Temporary Volunteer Content Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The University of Minnesota's Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) is seeking an experienced, established Content Writer to join our Strategic Partnerships and External Affairs team. The candidate will craft high-impact, strategic content that highlights NRRI's applied research and its vital economic and environmental impacts on the state of Minnesota, the region, and the nation.
The ideal candidate is a cross-platform storyteller capable of translating complex scientific concepts into compelling narratives for a diverse audience while adapting voice, structure, and tone across digital, social, video, audio, and print channels. Responsibilities include producing content ranging from press releases, technical reports, and print features to video scripts, podcast notes, web stories, email newsletters, and platform-specific social media copy. All content will be developed in collaboration with the External Affairs office staff to ensure it aligns with strategic communication goals.

• Location: Candidates must be available to work in-office or on-location as directed.
• Travel: Regional travel is required to field research locations and the Duluth and Coleraine offices.

Job Duties:
30% | Collaborating, Interviewing, and Story Development

• Partner with the External Affairs team to plan editorial calendars, align messaging with strategic goals, and repurpose key stories across multiple channels.
• Conduct interviews with researchers, industry partners, and community stakeholders to surface unique angles for multi-format feature content.

70% | Writing and Reporting

• Synthesize complex scientific data and technical research into compelling, accessible narratives that highlight NRRI's regional and economic impact.
• Research, draft, and copyedit clear, high-quality content optimized for diverse platforms, including digital/web, short-form video/audio scripts, print publications, and social channels.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS plus two years of experience or a combination of education and experience to equal six years.
• Proven Experience: Established background as a professional writer or journalist, supported by a strong portfolio of published work.
• Technical Skill: Exceptional writing, reporting, storytelling, copyediting skills and social media expertise.
• Adaptability: Ability to write for diverse formats (from technical reports to succinct social media copy).
• Mobility: Ability to travel regionally to various offices and rugged field research sites as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise: Demonstrated experience in science writing, environmental reporting, or technical communication.
• NRRI & Regional Knowledge: Deep understanding of NRRI's specific applied research portfolio and its socio-economic impacts on Minnesota and the region.

About the Department
The Natural Resources Research Institute was established by the Minnesota legislature in 1983 as an applied science and engineering research organization to inform state citizens and decision-makers while leveraging the power of the University of Minnesota. NRRI is guided by the forward-looking charter provided by the Legislature to foster the economic development of Minnesota's natural resources in an environmentally sound manner to promote private sector employment.
NRRI's mission is to deliver integrated research solutions that value our resources, environment and economy for a sustainable and resilient future. We are a mission-driven, project-focused team working to create opportunities for natural resource stewardship.
With industrial-scale facilities in Duluth and Coleraine, MN, NRRI works across five strategic research platforms. These platforms address Minnesota's soil, forest, water and mineral resources:

Applied Ecology and Resource Management

Minerals and Metallurgy

Materials and Bioeconomy

Data Collection and Delivery

Commercialization Services

Pay and Benefits
Pay Range: $27.74 - $30.00 ; 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.
You are required to attach a cover letter and resume to be considered for this position.
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.
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
University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)
The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.
Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.
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.