Communications Specialist - Entomology And Plant Pathology

As part of the Land Grant University, the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University is composed of over 40 faculty that direct a diverse portfolio of programs in teaching, research, and extension. Collectively, these strengths not only serve our clientele and our science but also provide a rich environment for graduate education and training that can be tailored to the specific career interests of the student, irrespective of whether they prefer training in the basic sciences or are preparing for a career in extension. Our education and research programs provide graduate and undergraduate students with unique hands-on learning opportunities using the latest technologies. Entomology and Plant Pathology houses the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic, the Larry Grand Mycological Herbarium, Micropropagation and Repository Unit, Structural Pest Management Training Facility, an Insect Museum with 1.9 million vouchered insects, and the Center for Integrated Fungal Research.

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences houses 12 Academic departments with 294 faculty, 2,891 undergraduate students and 899 graduate students. The College is home to 18 research stations strategically located across the state that enhances our interactions with our farmers, stakeholders, and industry partners. Our strategic plan, Growing Our Future 2023-2030 is accessible here https://units.cals.ncsu.edu/cals-strategic-plan/.

Essential Job Duties

As our department expands, effective communication is crucial for fostering cohesion and driving progress. A dedicated Public Communications person ensures clear, consistent, and timely updates to everyone - in return enhancing engagement and participation. By creating marketing and branding materials such as brochures, newsletters, and announcements, this role not only amplifies the department's vision but also fosters unity and empowerment among faculty, staff, and students.

This role would be maintaining the department's website, ensuring that information remains accurate and up to date. An updated website is vital as it serves as the primary point of reference for students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders. It provides a centralized platform for accessing important information about programs, events, and initiatives, thereby enhancing transparency and facilitating informed decision-making.

List of Primary Responsibilities:

1.Core Responsibilities (including Marketing and Branding):

• Manage the creation and distribution of handouts, announcements, and programs for the department.

• Proactively engage in the iteration process, ensuring that requested changes are implemented promptly and accurately through multiple drafts.

• Develop announcements for various events such as award recognitions, graduations, socials, and employee news.

• Assist in creating programs for departmental events like the student symposium and award luncheon.

• Design and produce visual course lists for easy reference by students and faculty.

2.Content Creation and Management:

• Lead the production of the department newsletter, and marketing material including content compilation, photography, and template design.

• Crafting engaging content creation.

• Actively engage in the iteration process, incorporating feedback and making necessary adjustments to meet departmental standards and deadlines.

• Compile news, photos, and other relevant information for the newsletter.

• Capture and edit photos for various departmental purposes.

• Ensure alignment with departmental branding and messaging.

3.Website Development and Maintenance:

• Assist in the creation and maintenance of the department website by gathering information and updating content as needed.

• Proactively monitor the website for updates and improvements, implementing changes promptly to enhance user experience.

• Ensure the website reflects accurate and up-to-date information about departmental activities, programs, and resources.

Other Responsibilities

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Experience/Education

Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Other Required Qualifications

• Web development

• Design experience

• Content manager

• Demonstrated flexibility and time management skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in compiling publicly-distributed content

Required License or Certification

N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required No Commercial Driver's License Required? No