Communications Specialist

Position Information
The RCA Communication Specialist undertakes a variety of communications, reporting, and writing-related tasks to advance key scientific, and outreach messages about NDSU research and creative activities and effectively disseminates those messages to various audiences through integrated communication efforts. Included in these efforts are developing and executing integrated communication strategies and tactics and writing and producing high-quality content that advances key messages across a variety of platforms, including print, web, video, and social media.
In addition to the RCA activities noted previously, a major responsibility of this person will be to manage and create communication deliverables for NDSU's Food, Energy, and Water Security (FEWS) initiative-a partnership between NDSU Agriculture and the NDSU Office of Research and Creative Activity-and this person will be expected to split their time evenly between the two offices. In this latter part of the role, the candidate will highlight the importance of the interdisciplinary activities and their impacts to the state, region, and nation by coordinating messaging, social media accounts, presentations, stories, and other communication activities as determined by the NDSU Agriculture team. While this person will report to the RCA Communications Manager, there will be an expectation of a continual connection with the Ag Communication team to ensure consistency of messaging and activities.
The Communication Specialist will:

• Write and provide edits to content including online stories, press releases, create content for press kits, newsletters, and other related materials
• Create and execute communication and marketing strategies for programs, events, and activities
• Plan and manage the design, content, and production of social media campaigns, digital communication, and marketing materials
• Create and execute internal communications protocols to foster clear communication among faculty, staff, and students
• Define and track measures of success for communication campaigns and channels
• Coordinate with faculty to communicate research findings to the public through diverse products; editing content for internal publications and other publications, helping with arranging various media appearances, editing content for external publications to engage stakeholders, and assist with communication trainings
• Develop relationships with NDSU University Relations and other NDSU communications professionals and ensure compliance of communications policies with University policies
• Assist in the production of technical reports, technical presentations
• Write content for monthly newsletters and annual reports
• Complete other duties as assigned

Work Schedule: 40 hours/week (M-F: regular hours 8am-5pm, summer/winter break hours 7:30am-4pm)
Salary: $50,000+/year
Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in communication or similar field
• Two or more years working in a writing- or communication-related field
• Ability to communicate complex ideas about science to diverse audiences, in writing and orally, through design, photography and videography
• Knowledge of science and communications theory and applications research
• Ability to travel, including a valid driver's license for statewide travel
• Ability to provide advice and guidance in technical areas including writing, graphics, and website design. Proficiency with software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or equivalents

Demonstrated knowledge and abilities in:

• Web technologies, including experience in web design and maintaining web content management systems
• Social media best practices for LinkedIn, X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and other social media platforms
• Other computer software applications including desktop publishing for design of marketing and reporting media
• Media styles, including AP style
• Various reference citation styles

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3-5 years working in communication or a related field
• Experience representing an organization to the public or/and media and creating and managing media content in a scientific or higher education setting.
• Knowledge of university and federal rules and regulations relating to grant applications and grant-funded activities.

Applicant Materials Required:

• Current resume
• Cover letter addressing the minimum and preferred qualifications
• Contact information for three professional references

Benefits:
NDSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes single or family health insurance coverage with premiums paid for by the university - with an effective date for new employees the first of the month following date of hire. Other benefits include, wellness benefits, basic life insurance, retirement plan, tuition waiver, annual leave, EAP, sick leave and holiday pay. Optional benefits include supplemental life, dental, vision, long-term care insurance, flexible spending account, and supplemental retirement plans.
About Us:
North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.
NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country.
NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border. Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live.
No Smoking Notice:
As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with
N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.
EO/AA Statement:
North Dakota State University is an Equal Opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable.
Veteran's Preference Notice:
This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran's Preference requirements.
Reasonable Accommodation Information
North Dakota State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at 701-231-8961 or ndsu.hr@ndsu.edu.