Communications & Writing Specialist

Title: Communications & Writing Specialist
Job Code: 8341EW - Marketing and Communications Professional 1 (Editor/Writer)
Employee Group: Civil Service (CS)
Full/Part Time (FTE): Full-Time (100%)
Regular/Temporary: Regular

Priority Review Deadline: 08/27/2026

About the Job

The Communications & Writing Specialist serves as a primary content creator and writer for the College of Science and Engineering (CSE). This position is responsible for producing clear, engaging, and audience-focused content that supports student recruitment, research visibility, alumni engagement, internal communications, and institutional storytelling.
The Communications & Writing Specialist develops content for websites, newsletters, marketing campaigns, print publications, digital communications, and strategic initiatives. The position collaborates closely with University Marketing Communications, media relations, social media, advancement, and student services colleagues to ensure content supports the college's strategic priorities.

Success in this role requires exceptional writing and editing skills, strong interviewing abilities, adaptability across multiple communication channels, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.

Location and Work Environment

• Location: Twin Cities Campus, University of Minnesota
• Work Environment: Hybrid

Expected Work Schedule

• Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Minimum of three days per week in the office - Monday and Wednesday expected as on-campus collaboration days
• Up to two days per week remote, consistent with department and University policies
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support campaign launches, reporting deadlines, college initiatives, or time-sensitive matters

Visa Language: Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Primary Responsibilities

50% Create Multi-Channel Content and Marketing Communications

• Research, write, edit, and produce content for websites, email campaigns, newsletters, digital communications, and marketing materials.
• Develop recruitment-focused content that supports prospective student engagement, enrollment, and retention initiatives.
• Conduct interviews with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and other stakeholders to create compelling stories and profiles.
• Create web features, news stories, announcements, and audience-focused communications that support college priorities.
• Draft content for landing pages, event promotions, digital campaigns, and other communications initiatives.
• Collaborate with communications and marketing colleagues to ensure content aligns with strategic goals and audience needs.

30% Support Editorial Production and Publications

• Serve as a staff writer and contributing editor for college publications, including print and digital storytelling initiatives.
• Research, write, and edit feature stories, profiles, and narrative content for publications such as Inventing Tomorrow and related communications channels.
• Review and edit content to ensure accuracy, consistency, clarity, and adherence to editorial standards.
• Perform fact-checking, proofreading, and copy-editing functions for a variety of communications materials.
• Maintain strong adherence to Associated Press (AP) style and University editorial standards.
• Collaborate with designers, photographers, videographers, and digital communicators to develop integrated storytelling projects.

15% Provide Media Relations and Communications Support

• Assist with development of press releases, media advisories, expert directories, and related communications materials.
• Support media relations activities by coordinating information gathering, preparing background materials, and assisting with journalist inquiries.
• Provide continuity and backup support for media relations and editorial functions as needed.
• Assist with preparation of communications materials related to research discoveries, faculty achievements, and institutional announcements.
• Coordinate content and logistics supporting media visits and communications opportunities.

5% Support Communications Operations and Reporting

• Maintain project tracking systems and content production schedules.
• Assist with media monitoring, content inventories, and communications reporting activities.
• Support content planning and editorial calendar management processes.
• Contribute to workflow coordination and project management activities within the communications team.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, English, Marketing, or a related field, or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least four years.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong interviewing, writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Knowledge of Associated Press (AP) style and editorial best practices.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience writing for multiple communications channels and audiences.
• Experience writing for higher education, research institutions, nonprofit organizations, or similar environments.
• Experience developing content supporting student recruitment, enrollment, alumni engagement, or advancement initiatives.
• Experience producing digital content, newsletters, web stories, and marketing communications.
• Familiarity with content management systems, email marketing platforms, or marketing automation systems.
• Experience working with project management tools such as Asana, Trello, or similar platforms.
• Experience supporting media relations or public relations activities.
• Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary communications and creative teams.

About the College of Science and Engineering

The College of Science and Engineering (CSE) is ranked among the top engineering and science academic programs in the country. The college includes 12 academic departments offering a wide range of degree programs at the baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral levels.
For more information about the College of Science and Engineering Office of the Dean, visit https://cse.umn.edu/.

Pay Range: $24.04 - $31.25 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented 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

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.

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.

Required application materials: Resume and Cover Letter

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 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.