Media Communications Coordinator - University of Illinois Extension

Media Communications Coordinator - University of Illinois Extension University of Illinois Extension - Region 2, Springfield WE TRANSFORM LIVES.
Everything we do is designed to improve the quality of life of the people in the state of Illinois, across the nation, and around the world.
We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels of understanding and influence.
Be a part of our story.
Through learning partnerships that extend knowledge and change lives, University of Illinois Extension provides educational programs aimed at making life better, healthier, safer, and more profitable for individuals and their communities.
Illinois Extension has operated continuously for more than 100 years connecting the citizens of Illinois to their land-grant university by providing educational programming around the state.
University of Illinois Extension is based in the College of ACES and works with all colleges and units of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Job Summary Provide communications expertise and support to University of Illinois Extension marketing and communications goals in Region 1, 2, or 3.
Projects will largely focus on written content development for regional and unit impact reports, press releases, marketing materials, website copy, and social media posts.
Duties & Responsibilities Writing and Reporting Maintain active involvement with educators and staff within Illinois Extension (Region 1, 2, or 3) to determine strategies for communicating about a range of technical topics, including community and economic development, nutrition and wellness, government relations, commercial agriculture, horticulture, and youth development.
Interview educators, faculty, and staff to write news releases for appropriate media outlets and adapt them for the web and social media.
Write and edit content for use in regional and unit impact reports, newsletters, and media outlets Assist with the planning, creation, and writing of promotional materials for assigned projects and events from across the Illinois Extension system.
Provide communications support as needed by any of the units within regions 1, 2, or 3.
Communications Plan Development Collaborate with Marketing and Communications Team, unit communicators, educators, and program leaders to develop, implement, and execute marketing and communications plans tailored to specific project needs and goals.
Work with staff to analyze audiences, situations, and subject areas to generate recommendations that will achieve targeted outcomes.
Provide guidance to unit communicators as needed to help them optimize their social media profiles and grow their influence through their social media activities.
Assist with other writing tasks as assigned, including but not limited to, annual reports, scripts for videos, speeches, blogs, and educational products.
Provide writing and editorial support as needed to support multidisciplinary projects and educator teams within the region.
General Communications and Marketing Support Manage assigned projects within the team project management system, ensuring deadlines are tracked and projects are delivered on time.
Represent the communications team at meetings and events across the Extension system, the College of Agricultural, Consumer, Environmental Sciences, and the University of Illinois.
Participate in weekly state MarCom meetings and monthly statewide Better Together meetings (both virtual meetings) Identify and facilitate regional training needs in collaboration with the State MarCom team Other communications-related duties as requested.
Additional Physical Demands To perform the functions of this position, the employee will be required to perform work both within an office and outside in the communities that are served, and must have the capability to travel from one location to the other in a timely fashion.
Employee is responsible for securing personal transportation.
A valid driver’s license is preferred.
Some work will be required during evenings and/or weekends.
When working, the employee may be exposed to a variety of environmental factors to include, but not limited to, hot or cold weather, exposure to noise and allergens, and uneven ground.
In performing the functions of this position, the employee may be subjected to various mental and physical demands as well to include, but not limited to, independently traveling to and performing work at different locations, lifting and moving items that may occasionally weigh up to forty (40) pounds and frequently weigh up to twenty (20) pounds, and twisting, pushing and pulling movements.
More detailed information regarding the functions of this position (including the physical, mental and environmental requirements of the position) may be obtained from Human Resources for the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) by contacting hr@aces.
illinois.
edu.
Specialty Factors Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, communications, public relations, or a closely related field.
One (1) year (12 months) of professional work experience in marketing, public relations, communications, brand management, or a related professional area.
Demonstrated experience in public relations, communications planning, science writing or publication management or a related professional area.
Preferred Qualifications Experience working with the translation of both scientific and academic work products into communication pieces that are accessible to lay audiences will be a valuable skill set in this position.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Demonstrated skills in interviewing, writing press releases, news articles, and feature stories, and writing for the web and other digital distribution channels.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and to work well with diverse people in a team environment.
Ability to work under pressure and to adhere to established deadlines.
Ability to review and analyze the content of scientific publications.
Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English for editing and creating correspondence, storytelling, and report generation.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Demonstrated understanding of the scientific research process and relevant scientific concepts strongly desired.
Familiarity with sources of online scientific information strongly desired.
Knowledge of Windows desktop computer applications strongly desired.
Appointment Information This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5004 - Marketing Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis.
The expected start date is as soon as possible.
Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.
The salary range for this position starts at $53,000.
For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.
sucss.
illinois.
gov/pages/classspec/default.
aspx.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on February 9, 2024.
Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting.
In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position.
Applications not submitted through https://jobs.
illinois.
edu will not be considered.
If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment.
For further information about this specific position, please contact dufelmei@illinois.
edu.
For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer.
The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.
Out-of-state candidates must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of the start date for this position.
Illinois residency requires proof of a valid Illinois Driver’s License or state of Illinois ID Card.
Failure to produce the required documentation within 180 calendar days will result in immediate termination of employment.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates.
Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process.
Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.
edu.
Requisition ID: 1022482 Job Category: Off-Campus Apply at: https://jobs.
illinois.
edu