Comm Spec 3 (Communication And Marketing Coordinator)

The USDA/NSF AI institute of Food Systems (AIFS) is a partnership of 6 organizations (UC Davis, UC Berkeley, Cornell, UIUC, UC ANR, USDA) with a mission to empower the next generation with sustainable production, processing, and distribution of nutritious food through transformative AI technologies. Headquartered in Davis, CA, it is one of the 25 national institutes funded by NSF and USDA for 5 years in 6 thematic areas of strategic importance to the nation. AIFS involves a team of approximately 50 faculty and other professionals working on research, education and outreach programs, across a nationwide network of partners and local offices. AIFS administers grants from the National Science Foundation to lead AIVO. Significant duties on behalf of AIFS for the AIVO grants involve coordination of an annual all-institutes meeting, as well as additional workshops and SIG (special interest group) meetings throughout the year. Communications between AIVO and the 25 institutes is a key function, as is helping all AI Institutes amplify their activities via social and other media.

Job Summary

Under the direction of the AIFS Associate Director, the successful candidate will work closely with the AIFS staff assigned to grants and projects within AIFS related to the AI Institutes Virtual Organization (AIVO), which is an umbrella organization of organizations for all (currently) 25 federally funded AI institutes. The coordinator will execute the AIVO programmatic activities in the capacity of marketing and communications coordinator. The coordinator will assist in any aspect related with the operation and coordination of the AIVO grants and will support the AIFS general activities as needed. This is a six-month position, renewable at 6-month intervals, for up to two years. The position may be extended or converted to career depending on funding.

Position Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Sit at computer and view monitor/display screen for extended periods of time.
• Move/lift boxes weighing approximately 30 lbs.
• Move tables and chairs for events or catering and make deliveries across campus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays to meet operational needs.
• Frequent travel across campus utilizing personal vehicle.
• Out of state travel may be required as Institute advances. Limited vacation during events and peak periods.
• Work in an area where there is constant traffic and noise from office machines, telephones, and conversations.
• The Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment policy is intended to provide a healthier, safer, and more productive work and learning environment for the entire UC community. The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all University owned or leased properties, or facilities operated by UC staff or faculty. Smoking and tobacco use are strictly prohibited in indoor and outdoor spaces, parking lots, residential space, and University vehicles. https://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a communications, marketing, or media related field.
• 5+ years of professional experience in industry

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills to establish and maintain effective positive and cooperative relationships with a diverse group of internal/external stakeholders in higher education, campus and broader scientific community.
• Excellent writing and technical media design and communications skills for diverse audiences and scientific or public policy topics.
• Ability to travel periodically to meetings and workshops.
• Advanced skills with MS Office Suite, or similar applications, and technology systems: word processing (e.g., MS Word), presentation slide development (e.g., MS PowerPoint), spreadsheet (e.g., MS Excel), database, calendaring, AV equipment, social media platforms, etc.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Education/Experience:

• Experience working in communications and digital media for organizations of various sizes (<10 people to 500 people) in a field relevant to AIFS (e.g., Information Technology, Biotechnology, Food Science, etc.).
• Undergraduate degree in a STEM field.
• Significant experience with making an impact on the growth of an organization through communications and branding via digital media.
• Experience with university-based research concepts, principles, and conduct of research.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• Knowledge of campus policies and procedures to interpret inquiries and requests to formulate appropriate action or response.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Background Check

This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re solving life’s most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don’t just maintain - we improve.

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The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.