Public Communication Specialist

The primary purpose of the position is to conceptualize, plan and execute communications projects furthering objectives of the CAES and its divisions, as assigned.

Creates messages through website, social media, print and video content that generate interest in the college's academic departments, Cooperative Extension programs and Research initiatives.

Identifies and determines topics or subjects for various projects to support strategic objectives; researches and verifies submitted material; writes, reads, proofs, edits and rewrites copy; interviews subjects; contributes posts and strategy to grow the college's five social media platforms and ensures accuracy and completeness of projects.

This position has a heavy writing and social media emphasis.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit

Agricultural Communications (AgComm) is the central communications arm of the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES), and also serves some communications functions for the college's academic units, including Agricultural Research and Cooperative Extension.

AgComm supports the academic, Cooperative Extension and research priorities and advises academic leadership on marketing, in keeping with the strategic priorities of the University and the college. The unit develops relationships with all constituents, both internal and external to CAES and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

AgComm collaborates with the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences and University leaders to determine the messages to be conveyed to internal and external audiences through digital, broadcast and print media; conveys messages to encourage the understanding that agriculture is a dynamic, rapidly changing industry embodying all the occupations connected with research, production, processing, marketing, and distribution of farm- related products; builds CAES pride through proactive branding, marketing, communications, and public relations initiatives; provides communications services to Cooperative Extension and Agricultural Research faculty and administration.

These services include program promotion and publication consultation; video and photography; social media strategy and posting; editorial services; graphic design print and product production; distribution support; and other services to connect our current students, prospective students, community, families and friends to the college and the university.

The communications team advocates for college needs and priorities to local, state and federal funding agencies, the general public, and especially the agricultural community across the state.

Each team member is committed to implementing innovative communications solutions to improve day-to-day operations and customer service.

Minimum Requirements

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.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Technical Writing, English, or related communications discipline; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Strong knowledge of the fundamentals of writing, grammar, syntax, AP Style, and punctuation.

Excellent writing skills, and is able to provide links and clips of work, ideally to include a press release; a news story; a script; and a speech or remarks for an external audience.

Strong organizational, project management and time management skills

Knowledge of communications and marketing concepts and principles

Three or more years of experience in organizing and executing successful social media campaigns

Demonstrated success in growing social media audiences on multiple platforms, resulting in greater followers and audience engagement.

Proven social media voice that is confident, effective and engaging; Understanding of social media KPIs , experience tracking and interpreting metrics to enhance user engagement; suggest content optimization

Experience using web tools and software for analyzing and improving social and new media.

Ability to multi-task, prioritize and balance varying volumes of work assignments and adapt to the changing needs of the office.

Good organizational, analytical, critical thinking and time management skills, and strong attention to detail.

Ability to work on some nights and weekends, given the "always on" nature of modern communications

Established record of collaboration and interpersonal skills working with diverse colleagues.

Required License or Certification Is this position eligible for a remote or hybrid work arrangement, consistent with university and state policies. On-site (Employees are primarily in the office and/or have a critical job requirement that requires dedicated office space on-site)