Colorado State University
Outreach and Communications Specialist
Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, us, 80523
Posting Detail Information
Working TitleOutreach and Communications Specialist
Position LocationFort Collins, CO
Work LocationPosition qualifies for hybrid/in-office work
Research Professional PositionYes
Posting Number202401635AP
Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification TitleResearch Associate IV
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week40
Proposed Annual Salary Range$76,500 - $99,500
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, commitment todiversity, equity and inclusion (https://inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu/about/) , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
Review our detailed benefits information here. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)
Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .
Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on10/07/2024
Description of Work Unit
Founded in 1870, Colorado State University is among the nation’s leading research universities and enrolls approximately 32,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Located an hour north of the Denver metro area, Fort Collins is a vibrant community of approximately 157,000 residents that offers the convenience of a small town with all the amenities of a large city. Fort Collins is situated on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains with views of 14,000-foot peaks, and offers access to numerous cultural, recreational, and outdoor opportunities.
The Colorado Natural Heritage Program ( CNHP ) is Colorado’s primary biological conservation information center housed within the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University. CNHP is a key player in Colorado’s conservation of open lands and maintains the only centralized conservation database in Colorado that includes plants, animals, and natural communities. The staff consists of approximately 40 highly experienced biologists and information managers with expertise in inventory, research, and monitoring of Colorado’s flora, fauna, plant communities, and conservation issues.
CNHP serves a wide variety of users including federal, state and local agencies, consultants, environmental groups, non-government organizations, private landowners, and the public. CNHP’s annual revenue is approximately 6 million dollars and is generated from contracts and agreements through CNHP’s partners and clients. CNHP generally works on over 50 conservation projects per year. To learn more about CNHP’s mission, vision, and values, visithttp://www.cnhp.colostate.edu/.
Position Summary
The Colorado Natural Heritage Program ( CNHP ) at Colorado State University ( CSU ) is seeking a Communications and Outreach Specialist. The position will provide critical leadership, direction, and expertise in developing an integrated and long-term communications strategy that furthers the objectives, plans, and vision for the Colorado Natural Heritage Program. The strategy will include general program messaging and targeted communications campaigns supporting grant-funded projects. Advancing the program’s mission through enhanced awareness of CNHP is a key priority for this position.
The position will oversee CNHP’s work in both communication and outreach. Communication activities will include developing mixed media content and design for CNHP’s website (video, images, and text); establishing and maintaining CNHP’s social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other platforms; producing digital printed materials, such as factsheets, pamphlets, and brochures, etc.; generating press releases and engaging with the press; and being a liaison between CNHP and communications teams at various levels within Colorado State University.
Outreach activities will include planning outreach events in specific communities or for specific audiences; engagement with the land trust community; coordination with private landowners for biological inventories; participation in working groups focused on advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice ( DEIJ ) in conservation science; engagement with current and potential donors and funders; and outreach to state lawmakers in partnership with official CSU lobbyists.
The position will be located on the Colorado State University campus in Fort Collins, CO. The position can be either full-time in-person or part-time in-person/part-time remote. Fully remote work is not an option. The position must be based in Colorado and able to work from the CNHP offices at CSU approximately once a week throughout the year.
CNHP is interested in finding the best candidate for the Communications and Outreach Specialist position. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t think you meet every one of our preferred qualifications – use your application to let us know what excites you about this role and what transferable skills or other qualities you would bring.
Required Job Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and 10 years of direct professional experience in communications; OR Master’s Degree and 5 years of professional experience.
Experience designing and implementing mixed media outreach campaigns (e.g., printed material, web content, social media).
Demonstrated organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills; ability to handle complex tasks with accuracy and attention to detail.
Effective interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including experience with multi-cultural communication and ability to cultivate successful collaboration with a diverse group of individuals.
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.
The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by proposed start date; CNHP will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Preferred Job Qualifications
Multi-language speaker (Spanish preferred), and experience creating communication outreach materials in multiple languages.
Experience engaging diverse stakeholder groups.
Experience in outreach and communications about diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice ( DEIJ ) goals.
Experience working with Colorado’s conservation community and with private landowners.
Experience using Canva, InDesign, or other software for creating outreach materials.
Experience creating outreach material for lawmakers and/or other decision makers.
