CURA - HUP Communication and Event Coordinator

This is a 50% time (20 hours per week [260 hours total]) Research Specialist position for summer semester (5/26/25-8/24/25).

The Hennepin-University Partnership (HUP) Research Specialist will work with the Program
Director and Senior Project Manager on a variety of tasks related to implementing several of the key strategies articulated in HUP Office's 2025 Communications Plan.

Principal Duties

• Prioritize and execute the key strategies outlined in HUP's 2025 Communications Plan.
• Establish measurable goals to measure progress or impact for each of HUP's communication channels
• Oversee general communications, including ensuring tone, communications, best practices, and messaging are in alignment with HUP's vision and mission.
• Ensure all public-facing websites and materials are updated and consistent with HUP's key messaging and audiences.
• Assist in producing materials for public relations/communications, such as creating infographics and data snapshots of key research impacts, one pagers, etc.
• Support HUP student communications assistant training and provide as-needed mentoring

Required Skills

• Bachelor's Degree
• Experience building HUP communication and promotion strategies.
• Experience with designing materials, such as infographics, newsletters, etc.
• Experience working with HUP university-government partnerships
• Experience tracking metrics to understand and improve communications performance over time
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to initiate and follow through on tasks.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in project management, including structuring and supporting implementation of communications plans
• Organizational communications strategies and tactics.

About HUP

HUP represents an innovative model of collaboration between local government and academia. The goal of HUP is to produce shared value for both the University of Minnesota and Hennepin County around areas of mutual Interest. This is achieved through the coordination of joint community-based research, the sharing of academic and practitioner expertise, and providing students with real-world experience. This work is supported by an office that aims to connect these two institutions as mutual points of benefit. The HUP Office catalyzes, supports, evaluates, and communicates collaborative projects across the Partnership. See www.hup.umn.edu for more information.

About the Department

CURA is an all-University applied research and technical assistance center that helps the University of Minnesota fulfill its land grant and urban missions by connecting faculty and student researchers with nonprofit organizations, businesses, neighborhoods, local governments, and state agencies in Minnesota. CURA supports research and publishes policy-oriented reports on a wide range of urban and regional issues. As graduate research assistants, students are hired by CURA to work under the supervision of a community organization.

Pay Range: $27.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have 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 a resume and 1-page cover letter through the online UMN System by midnight Monday, May 19, 2025. Emailed applications will not be accepted.

If you experience issues with the on-line system, please contact CJ Madsen: madse002@umnm.edu

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).