The Division of Extension is currently seeking a pivotal communication role aimed at developing creative strategies to connect with agricultural and horticultural audiences. This role entails creating, editing and disseminating digital resources stemming from university research and the promotion of programs tailored to benefit gardeners, producers, farm workers, and other stakeholders statewide.

The Communications Specialist, embedded within the Extension Agriculture Institute, will become a member of the agriculture communications team, and collaborate closely with program leadership, faculty, and staff to strategically edit and position both existing and upcoming content for maximum impact. This involves developing creative strategies using modern digital resources to promote the work of the Extension Agriculture Institute.

Responsibilities include adapting content for website such as articles, research papers, and news posts for broader online accessibility. The role also involves assisting in the planning of website maintenance, expansion, and reorganization, staying informed on digital trends, and proactively anticipating future content needs. Additionally, this position provides guidance and support in executing social media marketing and targeted email campaigns and will offer basic graphic design and layout assistance as needed.

The Division of Extension has a deep and profound commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity, believing that these values are foundational elements to eliminate disparities and expanding access for all. As Extension, we acknowledge the need for strategic and coordinated actions that help us form a more equitable, anti-racist, non-biased, and inclusive organization (https://blogs.extension.wisc.edu/oaic/call-to-action/). As such, all Extension employees are expected to foster and promote the values of diversity and inclusion.

• 15% Monitors reach and effectiveness of communication campaigns, projects, and initiatives
• 15% Plans editorial content according to established goals and objects
• 15% Communicates with stakeholders to verify requests and identify editorial resources
• 15% Writes, edits, and publishes content for various communication projects and marketing platforms to align with strategic initiatives and established communication campaigns
• 20% Provides project management and execution of communications programs, initiatives, and tactical plans
• 10% Website content development: Provides website maintenance, expansion, and reorganization; reviews, edits, produces content for online presence; gathers website content from internal and external partners, and performs content updates
• 10% Graphic Design: Provide and/or coordinate basic design and layout support for Agriculture digital publications

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

Required
Bachelor's Degree
preferred focus in communications, marketing, journalism, agriculture, horticulture or related field OR equivalent level of experience in communications, marketing, or a related field.

Required:
- Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience in lieu of a degree: Communications, Agriculture, Graphic Design, Marketing
- At least two years of relevant communications experience including website, marketing, and social media
- Demonstrated exemplary oral and written communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills, with a proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
- Strong interpersonal relationship and problem-solving skills in a team setting
- Demonstrated ability to effectively work with people from different cultural backgrounds, including those associated with race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, socioeconomic status, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and other aspects of human diversity.

Preferred:
- Knowledge and familiarity of Agriculture and Horticulture practices and industries
- Graphic Design Skills
- Experience in video production and editing
- Website development and management skills including content development, layout, digital accessibility and overall user experience

Full Time: 100%

This position may require some work to be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location.

Ongoing/Renewable

Minimum $60,000 ANNUAL (12 months)
Depending on Qualifications
Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Benefits information can be found at (https://hr.wisc.edu/benefits/).

Division of Extension headquarters are located within Madison, WI, but the position location is flexible and will be determined based on programmatic needs, successful candidate's preferences, and availability of suitable space.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison has a remote work policy that offers the potential for remote or hybrid work. More about that policy within the Division of Extension can be found here: https://kb.wisc.edu/extension/113536.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

We are eager to learn more about how your experience and passion may align with this position. To begin the application process, click the "apply now" button. You will be prompted to upload the following documents:
- Resume
- Letter of Qualifications (cover letter)

Please submit a cover letter referring to your related work experience and a resume detailing your educational and professional background. Your cover letter should communicate your interest in the position and how your skillset aligns with the role. The application reviewers will be relying on written application materials to determine who may advance to preliminary interviews.

For additional guidance and resources on how to tailor your application materials to the job posting, please click https://extension.wisc.edu/careers/.

Erica Gentry
erica.gentry@wisc.edu
715-299-2678
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Communications Specialist(CM004)

A47-EXTENSION/ANRCD/AGR/AGRICULTURE INST

Academic Staff-Renewable

305424-AS

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.