Communications Specialist

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 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 year; depending on education/qualifications/experience Time Appointment: 100% Appointment Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts University HSA contributions Disability and employer-paid life insurance Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost 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: 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr