

Major Areas of Accountability (with percentages):

General Communications (35%)

• Performs a broad range of external communications-related work as detailed below, including oral and written communications support.

• Develop social media and blog content (promotional and storytelling) promoting statewide programs

• Cultivate media contacts and press coverage, with a focus on pitches and coordination of interviews with media in Greater MN

• Create and update web content for the Bell’s website and content for Bell email messages for targeted programs.

• Coordinate multi-media, photo and video to promote the Bell and its programs

• Develop and distribute printed promotional materials, including marketing handouts.

• Maintain program reach data to update Arc-GIS maps showing the reach of the Bell’s Statewide programs.

Community Relations (35%)

• Work in partnership with the Bell’s Statewide Engagement team to make new connections and steward existing community relationships in greater Minnesota.

• Represent the institution at community events, on- and off-site.

• Research potential partners and places to engage audiences across Minnesota, , including active outreach to connect new communities and partners with Bell programs and resources. (examples: outreach to identify ExploraDome sites in target zones, Statewide Star Party hosts, etc.)

• Coordinate and staff select events to give the Bell’s statewide programs visibility and participate in events in partnership with the MN Historical Society.

• Involves some travel for select events and partnerships.

Statewide Program Support (15%)

• Support all aspects of educational programming that engages a diverse range of learners and encourages participation through the use of a variety of teaching techniques. Some travel required.

• Assist in collecting and managing data for programming (addresses for participants, program attendance, possible evaluation data) to support storytelling and reporting to sponsors.

Government Relations (10%)

• Support ongoing communication and relationship-building with legislators represented in areas throughout the state by Bell Museum programs.

• Collaborate with other University of MN partners in CFANS and Government Relations as needed to prepare and organize messages, impact briefs, and invitations with government officials to exchange ideas and information on potential legislation that may affect the Bell Museum.

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

• Duties might include serving on search committees, evaluating proposals, or assisting with cross-team projects.

• As needed, attending staff/project meetings, assisting other departments, and working on new projects.

Essential Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least four years.

• A minimum of two years experience with communications, community outreach and engagement, non-profit or educational advocacy, or government relations.

• Demonstrated ability to proactively build relationships, initiate conversations, and communicate confidently with a wide range of partners, stakeholders, and community members.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with experience in written storytelling for a variety of audiences.

• Familiarity with relevant technology, particularly virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom and Google Meet.

• Creative, enthusiastic and thrives working in a team setting.

• Self motivated, creative, enthusiastic, and able to balance multiple different projects at once in a fast paced environment

• Must be flexible and enthusiastic about working with persons from diverse backgrounds and learning styles in a high stress, fast-paced environment.

• Must be 18 years of age or older to meet the Safety of Minors compliance.

• Ability to travel reliably to work locations, partner sites, meetings, and events throughout Minnesota, including locations that may not be accessible by public transportation

Pay Range:

$23.13 to $24.30

Time Appointment:

100% Appointment

Position Type:

Civil-Service

Schedule:

• Monday - Friday with occasional weekend hours and in person meetings and events

• Overnight travel (depending on the season and events schedule) throughout Minnesota for programs and meetings is required with covered mileage/transportation, per diem, and hotel accommodations.

• 40 hours per week

Application Deadline:

October 11, 2026