Communications & Writing Specialist

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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

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…