Community, Food & Environment Institute Communicator/Communications Manager I

Company: Inside Higher Ed
Location: East Lansing
Posted on: February 19, 2021

Job Description:

Job no: 692810Work type: Extension, Support StaffPay Grade: 12Major Administrative Unit / College: Michigan State University ExtensionDepartment: Msue Directors Office 10058282Sub Area: AP- ProfessionalsSalary: 49130.00Location: East LansingCategories: Full Time (90-100%), Administrative Professionals- AP, Administrative/Business/Professional, Union, Advising/Counseling, Agriculture, Education/Training, PR/Media/Graphics/Comm/Fund RaisingWorking/Functional TitleCommunity, Food & Environment Institute CommunicatorPosition SummaryCoordinates, assembles and distributes information pertaining to a college, department or program of a limited size, staff and/or complexity, which may include the on-line communications and the publication of news and press releases, brochures and/or related materials. You will work with a team of communicators to provide leadership and support for the education, communication and marketing efforts of MSU Extension, specifically for the Community, Food & Environment Institute (CFEI). You will develop and manage communications and marketing strategy in concert with the institute director and associate director. You will integrate and prioritize use of best practices related to DEI to identify and assist in the development of materials in support of programming created through a DEI lens that supports growth and understanding of critical issues facing target audiences. You will also review and provide administrative guidance across communications for events, processes, outreach strategies, program delivery and communication pathways to identify and remove barriers in reaching potential participants. Diversity, equity and inclusion are essential elements vital to the culture MSU Extension endeavors to cultivate. CFEI is comprised of approximately 80 community-based educators across Michigan's 83 counties. Major program efforts focus on leveraging human and natural assets to enhance government and community vitality, strengthen community food systems, improve Michigan's natural resources, and strengthen household finances and homeownership education. Characteristic Duties/Responsibilities

• Plans, creates, produces, photographs, edits, records or drafts releases and feature materials for on-line communications, media and publications in order to inform the public and University of issues and events.
• Identifies sources of information, researches, surveys and interviews to obtain information.
• Composes, edits, designs, records, produces and duplicates audiotaped or printed programs or materials.
• Coordinates and approves the work of artists, photographers and printers and monitors work in progress.
• Assists with web development and technological enhancements for the unit.
• Maintains and updates files including statistical reports, clippings and measurements.
• Assists with negotiating rates and orders advertising for print, television or radio.
• Contributes to the overall growth and engagement strategies for social media.
• Informs innovative social medial marketing campaigns to support traditional media, public relations, and advertising activities and to promote department events.
• Supports social media goal setting, execution, tracking, and reporting.
• Serves as a liaison with other University departments, including University Relations.Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills
• Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in communications, journalism, telecommunications, professional writing, business, marketing, English, public relations, or related field.
• One to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in communications, public and media relations, composing, editing and publication production, news, broadcasting, and print media, and/or marketing, advertising, and creative services; graphic design; word processing; desktop publishing; web design; presentation; spreadsheet and/or database software; public presentation; or radio production; or computer programming/technology; experience managing content for social media channels.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.Desired Qualifications
• Self-starter who can effectively work both independently and in a team environment.
• Experience and proven ability working productively with a team serving in both leadership and contributor roles.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships intra- and inter-organizationally.
• Identify and assist in the development of materials in support of programming created with a DEI lens that supports growth and understanding of critical issues facing target audiences.
• Ability to apply a DEI framework, review and provide administrative guidance across events, processes, outreach strategies, program delivery and communication pathways to identify and remove barriers in reaching potential participants.
• Ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Ability to demonstrate sound decision making skills.
• Demonstrated ability for accuracy and thoroughness.
• Five plus years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in communications, marketing, public relations, or a closely related area.
• Demonstrated skills and professional development from the last five years related to cultural competency and inclusive excellence.
• Experience or interest in government and community vitality, community food systems, natural resources, and/or finance and homeownership education.
• Demonstrated commitment to reach diverse populations.
• Experience in the use of AP Style writing and editing techniques, digital communications, social media and general communications support.
• Demonstrated mastery and understanding of web-based content management systems.
• Experience managing content and executing content for social media channels.
• Strong writing, proofreading and editing skills.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of Constant Contact, Microsoft Office, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• Knowledge of computer software and usage (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, scheduling, Internet browsers, etc.).
• Basic photography and graphic design skills.
• Knowledge of MSU branding.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment while adhering to aggressive deadlines.
• Event coordination experience.
• Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs.
• Proven ability in establishing and working with a diverse network of constituents and community members across race, color, gender, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, veteran status, socioeconomic class, and other differences.
• Able to demonstrate sensitivity, knowledge, and use of appropriate approaches, skills and techniques, which reflect an understanding and awareness of social, cultural and economic diversity of the target population.
• Understanding of and ability to implement Civil Rights principles and compliance standards.
• Has an understanding and commitment to equal access and opportunity and to diversity, equity and inclusivity.
• Understands, supports, and fosters integration of diversity, equity and inclusion practices.
• Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.Equal Employment Opportunity StatementAll qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.Required Application Materials
• Current resume/CV.
• Cover letter.
• Four (4) professional references including at least two (2) prior or current supervisors.Work HoursSTANDARD 8-5Bidding eligibility ends on 2/16/2021 at 11:55 PMAdvertised: Feb 10, 2021 Eastern Standard TimeApplications close: Mar 9, 2021 Eastern Standard Time

Keywords: Inside Higher Ed, East Lansing , Community, Food & Environment Institute Communicator/Communications Manager I, Executive , East Lansing, Michigan