Communications Specialist

About the Job

Communications Specialist

The School of Public Health (SPH) is committed to antiracism and anti-oppression and welcomes you to join us in our pursuit of building equity and driving justice. We particularly encourage applications from those who belong to groups that have been historically underrepresented in our School, including those who are American Indian, Black, Indigenous, and people of color, those with disabilities, veterans, and those from LGBTQIA+ communities.

Overview:

With a focus on public health communication, the Communications Specialist supports two public health similarly focused programs in the Division of Environmental Health Sciences at the

University of Minnesota School of Public Health. This position will lead broad communications efforts with the Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP) and the Upper Midwest

Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH) and will play an integral role in communicating research findings and center outcomes to a broad audience.

MnTAP is an outreach and assistance program at the University of Minnesota that helps Minnesota businesses develop and implement industry tailored solutions that prevent pollution

at the source, maximize efficient use of resources, and reduce energy use and cost.

UMASH is a federally-funded research and outreach center that aims to improve the health outcomes of agricultural workers.

This is a full-time Civil Service position (8342CG, M&C Pro 2 -Comm Gen) and will serve a probationary period of one year.

Position Responsibilities:

70% communications

• Support educational and outreach material development and coordination.

• Develop and manage timelines for project communications.

• Lead the creation and production of various materials such as press releases, email flyers, brochures, and social media campaigns.

• Coordinate with partner organizations for external newsletters, meetings, and promotional opportunities.

• Identify and develop case studies in collaboration with technical staff and client companies.

• Ensure case studies comply with confidentiality commitments and editorial standards.

• Assist in webpage content development, maintenance, and improvement.

• Oversee the development and distribution of MnTAP's E-newsletter, including content creation and coordination with staff members and web administrators.

30% Program Administration and Evaluation Support

• Internal communications ( to support programs, for example: coordinating with external partners to the centers (UMASH Pilot Project Program, MnTAP external partners)

• Serve as a contact for project teams, outreach and evaluation, Coordinate and facilitate information gathering, assist with editing and integration to produce center-wide progress reports to funders and other stakeholders.

• Provide administrative support for Center programs. For example, support program evaluation and facilitate coordination/integration with communications activities.

Compensation:

• $28.85 - $36.06 hourly (Approximately $60,000 - $75,000 annually)

Qualifications

Required:

• BA/BS degree plus at least two years of experience OR combination of related education and work experience equal to at least six years

• Ability to interact and communicate with a variety of audiences.

• Project management experience

• Demonstrated exceptional organizational skills to balance multiple projects simultaneously, coordinating workflow and priorities

• Ability to translate highly technical information into readable material.

• Proven communication skills including writing, proofreading, and editing.

• Familiarity and experience using Google Workspace and Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Preferred:

• Advanced degree (e.g., MS, MPH, MPA) or training in communication, environmental health, public health, or related discipline

• Interest in and knowledge of: public health, environmental issues, manufacturing processes, occupational health.

• Experience in higher education, non-profit, or public sector.

• Adobe Suite software (Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, Acrobat, and InDesign)

• Social Media Knowledge: Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Are you excited about this job and meet the required qualifications, but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every preferred qualification? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. If this is you, we strongly encourage you to apply because you just may be the right candidate for this role.

About the Department

About the School & Centers

The Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP) is an outreach program at the University of Minnesota that helps Minnesota businesses develop and implement industry-tailored solutions that prevent pollution at the source, maximize efficient use of resources, and reduce energy use and cost to improve public health and the environment.

MnTAP provides no-cost technical assistance tailored to your business. By reducing waste and increasing efficiency you can save on disposal and raw material costs, and decrease regulatory compliance burdens. You also will create healthier and safer working conditions for your employees.

Established in 1984, the Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP) is funded primarily by a pass-through grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Resource Management and Assistance Division to the University of Minnesota, School of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health Sciences. As part of the University, MnTAP has no regulatory responsibilities or obligations.

The Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH) is a multidisciplinary collaboration of five research and health care institutions including the University of Minnesota School of Public Health and the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Minnesota Department of Health, the National Farm Medicine Center at the Marshfield Clinic, and the Migrant Clinicians Network. The Center is federally funded to improve the health of the agricultural workforce in the Upper Midwest through research, outreach, and education.

The School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota is a nationally ranked top 10 institution. Our school offers a superior array of advanced degrees and is home to numerous world-renowned research and training centers. Through excellence in education, research, and community engagement, the University of Minnesota School of Public Health advances health - from scientific discovery to public impact - by enhancing population health and preventing disease in the United States and globally. The school has 21 master's degree programs, 6 minors, over 130 faculty members and 1,256 current students.

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also 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

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

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.

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 the U of M

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 the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).