Research Communications Specialist

University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Nebraska; On-site; USD 48,600 - 59,400; Full time

Job summary

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln invites applications for a Research Communications Specialist in Lincoln, NE. The role focuses on translating complex research into engaging stories and content for news releases, websites, reports and newsletters.

You will support events, update research.unl.edu, and collaborate with colleagues. A strong writer with AP style knowledge and CMS experience is required, with the ability to manage multiple projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus three years of relevant professional communications experience.
• Experience in writing and editing news stories and/or other types of content that adhere to journalistic standards for accuracy, clarity and style.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience applying AP style.

Responsibilities

• Write and edit content used across multiple platforms: news releases, websites, reports and newsletters.
• Execute communications and marketing tasks for lectures, conferences, workshops and events.
• Regularly update website content at research.unl.edu.

Skills

Writing and editing

AP style

Interviewing subject-matter experts

CMS (WordPress/Drupal)

Adobe Creative Suite

Event promotion

Website analytics

Photography/videography

Education

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, marketing, communications or related field

Tools

WordPress

Drupal

Job description

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Employment Website

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Position Information

Working Title

Working Title Research Communications Specialist

Department

Department Research Communications-13275

Requisition Number

Requisition Number S_260557

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 07/22/2026

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) 08/03/2026

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Description of Work

The Research Communications Specialist is an integral part of the team that leads communications and marketing efforts for the Office of Research and Innovation (R&I). The team promotes research, scholarly and creative endeavors at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and ensures that the university researcher community is aware of the resources, opportunities and support available through R&I.

The position is geared toward a strong writer and editor who is able to translate complex information and convey the impact of Nebraska researchers’ work in an engaging and accessible manner. The Research Communications Specialist is responsible for writing and editing content that is used across a variety of platforms, including news releases, websites, reports and newsletters.

This position also executes communications and marketing tasks for lectures, conferences, workshops and other events hosted by R&I. Additionally, the specialist regularly updates website content on research.unl.edu. The ideal candidate demonstrates exceptional attention to detail and works well in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

As an EO/AA employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, marketing, communications or related field plus three years of relevant professional communications experience in newsroom, university, agency, public relations/communications, government, or nonprofit environments, or equivalent.
• Experience in writing and editing news stories and/or other types of content that adhere to journalistic standards for accuracy, clarity and style.
• Demonstrated professional writing and editing skills
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience applying Associated Press (AP) style.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to interview subject-matter experts about their research, scholarship and/or creative work and translate that information into engaging stories for the intended audience.
• Flexibility, adaptability and skills to simultaneously work on multiple projects.
• Experience writing about complex topics, especially those related to research, scholarship and/or creative endeavors for lay audiences.
• Professional communications experience in a university or government setting.
• Experience using a content management system, such as WordPress, Drupal or similar.
• Experience using Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience in promoting events and/or outreach activities for an organization.
• Experience using website analytics to gather information and inform content strategy.
• Photography and/or videography skills

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required No

Physical Required

Physical Required No

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances. No

Criminal History Background Check Required

Criminal History Background Check Required Yes

Posted Salary $54,000/yr. minimum

Job Category (old)

Job Category (old) Managerial/Professional

Job Type

Job Type Full-Time

Alternate Work Schedule (if other than 8-5)

Work Location (City, State)

Work Location (City, State) Lincoln, NE

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding? No

If Temporary, indicate end date

Planned Hire Date:

Appointment End Date

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

For questions or accommodations related to this position contact

Ember Welsch, Human Resources Specialist Lead
Office of Research and Innovation
[e-mail]