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Communications Specialist - College of Arts and Sciences

Universities of Wisconsin · River Falls, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 4, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about content you created that measurably improved engagement.

What they are checking: Whether they track results and can connect their work to outcomes.

Tell me about a time a faculty member was unhappy with how you described their work.

What they are checking: Whether they can balance accuracy, the subject's wishes and the audience's needs.

How do you keep multiple requests organized when you report to the dean but serve every department?

What they are checking: Whether they can manage competing priorities and keep their manager informed.

What would you do

The College of Arts and Sciences at UW-River Falls has many different programs. How would you decide which stories to tell first?

What they are checking: Whether they can prioritize content against college goals when every department wants attention.

How would you work with the UMC public relations specialist so you do not duplicate or contradict each other?

What they are checking: Whether they can coordinate with a central team and respect who owns what.

Two departments both want the top spot in the college newsletter this month. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can make fair calls and explain them without damaging relationships.

About the work

Walk me through how you take a request from a department chair and turn it into a finished piece.

What they are checking: Whether they clarify goals and audience before writing, which the posting calls verifying requests.

How do you monitor the reach and effectiveness of communications, and what do you do with the numbers?

What they are checking: Whether they use analytics to change their work instead of just reporting figures.

How would you write about a chemistry research project for prospective students and their parents?

What they are checking: Whether they can make academic work clear and appealing to a non-specialist audience.

What tools do you use for photos, video, social media and web content?

What they are checking: Whether they can produce a range of content themselves on a small college team.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Universities of Wisconsin from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by Universities of Wisconsin.

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process. Position Title: Communications Specialist - College of Arts and Sciences Job Category: Academic Staff Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: Communications Specialist Job Duties: POSITION SUMMARY: This position develops and drafts communication content and assists in the execution of the communications strategy in support of unit communication goals. The position supports the communications efforts of a dynamic array of academic programs with a focus on expanding and enriching the College of Arts and Science’s marketing impact and engagement with key audiences and stakeholders. While reporting to the dean and working as part of a coordinated support team for the college, the Communications Specialist will also work in close coordination with the UWRF University Marketing and Communications (UMC) team and CAS Departments to support a wide variety of communication, messaging and content creation needs. Key Job Responsibilities: • Communicates with stakeholders to verify requests and identify editorial resources • Work with the UMC Public Relations Specialist and other units as appropriate to develop and distribute CAS-related news. • Monitors reach and effectiveness of communication campaigns, projects, and initiatives • Create, design and produce visual and digital assets in support of content creation. • Provides project management and execution of communications programs, initiatives, and tactical plans • Collaborate with UMC and the Campus Communicators Group on sharing CAS-related news/projects. • Plans editorial content according to established goals and objects • Writes, edits, and publishes content for various communication projects and marketing platforms to align with strategic initiatives and established communication campaigns Department: College of Arts and Sciences Required Qualifications: • Associate’s degree with 2+ year of relevant work experience • Demonstrated proficiency in graphic design • Experience with written and/or visual storytelling • Strong customer service and interpersonal skills • Strong organizational and time management skills Preferred Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, marketing communication or closely related field • Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud and/or design programs such as Canva • Experience managing social media profiles, preferably for an organization or business • Experience with photo and video archiving databases, such as Photoshelter • Experience working in an educational environment, preferably college or university • Proficiency with Microsoft Office How to Apply: Applicants are required to apply online at Career Opportunities . UWRF will not consider paper, emailed or faxed applications. Applicants are required to provide: • Resume • Letter of interest specifying qualifications and experience (cover letter) • Digital access to examples of past work that showcases graphic design, writing, organization-based social media and/or web design. Inquiries should be addressed to: Karl Peterson Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Search Chair karl.peterson@uwrf.edu Deadline to Apply: Initial review of applications will begin upon receipt. For full consideration, applicants should submit all required materials on or before September 20, 2026 . Employees receive excellent benefits including exceptionally low-cost comprehensive health, dental and vision benefits; employer match of Wisconsin Retirement System contributions of 7.20%; an attractive amount of paid leave per year in addition to paid sick leave. To learn more about our benefits, go to: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/quickguidefasl.pdf UW-River Falls does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 715-425-4941. Confidentiality of Applicant Materials The Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the final candidates may be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7). Title IX Notice As required by Title IX and federal regulations, UW-River Falls does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs or activities, including in admission and employment. Questions about the application of Title IX may be referred to UWRF’s Title IX Coordinator at  titleix@uwrf.edu ; the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights; or both. For more information, please see students.uwrf.edu/titleix . Criminal Background Check and Reference Check Policy Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you, your most recent employer, and all previous Universities of Wisconsin institutions and State of Wisconsin agency employers from the past seven (7) years to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment per Universities of Wisconsin Administrative Policy 1275. Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act) The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies can be viewed at  www.uwrf.edu/police/annual-security-and-fire-safety-report  or call University Police at 715-425-3133 for a paper copy. Reasonable Accommodations UW-River Falls provides reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or an accommodation in applying because of a disability, contact hr@uwrf.edu or 715-425-3518. Academic Freedom & Freedom of Expression The University is committed to academic freedom and freedom of expression, and provides all members of the University community the broadest possible latitude to explore ideas and to speak, write, listen, challenge and learn, pursuant to Regent Policy Document 4-21 Commitment to Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression . UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

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