University of Minnesota

Compensation

Full Description

Required Qualifications • BA/BS degree in journalism, communications, marketing, or a related field. A non-communications degree with an additional two years of professional writing/editing experience can be accepted. • Demonstrated commitment to advocating for an inclusive environment for all backgrounds and identities. • Minimum of six years of professional communications or editorial experience. Individuals without a degree in communications must have eight years of progressive responsibility in communications. Preferred Qualifications • Demonstrated experience managing the regular production of a magazine, journal, newspaper, or comparable publication on firm deadlines. • Demonstrated professional experience as a writer and editor, including copyediting and substantive editing. • Proven ability to develop accurate, engaging content across formats and platforms. • Demonstrated storytelling, reporting, research, and interviewing skills. • Demonstrated editorial judgment and ability to work independently. • Experience collaborating with subject-matter experts, stakeholders, and multidisciplinary teams. • Experience in journalism, higher education, nonprofit, or mission-driven organizations. • Familiarity with AP Style and professional editorial workflows. • Experience working in Adobe Creative Suite. Position Overview The Principal Editor/Writer is responsible for a wide range of writing tasks for multiple platforms, producing online, digital, social media, and print content, often under tight deadlines. The candidate should be a driven storyteller with strong news judgement and experience writing and editing in a research setting. This role requires building relationships with advocates, academics, family members, and other stakeholders across the disability community to assist ICI’s research, training, and outreach programs. The Principal Editor/Writer must be creative while also possessing the ability to assess and address the needs of multiple clients. The successful candidate will need to work across communications teams (editorial, digital, and design) and be strategic in determining the concept, voice, and editorial direction of a wide range of print and digital projects. The Principal Editor/Writer will be responsible not only for developing stories and writing copy but also editing content for grammar, style, tone, branding, and appropriate language depending on the type of communication and target audience. This position will also supervise the production of at least one large-scale publication three times per year. The incumbent must be able to write for a variety of media types, including video, and have demonstrated knowledge of professional editorial practices and processes, with strong knowledge of AP Style. The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. Please note that 100% remote work requires approval prior to offer. Job Responsibilities Editorial leadership and project management (45%) • Serve as managing editor for Impact magazine, leading editorial planning, story development, production, and publication (three issues per year). • Shape the editorial vision, voice, and thematic direction of Impact and other major publications. • Collaborate with ICI leadership, researchers, and content experts to identify timely, relevant, and policy-relevant story ideas. • Work directly with authors to guide content development, revisions, structure, and tone. • Manage production schedules and coordinate with designers, digital staff, printers, and vendors. • Lead editorial development of ICI’s annual report and other high-visibility publications. • Identify new editorial opportunities that advance ICI’s communications and advocacy goals. Writing and content development (45%) • Report, write, and edit original content for print, web, newsletters, and social media. • Develop story ideas that translate research into accessible, engaging narratives. • Produce solutions-focused journalism highlighting effective practices, policy implications, and lived experience. • Adapt content for multiple platforms, including digital campaigns and narrative video scripts. • Translate complex research findings into clear, audience-specific messaging Editorial support and quality assurance (10%) • Provide advanced editing for reports, articles, and publications, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and adherence to AP Style. • Offer strategic editorial guidance to staff on content planning, framing, and storytelling approaches. • Review materials for legal, ethical, accessibility, and copyright considerations. • Ensure all publications meet professional editorial standards and reflect ICI’s mission and values. Department Overview The Institute on Community Integration (ICI) at the University of Minnesota pushes the edge of inclusion through an intensive focus on policies and practices that affect children, youth, and adults with disabilities, and those receiving educational supports. ICI’s collaborative research, training, and information-sharing ensure that people with disabilities are valued by, included in, and contribute to their communities of choice throughout their lifetime. ICI works with service providers, policymakers, educators, employers, advocacy organizations, researchers, families, community members, and individuals with disabilities around the world, building communities that are inclusive. ICI is a designated University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, part of a national network of similar programs in major universities and teaching hospitals across the country. The Institute is home to over 70 projects and six Affiliated Centers, addressing disability issues across the lifespan. College Overview The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the University's third largest college, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of life. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That’s why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice. 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 or CV. This position will remain open until filled. 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. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship . 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).