Internal Communications Specialist

Are you ready to help shape the stories and content that connect, engage and inspire employees at one of the country's most innovative public urban universities? We're looking for a talented internal communications specialist to join Metropolitan State University of Denver's award-winning Strategic Communications team. You'll play a central role in producing and managing content across key channels - including the Early Bird employee-news platform, Faculty and Staff Hub and other key internal communications resources - that keep faculty and staff members informed and equipped to help our students succeed and advance the university's mission.

NOTE: Candidates must submit a portfolio of writing samples or links to published work to be considered for this position. See below for submission instructions.

Roles and responsibilities include:

Content Management and Editorial Operations - 40%

• Manages content and editorial calendars.

• Builds and publishes employee-focused news content on the Early Bird, MSU Denver's employee-news platform.

• Builds, publishes and curates content for the employee newsletter, Faculty and Staff Hub and some University website pages.

• Manages mass communication and serves on planning committees for high-level employee events and recognition programs.

• Facilitates updates to internal communication channels such as employee-engagement platforms andcampus digital monitors.

• Responsible for administrative management of select email lists, sender profiles and templates.
  

Research, Writing and Editing - 40%

• Writes 4-5 employee-centric news stories, announcements, roundups and features weekly.

• Covers and reports on university administration, governance, Academic Affairs, employee groups and MSU Denver events.

• Edits the employee newsletter and manages the newsletter calendar to strategically distribute relevant and timely employee-news topics to campus.

• Copy edits a variety of print and digital written content for clarity, accuracy and AP style.

• Manages series and campaigns to meet communication objectives.
• Develops communication campaigns for launches or high-level university projects and initiatives.

Internal communications support and engagement - 15%

• Develops and maintains criteria documents, toolkits, reference materials and other resources to assist campus leaders and communicators in effective strategic communication.

• Responsible for co-managing the Communications and Marketing Cohort - updating members, sending announcements, scheduling monthly speakers and facilitating meetings.

• Tracks web and email metrics and other data

• Supervises student editorial assistant.

• Participates in professional development, training and special projects, including serving on university committees and other duties as assigned.

Issues Management and Crisis Communication - 5%

• Serves as a core member of the university's crisis communication team.

• Crafts and disseminates mass communication regarding emergencies and urgent university matters.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, marketing, public relations or a related field.
• At least two years of full-time professional experience working in a communications, public relations, journalism or marketing role.
• Demonstrated experience writing and editing for multiple communication platforms, as demonstrated in a portfolio of published work.
• Experience using WordPress or similar content management systems.
• Experience using Marketing Cloud or similar email newsletter tools.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience writing, publishing and distributing employee-focused content, including internal news stories, features and announcements.
• Expert-level knowledge of Associated Press style, as demonstrated in resume, cover letter and portfolio examples.
• Experience managing an editorial or project calendar.
• Understanding of how to responsibly and effectively integrate generative AI tools into communication and content workflows.
• Experience planning, crafting and distributing a regularly scheduled e-newsletter.
• Experience editing and sizing images with Adobe Photoshop or similar applications.
• Experience creating or editing video, infographics, photo slideshows or other multimedia storytelling content.
• Experience tracking and reporting metrics data.

Schedule Information

Full-time, 40 hours per week
Exempt
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Evenings and Weekend Work: Occasionally as needed
Schedule: Hybrid schedule requiring multiple days per week in office, with the flexibility of some remote work opportunities (subject to supervisor approval)
Travel: Rarely

Salary for Announcement

Under Colorado law, MSU Denver is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The anticipated hiring range is $50,000-$60,000.

Instructions to Apply

For full consideration, please submit the following documents:

Resume
Cover letter describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position

Two published writing samples or links to published work.
Professional references and their contact information will be requested from the finalist/s. At least one reference provided must be a supervisor (either current or former).

Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.

Deadline

Applications accepted until position filled; priority given to applications received by October 22, 2025.

Open Until Filled

The University's benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as accessto a long-term disability (LTD) plan.Visit MSU Denver'sbenefits websiteto learn more.

For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf.

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at totalrewards@msudenver.edu.

Background Checks

Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.