External Affairs Associate

NRRI Organizational Job Title: External Affairs Associate - 8342WR (M&C Pro 2-Writer)

The External Affairs Associate plays a supportive role in advancing NRRI's mission by connecting research to decision-makers, communities, and the public. This position supports implementation of NRRI's External Affairs strategy, including legislative relations, Tribal and community engagement, strategic communications, and institutional visibility. Working closely with the Director of External Affairs, the Associate will coordinate outreach activities, track engagement, and help translate complex science into clear, accessible messages for diverse audiences. The role also contributes directly to content creation-developing written materials, editing, presentations, and digital content that highlight NRRI's science and innovation for stakeholders across Minnesota and beyond.

Job Duties:

50% - Science Writing, Editing & Content Development

• Draft and edit public-facing content such as newsletters, web articles, social media posts, and internal memos.
• Translate technical research findings into clear, engaging language tailored for policymakers, Tribal partners, industry, and community audiences.
• Collaborate with research staff and the Communications Lead to ensure accuracy and alignment with institutional messaging.
• Contribute to visual storytelling, including image selection, graphics, and other media to convey NRRI's work.
• Editing: finalize technical reports and journal articles prior to submission to funders and other stakeholders, read/review reports/manuscripts, check for errors and consistency, reconcile literature cited with list of references, conduct online search to locate missing references, check accuracy of references, research/review/format materials according to submission requirements, add publication to reports archives, distribute as needed, create and maintain reports tracking databases, Maintain/update publications pages of NRRI website.

25% - External Affairs Coordination

• Provide logistical and organizational support for NRRI's external affairs efforts, including meeting scheduling, agendas, briefing materials, and follow-up tracking.
• Maintain contact databases, engagement logs, grant calendars, and other systems to ensure effective stakeholder management.
• Support budget tracking and reporting for external affairs activities.

25% - Stakeholder Engagement Support

• Assist with outreach to Tribal Nations, community organizations, legislators, and other external partners.
  • Draft correspondence, talking points, presentation materials, and briefing documents that advance NRRI's engagement goals.
  • Ensure outreach activities are inclusive, responsive, and strategically aligned with institutional priorities.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in public affairs, communications, English, political science, or related field plus two years of experience or a combination of education and experience to equal at least six years.
• Strong writing and editing skills for both internal and external audiences
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and digital collaboration tools

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting cross-functional or external relations work in a university, nonprofit, or government setting
• Familiarity with CRM platforms and AI tools
• Experience preparing written materials such as meeting notes, reports, or briefings, particularly on scientific content
• Cultural fluency in working with tribal or historically underrepresented communities
• Proven ability to effectively and professionally communicate both verbally and in writing, including excellent spelling and grammar
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively with staff, and external stakeholders.
  

Physical/Environmental Demands:

• Office environment / no specific or unusual physical or environmental demands.

Other Requirements:

• Valid driver's license required for this position as it will require travel. University fleet vehicle provided.

Pay Range: $27.12 to $34.00; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given 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. You are required to attach a cover letter and resume to be considered for this position.

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.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

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).