Research Communications Specialist

Research Communications Specialist

Working Title  | Research Communications Specialist
Department  | Research-50000086
Requisition Number  | S_250633
Posting Open Date  | 08/08/2025
Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)  | 08/22/2025
Posting Close Date  |
Open Until Filled  | Yes
Description of Work  | The Research Communications Specialist supports the Office of Research and Innovation’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 uses social media to encourage the Nebraska research community to utilize programs, services, events and other opportunities that R&I offers. They also are responsible for ensuring effective messaging across multiple channels, developing content that aligns with the university’s research and innovation goals, and following the brand guidelines outlined by University Communication and Marketing. The individual in this position must be comfortable interviewing faculty researchers, students, and partners to learn about their work. The individual in this role must stay informed about current and emerging social media tools, strategies and best practices.

The Research Communications Specialist must be able to create multimedia content to enhance social media posts and other communications projects. The ideal candidate is: Comfortable using a DSLR camera and editing photos in Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, or similar professional software. Able to create polished social media graphics using Adobe Creative Suite and/or other graphic design resources. Able to create and edit short videos using professional software (e.g., Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro or similar). 
The position works closely with R&I’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. Event-related responsibilities will include photography, creating short videos that enhance the event experience, and leveraging social media channels to foster engagement before and after events.

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 take ownership of projects and 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 collaborative workforce. UNL is committed to providing a work environment and culture that fosters personal and professional success where every person and every interaction matters. The University is proud to be one of Nebraska’s preferred and largest employers where 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

Minimum Required Qualifications  | Bachelor’s degree in journalism, advertising and 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. Successful completion of a capstone course in UNL’s College of Journalism and Mass Communications, or equivalent, during the past 10 years may be counted toward the professional experience requirement. 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 polished visual elements for social media channels, including short videos, graphics and photos. Demonstrated flexibility, adaptability and skills to simultaneously work on multiple projects. Ability to take ownership of R&I’s social media presence and recommend best practices, in alignment with the office’s communications and marketing goals. Must be able to apply Associated Press style in written communications.

Preferred Qualifications  | Completion of a graduate certificate in public relations and social media preferred. Experience in fully managing social media channels in a professional context or equivalent is preferred; however, experience in creating written and visual content for social media channels, branding materials, websites, and/or digital newsletters will be considered. Ability to develop written and visual content that follows university brand guidelines. Experience communicating about complex topics is desired. Professional communications experience in a university, 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. Experience using Adobe Creative Suite, social media management tools, and video editing software is preferred. 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. Ability to analyze user data and metrics to make content decisions is helpful.
Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required  | No
Physical Required  | No
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  | Yes
Posted Salary  | $53,000/yr. minimum
How to Apply  | 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, a list of references, and a mentorship statement as four (4) separate documents in MS Word or PDF format.
For questions or accommodations related to this position contact  | Ember Welsch, Human Resources Coordinator Lead
Office of Research and Innovation
ewelsch2@unl.edu
Job Category (old)  | Managerial/Professional
Job Type  | Full-Time
Alternate Work Schedule (if other than 8-5)  |
Work Location (City, State)  | Lincoln, NE
Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?  | No
If Temporary, indicate end date  |
Planned Hire Date:  |
Appointment End Date  | 

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