Communications Associate - Political Science

About the Job

The Department of Political Science would like to announce an opening for a Communications Associate (job code: 8341CG). The positions official title is Marketing & Communications Professional 1 - Communications Generalist.

The Communications Associate serves as the main point-of-contact for all communications and marketing in the Department of Political Science and the Center for the Study of Political Psychology (CSPP). As such, they are in contact with faculty, undergraduate and graduate students, staff, and outside constituencies, including the professional media community, alumni, donors, and visitors. This position calls for a self-directed, detail-oriented, and versatile communications professional who is strongly committed to generating engaging content while ensuring accuracy and timeliness of information. The successful candidate will also need to bring that detail-oriented awareness to their work with the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) and administrator to coordinate the undergraduate and graduate curriculum and course schedule - using this work as a window into the greater department to inform future communication and marketing projects.

This position is up to 40% remote (two days/week), and the anticipated start date is

November 2, 2026. Candidates with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences are strongly encouraged to apply.

Communications Development and Management: 50%

• Serve as primary point-of-contact and liaison for all matters relating to the department website, social media, undergraduate and alumni newsletters, and intranet. Includes requests from internal and external constituencies, policy and procedure questions, and problem resolution.

• Develop internal and external communication strategies and messages to support website and social media content and increase user traffic. Implement and review web and social media analytics to measure success and identify trends, in order to initiate recommendations for improvement based on data. Stay up-to-date on the latest communication tools and practices.

• Responsible for all communications content to be correct, up-to-date, and compliant with accessibility standards, University and College of Liberal Arts (CLA) brand and style standards. Conduct content research to inform content development. Translate large volumes of information into clear, concise, user-friendly language and formats. Collaborate and confirm regularly with stakeholders to ensure accuracy and clear organization of information.

• Website:

• Create a visually exciting site that fits within the set format of the CLA content management system (CMS). Create and consult on content, including profiles of research, faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, and alumni.

• Act as primary editor for the website, maintaining all resources. Develop schedule of website updates, including updating photos, publications, awards, graduate student placement, etc.

• Social Media:

• Create, edit, publish, and share content across the department's social media accounts (Instagram, LinkedIn, Bluesky, X, YouTube).

• Alumni Newsletter:

• Create and consult on content for the alumni newsletters. Maintain up-to-date list of topics for features, including the Chair's Note.

• Coordinate with CLA Office of Institutional Advancement (OIA) to manage production of alumni newsletters, including distribution schedule (four times/year).

• Undergraduate Newsletter:

• Write, design, and distribute a weekly newsletter to declared political science majors and minors, based on information and opportunities of interest to students. Coordinate with the Political Science Undergraduate Advising Office on production.

• Intranet:

• Act as primary editor for the intranet, maintaining and regularly updating all resources. Create, consult on, and correct content with staff subject matter experts.

• Serve as first point-of-contact for maintaining and updating the Center for the Study of Political Psychology (CSPP) website. Coordinate with CSPP Director as necessary.

• Serve as departmental representative to CLA regarding digital signage in the building (first floor). Determine and enter content to be displayed on digital signage.

• Be a member of and departmental representative to the Forum of Liberal Arts Communicators (FLAC). Learn from peers and contribute to best practices and case studies.

• As requested, consult and assist with other staff members on internal communications regarding clarity of information / message, accessibility, best practices, etc.

Marketing and Publicity: 20%

• Publicize department events, including alumni and public engagement events, visiting speakers, graduate colloquia, undergraduate groups, co-sponsorships, and the activities of the Political Science Undergraduate Advising Office. Develop marketing plans and coordinate with faculty, staff, students, and organizations outside the department as necessary.
• Design announcements, event postings, flyers, and other promotional materials, both digital and in print. Ensure up-to-date event information on the University's events calendar and CLA's Upcoming Events listing.
• Proactively advertise and promote department courses, especially undergraduate offerings (to boost enrollment). Celebrate faculty and graduate student awards across platforms.
• Act as primary contact to faculty for promotional and news-sharing needs. Field media inquiries, directing to appropriate faculty or staff member as necessary.

