Senior Communications Specialist

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 68,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Tuition support programs

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

The Undergraduate Office of Admissions at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities is seeking a Senior Communications Specialist to lead marketing communications for outreach, recruitment and enrollment of prospective undergraduates. The role coordinates with Admissions staff and campus partners to deliver strategic content across print, digital, and multimedia channels.

Responsibilities emphasize developing compelling materials, ensuring brand accuracy, and managing multiple large projects with

Qualifications

• BA/BS plus at least four years of relevant experience in journalism or strategic communications.
• Excellent organizational and coordination abilities.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including public speaking.
• Experience with an email marketing platform and/or CRM technology.
• Experience with print communication development for publication or public distribution.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative, and collaborate with stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple large projects concurrently.
• Commitment to ensuring accessibility and fostering inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Lead marketing communications for outreach, recruitment and enrollment of undergraduates.
• Write and edit benefits-based content for print and electronic media.
• Collaborate with Admissions Recruiters and campus partners to ensure on-time, on-budget projects.
• Direct activities of partners like Printing Services and Addressing & Mailing.
• Ensure communications are on-brand, accurate, timely and audience-targeted.
• Hybrid work schedule with 1-2 days on campus; on-site presence may be required.
• Support diversity and inclusive communication practices in all materials.

Skills

Excellent organizational abilities

Excellent written and oral comms

CRM/email marketing experience

Print communication development

Independent work and initiative

Project management (multi-project)

Accessibility and inclusion commitment

Education

BA/BS in journalism, communications or related field

Tools

Slate CRM

Job description

About the Job

The Undergraduate Office of Admissions at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities is seeking a highly motivated, focused, and results-oriented Senior Communications Specialist to lead the marketing communications efforts in support of outreach, recruitment and enrollment for prospective undergraduate students.

This role will work with various stakeholders within the Office of Admissions and across the University. This position will also create and maintain other general communications within the Office of Admissions as needed.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Content Creation (65%)

Write and edit benefits-based content for print and electronic media (or other channels as needed) to reach desired communications goals for our prospective students. Create specialized materials for marketing, publication, and/or public or internal relations that incorporate written, visual, and multimedia methods.

Collaboration (20%)

Under the direction of the Admissions Communications Unit, and in collaboration with Admissions Recruiters and relevant campus partners will develop content and communications that helps to facilitate interest in, application to, and enrollment in the University of Minnesota. Direct the activities of strategic partners like Printing Services (including designers) and Addressing & Mailing to ensure projects remain on time and on budget.

Copyediting, Fact Checking, and Quality Assurance (15%)

Ensure that communications are error-free and meet the brand and customer service standards set by the Office of Admissions. Communications must be strategic and on-message, on-time, issue-free, and targeted to the correct audiences.

The role may work a hybrid schedule on campus and remote, with approximately 1-2 days a week on campus. Some days may require an on-campus presence depending on the work needs.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS plus at least four (4) years of relevant, transferrable work experience in journalism or strategic communications.
• Excellent organizational and coordination abilities
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including public speaking experience
• Experience with an email marketing platform and/or customer relationship management (CRM) technology.
• Experience with effective print communication development for publication or public distribution.
• Demonstrated ability to both work independently and take initiative, and well as collaborating with a variety of stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple large projects concurrently
• Demonstrated commitment to ensuring accessibility and fostering inclusion in work practices

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in an admissions or recruitment setting.
• Familiarity with the University of Minnesota and its programs.
• Experience working with people of a wide array of backgrounds and cultures.
• Experience working in Slate CRM

About the Department

The Office of Admissions leads recruiting and enrolling of undergraduate students who will benefit from and contribute to the University of Minnesota scholarly community. Admissions strives to be service-driven, tenacious, respectful, inclusive, authentic, and ethical. Our work includes collaboration with campus-wide with colleges, departments, and the units within the Office of Undergraduate Education to meet the University's enrollment goals. The Office of Admissions serves prospective undergraduate students, and incoming undergraduate students.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $68,000 - $70,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

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

The University 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

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

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 University of Minnesota

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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.