Communication & Outreach Spec at University of New Mexico – Albuquerque, New Mexico

Requisition ID: req35229

Working Title:
Communication & Outreach Spec

Position Grade:
12

Position Summary:
Join a creative, collaborative team that tells the story of UNM's built environment and the people who make our campus thrive. The Institutional Support Services (ISS) Marketing & Communications team is seeking a Communication & Outreach Specialist to craft compelling stories, develop strategic messaging, and elevate awareness of the operations and staff behind our university spaces. This position offers the opportunity to work across diverse departments, contribute to campus-wide initiatives, and make a lasting impact through meaningful, story-driven communications. The Communication & Outreach Specialist develops, coordinates, and implements strategic communications and outreach initiatives that enhance visibility and engagement across ISS and its affiliated reporting units, including the Vice President's Office, Facility Services, Campus Capital Space & Planning, Facilities Design & Construction, Lobo Energy, and other related units, while serving the needs of the organization's other departments as needed.

This position serves as a lead communications professional within the ISS Marketing & Communications team, supporting urgent communications, storytelling, and public outreach efforts. The position collaborates with a diverse, creative team to produce clear, engaging, and accessible content that translates complex operational or technical information for broad campus audiences. The specialist provides high-level writing, editing, and strategic support; mentors junior staff; and serves as a backup to the Marketing & Communications Manager, exercising sound judgment, professionalism, and strong interpersonal skills.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops and implements communication and outreach strategies that promote ISS initiatives, services, and staff achievements.
• Writes, edits, and produces internal and external communications, including articles, digital content, press materials, and urgent messaging.
• Maintains and updates websites using the Cascade Web Management System, ensuring content accuracy, accessibility, and alignment with University branding and messaging standards.
• Photograph and/or record video of events, staff, and campus operations for public release and storytelling purposes, following University policies and best practices for media use.
• Translates complex operational and technical information into accessible and engaging narratives for diverse campus audiences.
• Collaborates with ISS departments, directors, associate vice presidents, and campus leadership to develop strategic messaging, announcements, and urgent communications.
• Plans and coordinates outreach campaigns, features, and storytelling efforts that elevate awareness of staff, sustainability efforts, and infrastructure improvements.
• Provides mentorship and supports material review for junior team members, and assists in developing and maintaining team standards.
• Participates in regular team meetings and brainstorming sessions to contribute ideas, feedback, and creative approaches in a collaborative environment.
• Represents ISS Marketing & Communications at meetings and events, and serves as a backup lead for project delivery when the manager is unavailable.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

See the Position Description for additional information.
Campus:
Main - Albuquerque, NM

Benefits Eligble:
This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.

Department:
VP Institutional Support Svcs Staff (816A)

Employment Type:
Staff

Staff Type:
Regular - Full-Time
Status:
Exempt

Pay:
Monthly: $3,844.53 - $5,399.33

Benefits Eligible:
This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.

ERB Statement:
As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.

Background Check Required:
Yes
For Best Consideration Date:
1/5/2026

Application Instructions:
Only applications submitted throughthe official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this jobadvertisement on a 3rd party site, pleasevisit UNMJobs to submit an application.
To be considered, applicants must complete the online application through UNMJobs and include a cover letter detailing relevant experience and interest in the position, a resume, and contact information for 3 professional references.Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or GED; at least 7 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in higher education or public sectorcommunications.
• Demonstratedsuccess managing multi-channel communications campaigns or storytellinginitiatives.
• Experience mentoring or guiding junior team members orstudent staff members.
• Familiarity with content accessibility standards andinclusive communication practices.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud, web contentmanagement, and analytics tools.