Internal Communications Specialist

The Internal Communications Specialist is a member of the Research and Innovation Office (RIO) communications team, reporting to RIO's Internal Communications Director. This position serves as the communications lead for Research Animal Resources (RAR), a support unit within RIO that provides the University of Minnesota research community with animal care, procurement services, veterinary knowledge, and maintenance of housing facilities for animal-related research activities.

This position supports RAR's internal communications, digital presence, stakeholder engagement, and outreach activities while ensuring alignment with RIO Communications strategy, University brand standards, and broader research enterprise messaging.

Working closely with RAR leadership and staff, this role will lead unit-level communications efforts focused on the animal research community and RAR staff, including but not limited to email messages, website content and digital strategy, newsletters, and communications templates. Embedded within RIO Communications, this role leverages central team expertise in strategic planning, issues management, media relations, graphic design, branding, editing, mass email management, and web administration.

This structure is intended to strengthen RAR's communications capacity while ensuring strategic alignment, consistency, and professional communications support through RIO Communications.

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

Position Duties and Responsibilities

35% Digital Presence & Web Management

• Portal Optimization: Manage the ongoing refinement and optimization of the department's web-based information portal (e.g., Canvas course) to ensure seamless staff access to critical resources and integrated systems.
• Website Maintenance: In consultation with RIO Communications and RAR leadership, coordinate and maintain RAR website content to ensure accuracy and user engagement.
• Daily Channel Operations: Manage daily operations for internal digital channels, including the design and publication of content for digital display boards and the active moderation and distribution of messages within departmental Google Groups.
• Systems Oversight: Maintain oversight of the Animal Research Care Hub (ARCH) message board and other digital tools.

30% Content Development & Stakeholder Engagement

• Newsletter Management: In consultation with RAR leadership, coordinate and develop content for internal newsletters.
• Standardization & Templates: Develop and maintain a suite of communication templates (e.g., email scripts, slide decks, notices) to be used across RAR; refine messaging for complex initiatives or situations to ensure clarity and professional tone.
• Creative Support: Assist with the development of presentations and visual materials related to various RAR initiatives and projects.

20% Strategic Coordination & Alignment

• RIO Collaboration: Participate in routine meetings and planning sessions with the RIO Communications team to ensure strategic alignment and functional consistency.
• Strategic Planning: Facilitate the implementation of the RAR inter-office communications plan, reviewing and updating the plan as necessary to support employee engagement.
• Alignment Oversight: Maintain a consistent "dotted-line" workflow to leverage RIO's professional editing, graphic design, and brand review expertise.

15% Assessment, Planning & Analytics

• Communications Calendar: Develop and maintain a comprehensive calendar of communications and outreach activities, including internal and research community surveys and newsletters.
• Stakeholder Feedback: Distribute, review, and respond to stakeholder satisfaction surveys; triage and track requests for necessary follow-up.
• Engagement Documentation: Document employee engagement activities specifically designed to address areas of concern or deficiency identified in engagement survey responses.

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 and Two.

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.

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.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or related field plus at least two years of relevant experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least six years.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in complex public organizations
• Demonstrates a genuine interest in University research and scientific operations and is comfortable working in an animal research/lab environment
• Familiarity with the University's digital accessibility requirements and communications best practices to achieve accessibility compliance.
• Experience using Google workspace tools (Gmail, Sheets, Documents, Slides, Groups)
• Experience using Salesforce Marketing Cloud or other mass email marketing tools.
• Experience with content management for website and/or other digital environments

Core Competencies

• Strong, clear writing skills with the ability to adapt tone and messaging for different audiences across digital and print channels.
• Exceptional organizational skills with a proven track record of managing project workflows, meeting deadlines, and prioritizing competing tasks.
• Highly collaborative approach, with the flexibility to work effectively between multiple team structures, build positive relationships, and integrate feedback.
• Self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to take initiative on independent assignments while knowing when to seek direction or guidance.
• Customer-service orientation with a strong focus on clear communication, active listening, and addressing stakeholder needs.
• Sound judgment and discretion, with a demonstrated ability to handle sensitive, complex, or confidential information with professionalism and tact.

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 University's research mission and goals. We provide communications support for the Vice President for Research and Innovation, RIO's 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.

Research Animal Resources strives to advance scientific progress and promote the humane treatment of animals, in partnership with the University of Minnesota's research community, by providing exemplary service and education in animal care, procurement, health, and well-being.

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.

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.

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

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.