Communications Specialist (# 366121) – HigherEdJobs

Job ID: 366121

About the Job

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.

Qualifications

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.

About the Department

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).

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $65,000 – $80,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A 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

How To Apply

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.

Diversity

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

Employment
Requirements

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.

About the U of M

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).