Communications & Outreach Specialist

Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH)

The application review will begin on April 30th.

The School of Public Health division of Environmental Health Sciences is seeking applications for a full-time Community Outreach Specialist (8342CG Communications Generalist).

This is a grant-funded position. Continuation is contingent upon available funding.

Start Date: As soon as possible; position open until filled

Starting Salary is dependent upon the selected candidate's relevant qualifications, experience, and internal equity: $25.00 - $33.18 (Salary: $52,000 - $69,000 annually).

Work Arrangements:

The University of Minnesota endorses "Work. With Flexibility." and we offer a flexible work environment that meets the needs of our students, faculty, staff, and partners we serve. Hybrid and flexible; working with a majority remote team, with up to 20% regional (MN, SD, ND, WI, IA) travel for outreach expected. The successful candidate will be provided University-configured equipment and supportive technology tools, however, they are expected to have access to a reliable internet connection for duties undertaken remotely. Work arrangements will be discussed during the interview.

Office space available and infrequent meetings at Mayo Memorial Building, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455 - East-bank Campus.

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

Overview

The Communications & Outreach Specialist at the Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH) focuses on health promotion, education, and outreach for the health, safety, and wellbeing of farmers, farm workers, and their families. We're looking for someone with a passion for sharing the agricultural safety and health message with farm communities.

This role leads external communications and outreach - managing social media, developing materials, and building partnerships - to connect farmers, farm families, and rural communities across the Upper Midwest with critical information and resources.

Position Responsibilities

40% Outreach & Event Planning
This role puts you in the community - farm shows, events, and partner meetings - as a visible representative of UMASH and its mission. Key responsibilities include:

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with partner organizations to support joint outreach efforts, collaborative newsletter contributions, co-branded materials, and cross-promotional opportunities that advance UMASH's reach.
• Coordinate with leadership on planning and facilitation of key public stakeholder engagement events, advisory board meetings, and center meetings. Attend conferences, community events, and professional meetings to represent UMASH and promote resources.
• Provide logistical support for detailed event planning, including scheduling, meeting space, catering, technology needs, and the production and dissemination of marketing programs and materials. Key activities include gathering center collaborators for up to quarterly in person Center meetings and supporting the planning of the Wellness Pavillion at Minnesota Farmfest.
• Assist leadership with meeting facilitation, technical support, notetaking, and follow-up activities.
• Serve as an ambassador for UMASH in agricultural and public health spaces, building relationships with farmers, farm organizations, community groups, Extension networks, and other partners.

40% Communications & Content Development
From social media to research briefs to partner newsletters, this role keeps UMASH's voice clear, consistent, and connected to the communities we serve. Key responsibilities include:

• Support the creation and production of external-facing materials such as press releases, email newsletters, research briefs, spotlight stories, social media campaigns, and promotional resources for partner and public audiences and identify new and creative approaches for effective and impactful external communications, marketing campaigns, resource development, and design concepts.
• Write, review, and edit communications materials for accuracy, clarity, and audience appropriateness, including website content and email communications.
• Translate technical research findings from the Center into accessible, plain-language content for a broad range of audiences, including funders, academic partners, agricultural community members, industry partners, and the general public.
• Manage key areas of external digital communication, including social listening and media channels, audience segmentation, copywriting, plain language standards, and digital media channel management. May involve basic design work in Canva and similar platforms.
• Support routine website updates and email communications and newsletters for dissemination via Mailchimp and other platforms.

20% Administrative Support
The Communications & Outreach Specialist will work closely with a small team to support:

• Assist leadership in planning and integrating external communications with outreach priorities and broader center initiatives.
• Serve as a point of contact for knowledge management resources related to communications and outreach, including maintaining organized systems for partner contacts and content assets.
• Assist with documenting, compiling, and editing summary reports for funders and stakeholders that highlight center activities, outputs, community reach, and outcomes.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS plus at least two years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience equal to at least six years.
• Adaptability and collaboration skills, ability and passion to work with a diverse team of interested parties (agricultural communities, Extension, Agribusiness, and Government Agencies) and thriving in a dynamic, community-engaged environment.
• Digital skills, including experience planning and implementing social media engagement and familiarity with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office or other similar software. Willingness to learn platforms like Canva, Asana, and Air Inc.
• Organizational skills, demonstrated organizational skills to balance multiple projects simultaneously, coordinating workflow and priorities.
• Communication skills, including effective writing, proofreading, and editing for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, respectful workplace.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual with fluency in Spanish preferred
• Specialized knowledge about agriculture, agricultural health, farming communities, environmental issues, public health, and/or occupational safety.
• Experience with event planning, public relations, and/or coordinating with external partner organizations in community, nonprofit, and/or public health settings.

The University of Minnesota School of Public Health improves the health and wellbeing of populations and communities around the world by bringing innovative research, learning, and concrete actions to today's biggest health challenges. SPH includes four academic divisions and 29 internationally recognized centers and is home to roughly 1,025 students, 130 tenured/tenure-track and contract faculty, and 450 staff.

SPH is a research powerhouse: #1 level of research funding per capita at UMN, #3 largest research portfolio at the UMN, #2 NIH funding among UMN schools and colleges, and $1.1M average grant funding per faculty member. The school is ranked nationally by the U.S. News & World Report, #6 public school of public health, and offers more than 20 leading master's, doctoral, and certificate programs, with its Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program ranked #2 and its Biostatistics program ranked #9.

Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH)

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.

Pay Range: $52,000 - $69,000 per year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented 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.

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.

Please submit the online application form and include a resume AND a cover letter or writing sample by uploading additional documents in the portal.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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

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.

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).