Communications Specialist - College of Arts and Sciences

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position develops and drafts communication content and assists in the execution of the communications strategy in support of unit communication goals. The position supports the communications efforts of a dynamic array of academic programs with a focus on expanding and enriching the College of Arts and Science’s marketing impact and engagement with key audiences and stakeholders.  While reporting to the dean and working as part of a coordinated support team for the college, the Communications Specialist will also work in close coordination with the UWRF University Marketing and Communications (UMC) team and CAS Departments to support a wide variety of communication, messaging and content creation needs.

• Communicates with stakeholders to verify requests and identify editorial resources

• Work with the UMC Public Relations Specialist and other units as appropriate to develop and distribute CAS-related news.

• Monitors reach and effectiveness of communication campaigns, projects, and initiatives

• Create, design and produce visual and digital assets in support of content creation.

• Provides project management and execution of communications programs, initiatives, and tactical plans

• Collaborate with UMC and the Campus Communicators Group on sharing CAS-related news/projects.

• Plans editorial content according to established goals and objects

• Writes, edits, and publishes content for various communication projects and marketing platforms to align with strategic initiatives and established communication campaigns

College of Arts and Sciences

• Associate’s degree with 2+ year of relevant work experience

• Demonstrated proficiency in graphic design

• Experience with written and/or visual storytelling

• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills

• Strong organizational and time management skills

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, marketing communication or closely related field

• Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud and/or design programs such as Canva

• Experience managing social media profiles, preferably for an organization or business

• Experience with photo and video archiving databases, such as Photoshelter

• Experience working in an educational environment, preferably college or university

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Applicants are required to apply online at Career Opportunities. UWRF will not consider paper, emailed or faxed applications.  Applicants are required to provide:

• Resume

• Letter of interest specifying qualifications and experience (cover letter)

• Digital access to examples of past work that showcases graphic design, writing, organization-based social media and/or web design.

Inquiries should be addressed to:
Karl Peterson

Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Search Chair

[email protected]

Deadline to Apply: Initial review of applications will begin upon receipt. For full consideration, applicants should submit all required materials on or before September 20, 2026. 

Employees receive excellent benefits including exceptionally low-cost comprehensive health, dental and vision benefits; employer match of Wisconsin Retirement System contributions of 7.20%; an attractive amount of paid leave per year in addition to paid sick leave. To learn more about our benefits, go to:
https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/quickguidefasl.pdf

UW-River Falls does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 715-425-4941.

The Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the final candidates may be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7). 

As required by Title IX and federal regulations, UW-River Falls does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs or activities, including in admission and employment. Questions about the application of Title IX may be referred to UWRF’s Title IX Coordinator at [email protected]; the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights; or both. For more information, please see students.uwrf.edu/titleix. 

Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you, your most recent employer, and all previous Universities of Wisconsin institutions and State of Wisconsin agency employers from the past seven (7) years to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment per Universities of Wisconsin Administrative Policy 1275. 

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies can be viewed at www.uwrf.edu/police/annual-security-and-fire-safety-report or call University Police at 715-425-3133 for a paper copy. 

UW-River Falls provides reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or an accommodation in applying because of a disability, contact [email protected] or 715-425-3518. 

The University is committed to academic freedom and freedom of expression, and provides all members of the University community the broadest possible latitude to explore ideas and to speak, write, listen, challenge and learn, pursuant to Regent Policy Document 4-21 Commitment to Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.