NIA DECC Communications Manager

The Institute for Social Research and Data Innovation (ISRDI) is launching a new initiative: The National Institute on Aging Demography and Economics Coordinating Center (NIA DECC). This coordinating center will help 16 NIA-funded Demography and Economics of Aging (D&E) Centers realize their full potential to generate impactful research, to facilitate new and innovative collaborations, and to broaden the community of aging scholars. NIA DECC has four objectives: (1) serve as the administrative hub of the D&E Centers; (2) facilitate synergistic collaborations to catalyze new aging research; (3) expand the

Join the NIA DECC team as we support amazing research across the country that is advancing aging knowledge in demography, economics, and social science areas, including on Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. The DECC Communication Manager will oversee all communications products and projects.

As the DECC communications manager, you'll be in charge of developing, implementing, and evaluating the Center's communications program with the guidance and support of the DECC Communications Leadership Team. Ensuring compliance with NIA requirements, you will develop and manage a DECC website; produce and coordinate email, social media, and media relations; and plan and execute strategies to share cutting-edge, timely research from the NIA Centers on the Demography and Economics of Aging, including developing a variety of outreach-oriented products and tools. You will love this job if you:

• Have a passion for effectively communicating scientific and health research
• Thrive in roles where you get to orchestrate many moving parts
• Love working with diverse stakeholders
• Enjoy developing and implementing communications strategies

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy and Planning (10%): Develop a strategic communications plan for NIA DECC, working with NIA DECC Co-Directors, Communications Leadership Team, and NIA officials. Ensure that communications products are meeting program goals. Participate in the collection, review, and analysis of data with regard to research accessibility, effective science delivery, and outreach, evaluating the effectiveness of the communications program and products - and revising approaches as indicated.

Dissemination (65%): Develop, create, and manage products to summarize research findings and publicize NIA DECC events and services. Work in consultation with NIA DECC Co-Directors, NIA stakeholders and D&E Centers.

• Newsletters
  • Develop a digital newsletter for the NIA DECC to highlight research findings and publicize events and services.
  • Develop a process to solicit and publish content from D&E Centers for the Newsletter
  • Manage email distribution and use metrics to monitor readership and to adjust content and distribution.
  • Research, write, and edit newsletter content.
• Policy Briefs
  • Research, write, edit, and publish biannual research briefs on topics relevant to NIA DECC.
  • Develop and implement dissemination plan for NIA DECC Policy Briefs
• Blog
  • Develop an NIA DECC Blog to highlight research, datasets, and opportunities related to NIA priority topics sponsored by the Centers.
  • Research, write, edit, and publish blog posts on topics relevant to NIA DECC.
• Website
  • Work with ISRDI IT professionals and DECC Co-Directors to develop the NIA DECC website
  • Develop a process to solicit and publish content from D&E Centers on the NIA DECC website
  • Post-development, provide day-to-day oversight and maintenance of the website, including development of new pages/functions, as well as general content management
• Social Media
  • Establish and manage NIA DECC social media presence, determining best platforms for our purposes
• Other
  • Coordinate media relations and serve as point of contact for incoming media inquiries
  • Prepare print material and displays for conference exhibits
  • Develop and launch additional communications initiatives

Support other NIA DECC activities (15%): Working with the NIA DECC team, help support additional events and services to D&E Centers.

• Serve as a communications consultant for D&E Centers
• Participate in workshop to teach researchers how to write policy briefs
• Support virtual and in-person NIA DECC events, including webinars, conference exhibits, and workshops, working closely with NIA DECC Coordinator

Support ISRDI Communications needs (10%): Work with the ISRDI Communications Coordinator and ISRDI leadership to support the Institute's overall communications strategy and efforts.

Work Location: This position is eligible for hybrid or fully onsite work arrangements. The selected candidate must work from the ISRDI offices at least 2 days a week. ISRDI is located at 50 Willey Hall in Minneapolis, MN.
Travel: The successful candidate will be required to travel 1-3 times per year.

Required:

• B.A./B.S. plus two or more years of experience in a communications role, or a combination of related education and work experience equivalent to six years
• Experience leading or relevant to leading a communications program, including developing, executing, and evaluating the effectiveness of plans, strategies, and tactics
• Strong writing, editing, and design skills, lending themselves to creating a variety of content
• The competencies necessary to work effectively with distributed teams and with stakeholders who have diverse backgrounds, priorities, and perspectives
• Skill using various communications apps and tools, such as Google Suite, Project Management systems such as Basecamp, Adobe Creative Suite, Mailchimp and/or Salesforce Marketing Cloud, website content management systems, and social media management platforms
• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and equity, and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment
• Proven ability to express scientific concepts, research findings, or other complex subjects in engaging, accessible language
• An ability to move projects forward independently (but not in isolation) - setting priorities, communicating progress, and balancing different streams of work

Additional selection criteria*:

• A professional background in a social science or health field related to the demographics and economics of aging (e.g., sociology, public health, gerontology, public affairs)
• A professional background in science communication and/or outreach
• Demonstrated ability to engage stakeholders and to grow long-term relationships with key partners and audiences

*Are you excited about this job and meet the required qualifications, but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every preferred qualification? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. If this is you, we strongly encourage you to apply because you just may be the right candidate for this role.

The Institute for Social Research and Data Innovation (ISRDI) is a University-wide research institute that provides a vibrant and highly collaborative interdisciplinary research environment for four interrelated research centers (IPUMS, the Minnesota Population Center, the Life Course Center, and the Minnesota Research Data Center). ISRDI supports a work-life balance for our staff with 40-hour workweeks and flexible work hours. The University also offers excellent health insurance, retirement benefits, and tuition assistance. ISRDI encourages and supports staff training and development.

Diversity and inclusion are core values of our organization! We are committed to creating a work environment that celebrates and promotes diversity and advances a culture of inclusion for persons from historically excluded and underrepresented groups. We strongly encourage members of underrepresented groups to apply.

Pay Range: $26.44- $34.62 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-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:

• 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

Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Application Deadline: October 20, 2025. Applications must be submitted online.

To be considered, applicants must submit three things in PDF format: a short cover letter describing your approach to communications; a resume; and one relevant writing sample, with the option to include a brief explanation of why you chose it. The sample can be anything: a story, a press release, a communications plan, etc. 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, resume, and PDF.

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.

Questions concerning the application process, including requests for accommodation, may be addressed to Alex Lunde, HR & Operations Manager, at isrdi-jobs@umn.edu . 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 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).