Communications & Writing Specialist

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

Responsibilities

• Create Multi-Channel Content and Marketing Communications (50%)
  • Research, write, edit, and produce content for websites, email campaigns, newsletters, digital communications, and marketing materials.
  • Develop recruitment-focused content to support 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.
• Support Editorial Production and Publications (30%)
  • 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 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.
• Provide Media Relations and Communications Support (15%)
  • 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.
• Support Communications Operations and Reporting (5%)
  • 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.

Requirements

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

Qualifications

• 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 Department

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. Learn more about the College of Science and Engineering Office of the Dean.

Schedule

• Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Hybrid work environment: 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.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support campaign launches, reporting deadlines, college initiatives, or time-sensitive matters.

Pay

$24.04 - $31.25 per hour, depending on education, qualifications, and experience.

Benefits

• 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.

Note: Initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range to ensure compensation reflects individual credentials and experience while maintaining equity within the organization.