Communications & Marketing Specialist (Research Writer/Editor)

Communications & Marketing Specialist (Research Writer/Editor)

Requisition Number: S3745P

Job Summary

The individual selected for this Communications and Marketing Specialist position will serve as a research writer and editor for both the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

About Auburn: Auburn was named by Forbes Magazine as one of the state of Alabama’s best employers, with employees staying an average of ten years! Learn more about Auburn’s impact, generous employee benefits, and thriving community by visiting aub.ie/working-for-auburn.

It’s a Lifestyle: The Auburn/Opelika area is a page right out of Southern Living magazine with an idyllic small-town feel, perfecting a unique balance between a close-knit community and driving consistent growth and development. Paralleling the exponential growth of Auburn University, the Auburn/Opelika area boasts services and amenities that cater to any interest. We’re proud of our top school systems, city services, award-winning restaurants, and the infectious spirit of life in a college town. You can find us nestled halfway between the beach and the mountains in a lower-cost-of-living area, two hours outside of Atlanta or Birmingham. If you’re new to Auburn, we’d love to introduce you. If you’re already acquainted with Auburn, we’ll keep it simple: it’s time to come home!

Our Commitment: Auburn University is committed to a diverse and inclusive campus environment. Visit www.auburn.edu/inclusion to learn more about our commitment to expanding equity and inclusion for all.

Essential Functions

Essential functions include the following:

• Writing news stories on active priority research projects within the Experiment Station and Alabama Extension for lay audiences, with emphasis on relevance to Alabama residents.
• Writing and editing technical articles that target farmer and other industry audiences.
• Promoting research stories through ag and other relevant media.
• Tracking and writing public announcements for recent grant awards obtained by research and Extension faculty.
• Tracking research activities through USDA and any other relevant reporting systems.
• Maintaining communication with research directors, department heads and Extension specialists about priority research projects.
• Writing and posting research impact statements on LandGrantImpacts.org.
• Developing an annual report for the Experiment Station and/or Alabama Extension.
• Attending field days, conferences and other events where Experiment Station and Alabama Extension faculty research will be presented.
• Assigning and editing research stories for a team of part-time and student writers.
• Maintaining regular contact with Experiment Station and Alabama Extension communications teams to keep up to date on current projects.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Level I: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English, or related field; no experience required.
• Level II: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English, or related field plus 2 years of experience relevant to the position.
• Level III: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English, or related field plus 4 years of experience relevant to the position.

Substitutions allowed for Experience:

When a candidate has the required education, but lacks the required experience, they may normally apply additional appropriate education toward the experience requirement, at a rate of one (1) year relevant education per year of required experience.

• Time management, self-discipline, and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Microsoft Word or other word processing programs.
• None Required.

Desired Qualifications

Professional experience in agricultural media and/or professional experience with an agricultural research or extension organization desired.

Salary Range: $41,600 - $81,000

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please utilize the attachment feature in the online application system and attach a letter of interest and resume. Only complete application materials will be considered.

Link for postings: https://www.auemployment.com/postings/46511

Auburn University is committed to an inclusive and diverse campus environment. Women, underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by applicable law.