Communications Specialist

The Research Communications Specialist supports the Office of Research and Economic Development’s efforts to promote research, scholarly and creative activity at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This position requires an individual who is enthusiastic about communicating the importance, impact and potential of research at Nebraska and is able to convey complex information to a range of audiences.



This position has primary responsibility for overseeing and creating content for the @UNLresearch social media channels, with the goal of sharing Nebraska’s research story with internal and external audiences. The communications specialist also uses social media to encourage research faculty and staff to utilize programs, services, events and other opportunities that ORED offers. They also are responsible for ensuring effective messaging across multiple channels, developing content that aligns with the university’s research and economic development goals, and following the guidelines outlined by University Communication and Marketing. The individual in this role must stay informed about current and emerging social media tools, strategies and best practices.



The position works closely with ORED’s Events and Outreach team to execute communication projects that support lectures, workshops, conferences and other education and outreach events hosted by the vice chancellor’s office. Key responsibilities include writing, editing and developing marketing materials, and leveraging social media channels to increase attendance and foster engagement. This role’s additional responsibilities include writing and editing content for newsletters, websites, reports, newsletters and other projects as needed.



The communications specialist is a member of the Research Communications team and reports directly to the director of research communications. Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills are required. The ability to thrive in a team-oriented environment while working independently to complete tasks is desired.



The University of Nebraska-Lincoln seeks to attract and retain a high performing and diverse workforce in which employees’ differences are respected and valued to better meet the varying needs of the diverse populations we serve. The university fosters a diverse and inclusive work environment that promotes collaboration so that all individuals are able to participate and contribute to their full potential. As an EO/AA employer, qualified applicants are considered 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: http://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, marketing, communications or related field and three years of relevant professional communications experience in newsroom, university, agency, public relations, government or nonprofit environments, or equivalent. Excellent writing, editing and interpersonal communications skills required. Experience with managing social media channels in a professional setting or in an equivalent capacity. Ability to create short videos and/or take visually appealing photos for posting on social media channels. Demonstrated flexibility, adaptability and skills to simultaneously work on multiple projects. Must be able to apply Associated Press style in written communications.

Experience in communicating about complex topics is desired. Professional communications experience in a university or other educational setting. Successful completion of coursework, or professional experience, in any of the following areas: photojournalism, multimedia journalism, digital content strategy, editing for digital media, public relations theory, or social media strategy. Successful completion of a capstone course in Journalism and Mass Communications, or equivalent desired. Experience using Adobe Creative Suite, social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite), and basic video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Rush, Apple iMovie) is preferred. Ability to create visual elements for social media posts. Advanced videography, photography and/or graphic design skills are helpful but not required for this role. Experience in promoting events and/or outreach activities is preferred.

Click on “Apply for this Job”. You will then either create an application or edit your current application that is on file. You will be required to attach your resume, cover letter, and list of references as three (3) separate documents in MS Word or PDF format.