Internal Communications Specialist

Required Qualifications BA/BS degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or related field plus at least two years of relevant experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least six years. Preferred Qualifications Experience working in complex public organizations Demonstrates a genuine interest in University research and scientific operations and is comfortable working in an animal research/lab environment Familiarity with the University's digital accessibility requirements and communications best practices to achieve accessibility compliance. Experience using Google workspace tools (Gmail, Sheets, Documents, Slides, Groups) Experience using Salesforce Marketing Cloud or other mass email marketing tools. Experience with content management for website and/or other digital environments Core Competencies Strong, clear writing skills with the ability to adapt tone and messaging for different audiences across digital and print channels. Exceptional organizational skills with a proven track record of managing project workflows, meeting deadlines, and prioritizing competing tasks. Highly collaborative approach, with the flexibility to work effectively between multiple team structures, build positive relationships, and integrate feedback. Self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to take initiative on independent assignments while knowing when to seek direction or guidance. Customer-service orientation with a strong focus on clear communication, active listening, and addressing stakeholder needs. Sound judgment and discretion, with a demonstrated ability to handle sensitive, complex, or confidential information with professionalism and tact. The Internal Communications Specialist is a member of the Research and Innovation Office (RIO) communications team, reporting to RIO’s Internal Communications Director. This position serves as the communications lead for Research Animal Resources (RAR), a support unit within RIO that provides the University of Minnesota research community with animal care, procurement services, veterinary knowledge, and maintenance of housing facilities for animal-related research activities. This position supports RAR’s internal communications, digital presence, stakeholder engagement, and outreach activities while ensuring alignment with RIO Communications strategy, University brand standards, and broader research enterprise messaging. Working closely with RAR leadership and staff, this role will lead unit-level communications efforts focused on the animal research community and RAR staff, including but not limited to email messages, website content and digital strategy, newsletters, and communications templates. Embedded within RIO Communications, this role leverages central team expertise in strategic planning, issues management, media relations, graphic design, branding, editing, mass email management, and web administration. This structure is intended to strengthen RAR’s communications capacity while ensuring strategic alignment, consistency, and professional communications support through RIO Communications. Please note: This position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship. Position Duties and Responsibilities 35% Digital Presence & Web Management Portal Optimization: Manage the ongoing refinement and optimization of the department’s web-based information portal (e.g., Canvas course) to ensure seamless staff access to critical resources and integrated systems. Website Maintenance: In consultation with RIO Communications and RAR leadership, coordinate and maintain RAR website content to ensure accuracy and user engagement. Daily Channel Operations: Manage daily operations for internal digital channels, including the design and publication of content for digital display boards and the active moderation and distribution of messages within departmental Google Groups. Systems Oversight: Maintain oversight of the Animal Research Care Hub (A…

View the full posting and apply