Curriculum Coordination: 25%

• Primary Collaborative Course Scheduling (CCS) contact for the department. Confirm, enter, and maintain annual course schedule and updates. Schedule graduate seminars in department conference rooms.
• Primary Coursedog contact for the department. Serve as the primary source of information for department members on Coursedog policies and procedures. Advise faculty and other instructors on timelines, requirements, and best practices. Manage and meet all related deadlines. Enter and monitor curricular proposals and updates, including new course proposals; cross-lists; Liberal Education (LE), Writing Intensive (WI), and Student Learning Objectives (SLO) certifications; activation and title entry for Topics courses; course description and Course Catalog updates; etc.
• Assist Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) and administrator with curriculum and course scheduling projects as requested.

Other: 5%

• Monitor and meet all applicable deadlines. Independently troubleshoot and manage day-to-day functions associated with position.
• Identify data collection and operational problems and develop solutions as appropriate. Create, update, and/or keep current documentation of all processes, for future reference. Maintain departmental files associated with position as required, ensuring continuity of institutional knowledge and ease-of-access for staff members and faculty officers.
• Work independently and as a team member with limited supervision. Coordinate and work collaboratively with other department staff.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned and/or required.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two years of experience working in a higher education setting.
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting a culture that respects and advances diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Demonstrated initiative and willingness to go the extra mile to provide outstanding service.
• Self-directed, curious, proactive, and with a positive attitude.
• Experience developing for, contributing to, and editing in a Drupal CMS.
• Experience working with Bluesky, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills across multiple platforms, including proofreading and editing.
• Excellent attention to detail. Ability to think broadly while continuing to pay attention to quality and the details
• Strong interpersonal skills and a proven ability to develop and maintain positive professional relationships with a diverse community of faculty, staff, students, and administrators.
• Ability to work independently and as a dependable team member, successfully managing a large workload that includes multiple commitments, competing priorities and deadlines, and ambiguity.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Successful problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Strong computer skills to include Microsoft Office, Google applications, and Zoom.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat Pro), Canva, and Asana.
• Experience with UMN Systems: CCS, Coursedog, ClassInfo, LiveWhale.

About the Department

The Department of Political Science is committed to excellence in graduate and undergraduate education and to the conduct of leading social science research. The department serves 23 faculty in five subfields (American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, and Applied Methods), approximately 50 Ph.D. students, 575 undergraduate majors, 125 undergraduate minors, and 11 staff members including peer advisors, main office student workers, regional advisors, college accountants, and technology consultants. For further information, please visit the department website, https://cla.umn.edu/polisci

Established in 1868, the College of Liberal Arts supports the University of Minnesotas land-grant mission as home to the arts, social sciences and humanities disciplines and programs. CLA comprises 31 academic departments, over 20 interdisciplinary research centers and administrative/support units, and has over 1,200 faculty and staff spanning research, teaching, advising, outreach, and administrative functions. CLA units reside in over 20 buildings on the East Bank and West Bank of the Twin Cities campus, enrolls nearly 14,000 undergraduate students (half of the undergraduate enrollment on the Twin Cities campus), and over 1,600 graduate students. CLA is committed to intellectual freedom, the pursuit of new knowledge, and the belief that the liberal arts are the foundation of academic learning. CLA prepares students to be independent and original thinkers, innovators in their chosen fields; to create meaning in their lives and in their lifes work; and to become productive citizens and leaders in their communities and

the world.

CLA values diverse cultures, experiences, and perspectives as key to innovation and excellent education. CLA is a destination for curious, compassionate individuals who are committed to making our increasingly interdependent and diverse global community work for everyone. That foundational commitment begins in our CLA Constitution. CLA is committed to increasing enrollment of underrepresented and under-resourced students, diversifying our faculty across all disciplines, recruiting, and retaining a diverse staff, and promoting the expression and exploration of diverse perspectives and viewpoints - so that we all gain the background knowledge and analytical skills we need to understand and respect differences.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in CLA

Working in CLA

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $22.12 - $25.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service

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

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the

time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures

that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while

maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and

equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates

will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

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 be given 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.

The following materials must be attached to your online application:

• Resume
• Cover letter, describing your interest in, qualifications for, and experience related to the position
• ATTN: The search committee is also interested in your previous experience with the following, so please be sure to explicitly include in your resume and/or cover letter: a) social media platforms; b) website content management systems; c) computer skills; d) Adobe Creative Cloud (in part or whole) and/or Canva.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

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 University of Minnesota

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 nations 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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.