Casual Community Engagement Specialist for Shen Neurolaw Lab (# 376214)

o Build and maintain strong, transparent relationships with community organizations, policymakers, and advocacy groups to foster partnerships.
o Conduct and facilitate community meetings, listening sessions, and educational workshops (in-person and virtually).
o Collaborate with Lab Members to plan and execute Lab community engagement events o Utilize Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) tools and other digital platforms for data entry, record management, and targeted communication/email campaigns to track engagement and strengthen relationships.

• 35% Public Education and Advocacy o Communicate complex research findings clearly and concisely to non-expert audiences and community members.

o Draft informational materials, in collaboration with researchers and university partners, ensuring materials are culturally competent and accessible.
o Act as a key liaison between research staff and the public, representing the organization at community events and public forums.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• 3+ years of professional experience in a role focused on community engagement, public affairs, policy advocacy, or field organizing.
• Proven ability to build relationships between diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent public communication, presentation, and facilitation skills, with a focus on communicating in community settings.
• Applicants should be highly motivated with an ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a non-profit, government, or academic setting.
• Experience in managing accounts or partnerships, showing an ability to maintain long-term, positive relationships.
• Experience serving in a leadership capacity or on a governing board that guides educational programming or community strategy.

About the Department

Recognized as one of the country's preeminent public law schools, the University of Minnesota Law School is a leader in preparing students to solve our time's complex social, economic, and business issues. Our exceptional faculty, innovative curriculum, and unmatched clinical and experiential learning opportunities equip students for the demands of the 21st century. We are distinguished by a rare collegial culture emphasizing teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and persuasion. The Law School draws a talented, diverse student body from every part of the United States and numerous countries.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $50.00; 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.

How To Apply

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.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received. Applicants are encouraged to submit as soon as possible for full consideration.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

Diversity

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

Employment Requirements

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.

About University of Minnesota

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, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.