Communications Specialist

About the Job

We are looking for a new teammate like you if you are:

• An enthusiastic storyteller and media consumer,
• An honest and positive teammate excited to contribute in a variety of ways to a successful and supportive team,
• A creative thinker, willing to innovate, experiment, and try new things,
• Eager to be part of an organization that improves the lives of Minnesotans and people around the world, today and into the future,
• Seeking experiences with leaders and experts at all levels of a large, diverse and mission-driven organization.

The communications team at the University of Minnesota Research and Innovation Office (RIO) is seeking a Communications Specialist, reporting to RIO's Internal Communications Director. This position will lead communications that support the Universitys strategic vision for becoming a Spatial University - bringing greater visibility to the people, projects, and partnerships that use spatial thinking and geospatial technologies to address real-world challenges.

Working closely with U-Spatial, GeoCommunities, and the many colleges, centers, and campuses engaged in geospatial research and practice, this role will develop a cohesive communications strategy that connects these efforts through compelling stories, engaging content, and data-driven visualizations. The goal is to build awareness of the Universitys geospatial strengths, foster collaboration across all UMN campuses, and inspire broader participation among faculty, staff, and students.

This work extends beyond promoting any one program. It is about showcasing the Universitys entire geospatial community, highlighting how spatial thinking and the "science of where" contribute to teaching, research, outreach, and innovation across disciplines. The position will also support communications surrounding the Universitys Elevate Extraordinary Strategic Plan using maps and storytelling to demonstrate the impact of strategic initiatives and help audiences see the connections across the Universitys work.

Please note: This position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

The Communications Specialist is an integral part of a small, multi-skilled, communications team that serves the vice president for research and innovation, provides communications, marketing, and public relations services for RIO administrative and academic units, and, more broadly, champions the impact that the Universitys research mission has-in Minnesota and beyond-and the special role that research universities play in our society.

40% Content Creation and Strategic Storytelling

• Develops and implements communications strategies that align with University priorities and amplify the value of spatial thinking and tools.
• Seeks out and identifies relevant, systemwide UMN spatial-related research stories to feature via RIO and other UMN communication channels.
• Writes, edits, and/or coordinates production of content for website, news releases, speeches, newsletters, mass email, marketing collateral, and other outlets to highlight geospatial-related activities across the university.
• Reviews materials for grammatical and stylistic accuracy, branding requirements, message consistency, and clarity of presentation.
• Collaborates with RIO Communications and UMarComm team members to establish editorial calendars and pitch story ideas.

30% Digital Communications, Social Media, and Event Marketing

• Compiles and assembles regular communications aimed at partners and stakeholders.
• Establishes and manages social media accounts that highlight and amplify University spatial-related research stories, messaging, and visuals.
• Creates basic graphics and images for use in social media and news stories in coordination with the RIO communications/branding team.
• Provides support planning/marketing key events and attends events and takes photos for use in social media and news stories.

30% Website Management and Media Relations Support

• Establishes/assists with the further development and maintenance of the GeoCommunities, LINC, U-Spatial and other related unit websites in collaboration with RIO website project manager and/or outside vendors.
• Works with RIO Communications, University Marketing Communications and college/campus communications professionals to develop successful media pitches that amplify spatial-related research stories and messaging.
• Undertakes related support activities, such as recording media placements, tracking metrics, maintaining project status reports, handling information requests, and other tasks as assigned.

Flexible Work Profile

The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) endorses a "work with flexibility" approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best. Full-time remote work is not an option for this position. Employees are required to work on-site at the McNamara Alumni Center on the Minneapolis East Bank campus in accordance with their approved flexible work profile.

This position is eligible for Flexible Work Profiles One, Two and Three.

Flexible Work Profile One: Office/Lab-Based

Employees are expected to work primarily on-site in the office or lab, with remote work occurring only occasionally and inconsistently. Your office location will be in the McNamara Alumni Center on the Minneapolis East Bank campus.

Flexible Work Profile Two: Regularly Remote

Employees are expected to work on-site in the office or lab at least three days per week, with remote work typically one to two days per week. Your office location will be in the McNamara Alumni Center on the Minneapolis East Bank campus.

Flexible Work Profile Three: Mostly Remote

Employees are expected to work on-site in the office or lab typically one to two days per week and remotely at least three days per week. Your dedicated office space will be at your remote work location.

The Research and Innovation Office reserves the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis, at any time and for any reason.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Journalism, Marketing, or other writing or communications-intensive field with two years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least six years
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including proofing and editing, sound news judgment and an entrepreneurial attitude.
• Demonstrated commitment to critical communications skills, including: flexibility/adaptability, active listening, an ability to understand and incorporate other perspectives, etc.
• The ability to help develop and execute communications strategies, prioritize work, and follow through and work independently under deadlines.
• Demonstrated success communicating (or working) sensitively and effectively across cultures, including historically marginalized/underrepresented communities.
• Proven understanding of how stories may be strategically amplified through social media and other communications channels.

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to or familiarity with a geospatial field such as geography, mapping, planning, location analytics
• Knowledge of Drupal content management system; basic website UX design; content strategy; and basic maintenance.
• Knowledge of AP style or other style guides
• Experience working across units at the University or other large complex organizations
• Experience developing successful pitches for earned media
• Proficiency with these apps: Microsoft Office and Google Suite; Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Lightroom; Salesforce Marketing Cloud (newsletters); Sprout Social
• Project management experience
• Photo and/or video photography and editing experience
• Graphic design skills with an awareness of web layout, visual hierarchy, and digital media standards
• Basic understanding of principles of digital accessibility (WCAG 2.0)
• Experience working with outside vendors (printers, website developers, etc.)

Our ideal candidate will:

• Collaborate successfully across units and departments within the University of Minnesota.
• Utilize strong organizational skills, and an ability to juggle multiple tasks in a professional manner.
• Learn and lead as a member of our team, including developing approaches to enhance strategic public relations efforts, responsiveness, and efficiency.
• Employ curiosity, personal initiative, and problem-solving skills to translate complex research topics into everyday language for general audiences.

About the Department

The RIO Communications Team collaborates with partners in the Research and Innovation Office, across the University, and with external organizations to build awareness of the positive impact of University of Minnesota research and to advance the Universitys research mission and goals. We provide communications support for the Vice President for Research and Innovation, RIOs administrative units, UMN Technology Commercialization, and 12 academic centers and institutes. Our services include: communications strategy/planning, media/public relations, issues management, social media, email marketing, brand guidance, and website management. We also produce several internal newsletters that keep our audiences informed about important news, policies, and opportunities that impact the research community.

GeoCommunities is dedicated to tackling real-world challenges through community-driven research and innovation. We believe that local communities understand their challenges best, and by working together with researchers, government agencies and non-profit organizations, we can develop scientifically sound, actionable solutions that lead to long-term, positive change. Our work addresses a wide range of pressing issues, including water security, climate resilience, infrastructure development, and sustainable resource management.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $57,345.60 (Hourly $27.57)- $85,009.60 (Hourly $40.87); 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.

IMPORTANT

Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume as part of their application.

Both materials are required for consideration.

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.

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.