Communications Specialist

About the Job

Please apply by Jun 22, 2026, for priority consideration.

Working Title: Communications Specialist I

Job code: M&C Pro 1-Comm Gen 8341CG

Employee Group: Communications

Full/Part Time (FTE): Full (100% FTE)

Regular/Temporary: Regular

About the Job:

The Human Resources Communications Specialist Level 1 supports the development and delivery of communications for various human resources programs, operations updates, and internal unit communication. This position focuses on executing communications tactics and provides daily support for web, email, and social media platforms. Reporting to the assistant director of communications, the specialist helps ensure that faculty, staff, and student workers across the University of Minnesota stay informed.

Work Schedule and location: This is a hybrid Monday through Friday position that requires in-person work a minimum of two days in the Donhowe Building on the Twin Cities campus. Core in-person days are Tuesday and Wednesday.

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

Duties and Responsibilities

Multichannel Communications (45%)

• Write and edit clear, engaging articles, website copy, and e-newsletters for a variety of internal and external University communication channels.
• Create content for the Office of Human Resources (OHR) blog, web stories, and social media platforms.
• Update materials, such as the OHR Welcome Guide for new employees and promotional content for department events.
• Simplify human resources information into accessible, user-friendly language without sacrificing accuracy.
• Maintain strict adherence to University of Minnesota branding and style guidelines across all materials.

Email Communications (30%)

• Build, proofread, and deploy mass email campaigns within Salesforce Marketing Cloud (SMC), including managing basic subscriber lists and templates.
• Ensure a consistent look and feel for mass emails and digital communications, aligning strictly with OHR's style guidelines.
• Update and maintain OHR website content, working with subject matter experts annually to review pages for accuracy and relevance.
• Identify and fix accessibility issues within web and digital content (such as PDFs and links) to ensure electronic compliance.

Support Projects and Performance Metrics (20%)

• Track tasks using the team's project management system (Asana) to ensure all deadlines are met.
• Maintain and update the team's editorial and project calendars.
• Collect and organize communications metrics, such as email open rates and web traffic, to evaluate campaign success.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to gather content submissions and provide logistical support for events.

Support Special Projects and Growth Assignments (5%)

• Provide administrative and tactical support for short-term, high-priority department initiatives.
• Research and share new communication trends, tools, or best practices that could benefit the team.
• Help maintain and update internal communication templates and team documentation to ensure consistency.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field, or a combination of education and work experience equal to at least four years.
• Demonstrated experience writing and proofreading content for web, email, and internal platforms.
• Experience managing multiple project deadlines simultaneously.
• Experience using common office software such as Microsoft Office Suite or Google Workspace, and project management tools such as Asana.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience creating short-form content for social media, web or digital newsletters.
• Working knowledge of web content platforms and mass email tools (e.g., Salesforce Marketing Cloud).
• Working knowledge of graphic design or photo editing using tools like Canva or Adobe Express.
• Exposure to digital accessibility (Alt-text, heading structures).
• Familiarity with editorial style guides.
• Experience working within a matrixed environment or cross-functional environment, etc.

About the Department

The Communications team within the Office of Human Resources supports the University by helping job seekers, employees, and retirees. We support employee health, wellbeing, and professional development.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $50,000 - $55,000 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.

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.

Required application materials: Resume and a cover letter.

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 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), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.