Communications and Web Assistant

The Minnesota Design Center (MDC) and the Center for Sustainable Building Research (CSBR) in the College of Design at the University of Minnesota are seeking a Communications and Web Assistant for a casual appointment (up to 14 hours per week). This position will support the organizations' digital communications through website management, graphic design, and social media, helping showcase research, projects, and community engagement activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and update MDC and CSBR websites.
• Collaborate with researchers to keep project pages current by gathering and posting photos, publications, links, and other project materials.
• Create, maintain, and update MDC and CSBR social media accounts, including Instagram and LinkedIn.
• Assist with planning and coordinating website review meetings, including scheduling and documenting meeting notes.
• Develop and implement website design solutions based on feedback from staff and researchers.
• Create graphics and other visual communication materials for websites, presentations, and social media.
• Ensure website content is accurate, accessible, and aligned with University branding standards.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in marketing, communications, or web management
• Experience with front-end web development, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Experience using Google Sites to create and maintain websites.
• Experience managing professional social media platforms, including Instagram and LinkedIn.
• Proficiency with graphic design software such as Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, or comparable programs.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects independently while meeting deadlines.
• Strong visual communication and graphic design skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently in a remote or hybrid work environment.
• Reliable access to a computer, internet connection, and telephone.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with sustainable development, resilience, or related research areas.
• Familiarity with sustainable design principles.
• Experience working with diverse communities throughout Minnesota.
• Experience supporting research communications or academic organizations.

Formed in 2006, the University of Minnesota's College of Design encompasses a full range of design disciplines, including eight undergraduate degrees, 24 graduate and professional degree options, and nine centers for research, creative scholarship, and engagement. Through rigorous

commitments to creativity, equity, and advancing technologies, College of Design educational

programs and innovations address emerging issues, identify problems, frame creative approaches, and generate solutions across all scales of human experience. We offer rich opportunities for interdisciplinary research and public engagement, through highly-regarded research and engagement centers, including the Center for Retail Design and Innovation (CRDI), Wearable Product Design, Digital Design Center (DDC), Minnesota Design Center (MDC), Center for Sustainable Building Research (CSBR), and the Goldstein Museum of Design. For more information about the college, please visit our website at design.umn.edu.

We are located in the Twin Cities, known as a major design hub and home to design-oriented

Fortune 500 companies such as Target, 3M, General Mills, Best Buy, and Medtronic, several

international and national award-winning architecture practices, thriving local businesses, and a

strong non-profit sector. Our students have a wide range of internship opportunities, our graduates enjoy high employment rates, and our alumni are highly engaged with current students and faculty. We take pride in Minnesota's designations as a Research 1 and Community-Engaged University, which provide foundations for many of our award-winning projects.

Pay Range: $27.50/hr; 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 submit the following:

• A brief cover letter explaining your interest, relevant skills and prior research experience.
• A CV or resume
• Provide a link to a portfolio (20-page maximum) or sample of academic and/or professional work that demonstrates how your experiences align with website and social media development. Portfolios may include built websites, design projects, demonstration of representation skills, fabrication experience, writing samples, etc.

For inquiries, please contact Emma Fisher at fishe748@umn.edu.

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.

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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.