Communications Specialist

Required Qualifications

• Education and Experience:
  • BA/BS degree in marketing, communications, journalism, or a related field.
  • At least four years of professional experience in marketing, communications, or public relations, with demonstrated success in managing complex projects.
• Skills and Competencies:
  • Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling abilities tailored to diverse media and audiences.
  • Proficiency in managing websites, social media platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, Instagram, Bluesky, Facebook), and email marketing tools.
  • Experience in science communication/translation of academic work for public audiences, including but not limited to presentations, policy briefs, research reports, website, and media outreach.
  • Strong experience working with diverse community members.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines
  • Ability to create and implement strategic marketing and communications plans.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and independently.
  • Experience in brand management and public relations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education or similar institutional environments.
• Knowledge of the University of Minnesota systems, procedures, and branding guidelines.
• Experience in advancing equity, diversity (including and not limited to ancestry, LGBTQIA+, and socioeconomic status), and inclusion through communications practices.
• Proficiency with tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Google Workspace, and data analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Qualtrics).
• Familiarity with managing multimedia content and event marketing.
• Experience with data visualization and infographic creation.

The University of Minnesota’s Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC) invites applications for the position of Communications Specialist.

The Communications Specialist is responsible for all aspects of UROC communications, marketing, and branding efforts as well as for supporting affiliated University-community projects in developing products that will advance knowledge and use of project findings for community stakeholders. The Communications Specialist ensures the alignment of UROC strategies with the University’s and VPPE’s broader goals, supervises UROC communications staff, and collaborates with the UROC Leadership Team and staff, the OVPPE Communications Manager, University Relations, and UROC-affiliated researchers, staff, and community partners. The individual in this role manages multiple projects, tight deadlines, and diverse audiences while maintaining a professional and consistent brand identity.

This position is full-time and offers a hybrid work environment, requiring 3-4 days of on-site work per week at UROC. The position reports to the UROC Leadership Team with the Director for Community-Engaged Research as the primary supervisor.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Communications (15%)

• Develop and execute a comprehensive communication and marketing strategy that aligns with UROC mission, OVPPE mission, and University-wide branding policies.
• Provide strategic leadership on messaging related to UROC initiatives, including public engagement, research partnerships with community organizations, and professional development programs.
• Serve as the primary communications advisor to UROC leadership team.
• Collaborate with OVPPE Communications Manager and University Relations to ensure that OVPPE messaging aligns with institutional priorities and standards.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of communications campaigns across multiple platforms.

Content Creation and Media Relations (25%)

• Create, edit, and manage content for internal and external communications, including websites, newsletters, social media, reports, and promotional materials.
• Write and oversee the production of brief articles, speeches, press releases, and executive correspondence.
• Develop promotional materials such as brochures, banners, and digital content.
• Manage multimedia content, including videos, photography, and digital storytelling projects, to highlight UROC’s programs and impact.
• Cultivate relationships with media outlets and coordinate public and media relations efforts to amplify UROC’s visibility.

Project and Event Management (20%)

• Oversee communications for key UROC events, including UROC Community Day, Critical Conversations, art gallery openings, and other events.
• Develop and manage event budgets, vendor contracts, and promotional materials.
• Supervise the production and distribution of print and digital collateral for events and programs.
• Ensure smooth project execution by collaborating with internal teams and external stakeholders.

Leadership and Team Management (5%)

• Supervise communications staff, including student employees.
• Provide mentorship, guidance, and professional development opportunities for team members.
• Report on marketing and communications metrics (e.g., web analytics, email open rates).
• Build and maintain partnerships with University departments, community organizations, and external vendors.

Strategic/Science Communications Consultation (35%)

• Consult with UROC-affiliated researchers, faculty, staff, and community partners to identify strategies for translating their project findings into meaningful products for the public. Products may include white papers, presentations, infographics, websites, digital media, or other modes of dissemination that will promote knowledge and adoption of research findings.
• Use expertise to review and edit products to be accessible to specific stakeholder audiences, which may include community residents, practitioners, policymakers, administrators, and legislators, among others.
• Document and evaluate the dissemination and access to researcher products.

The University of Minnesota’s Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center’s (UROC)’s is a unit in the Office of the Vice Provost for Public Engagement. UROC’s mission is to “link the University in vital public partnership to advance learning, improve the quality of life and discover breakthrough solutions to critical problems.” We do this by transforming how universities and communities work together in three priority areas: health and wellness, education and lifelong learning, and community and economic development. UROC operates in three ways. First, UROC catalyzes University system-wide engaged research and scholarship by supporting faculty, staff, and students to work with communities across the Twin Cities in mutually beneficial partnerships. Second, UROC staff conduct research projects in collaboration with community as equal partners, driven by community questions. Third, UROC fulfills its outreach mission by providing access to University resources and supports to the larger community. UROC is a convener and anchor institution within the North Minneapolis community. UROC reports to the Vice Provost for Public Engagement (VPPE).

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have 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.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume.

Application review will begin on January 9, 2025.

This position will remain open until filled.

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).