Experience managing budgets.
Diversity Statement
Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Essential Duties
Job Duty CategoryCommunications
Duty/Responsibility
Develop and carry out CNHP strategic plan for internal and external communication.
Maintain CNHP website design and content using CSU branding guidelines.
Generate web content (video, images, and text) that delivers a dynamic, relevant, and mission-driven online presence.
Establish and maintain CNHP’s social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other platforms.
Develop digital and print marketing materials including factsheets, pamphlets, brochures, posters, postcards, PowerPoint presentations, and CNHP branded items.
Generate press releases and engage with the press.
Serve as a liaison between CNHP and communications teams at various levels within Colorado State University.
Photograph CNHP projects, events and activities for use in marketing and public relations as needed.
Percentage Of Time50
Job Duty CategoryOutreach and Community Engagement
Duty/Responsibility
Coordinate and manage a wide range of outreach events in specific communities or for specific audiences.
Travel to meet with target communities and organizations, such as the land trust community and other environmental organizations, to develop communications partnerships and engage community partners.
Attend meetings and conferences where project outcomes are shared, and where partners are engaged in conversations and collaboration.
Coordinate with private landowners for biological inventories.
Participate in working groups focused on advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice ( DEIJ ) in conservation science.
Engage with current and potential donors
Outreach to state lawmakers in partnership with official CSU lobbyists.
Percentage Of Time40
Job Duty CategoryProject Management
Duty/Responsibility
Work across project teams to develop work plans.
Develop and administer CNHP communications budget.
Percentage Of Time10
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in the announcement to be considered for hire. Apply no later than October 7, 2024, for full consideration. Mailed or emailed applications will not be accepted.
Upload each of the items below individually as a Word Document (.doc), PDF (.pdf), or Rich Text Format (.rtf). Please note that incomplete applications cannot be considered. Please remove social security numbers and birth dates from application materials. A complete application consists of:
Cover Letter (one-page letter addressing each qualification described in the announcement).
Resume
A Statement of Commitment to diversity and Inclusion outlining your commitment and contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion. In this statement, please also describe your vision for how you could enhance diversity and inclusion efforts in this position.
A Portfolio that includes work produced for a brand that includes social media content, design examples, and writing samples.
References – The committee will request a list of 3 references from finalists.
CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.
Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License
Search ContactDavid Anderson, David.Anderson@colostate.edu
EEO Statement
Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. TheOffice of Equal Opportunity (https://oeo.colostate.edu/) is located in 101 Student Services.
The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715,titleix@colostate.edu.
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.
The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.
Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to theOffice of Civil Rights, Department of Education (https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html) .
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
References Requested
References Requested
Minimum Requested
Maximum Requested
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Cover Letter
Resume
Statement of Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Portfolio
Optional Documents
Working TitleOutreach and Communications Specialist
Position LocationFort Collins, CO
Work LocationPosition qualifies for hybrid/in-office work
Research Professional PositionYes
Posting Number202401635AP
Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification TitleResearch Associate IV
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week40
Proposed Annual Salary Range$76,500 - $99,500
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, commitment todiversity, equity and inclusion (https://inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu/about/) , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
Review our detailed benefits information here. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)
Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .
Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on10/07/2024
Description of Work Unit
Founded in 1870, Colorado State University is among the nation’s leading research universities and enrolls approximately 32,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Located an hour north of the Denver metro area, Fort Collins is a vibrant community of approximately 157,000 residents that offers the convenience of a small town with all the amenities of a large city. Fort Collins is situated on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains with views of 14,000-foot peaks, and offers access to numerous cultural, recreational, and outdoor opportunities.
The Colorado Natural Heritage Program ( CNHP ) is Colorado’s primary biological conservation information center housed within the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University. CNHP is a key player in Colorado’s conservation of open lands and maintains the only centralized conservation database in Colorado that includes plants, animals, and natural communities. The staff consists of approximately 40 highly experienced biologists and information managers with expertise in inventory, research, and monitoring of Colorado’s flora, fauna, plant communities, and conservation issues.
CNHP serves a wide variety of users including federal, state and local agencies, consultants, environmental groups, non-government organizations, private landowners, and the public. CNHP’s annual revenue is approximately 6 million dollars and is generated from contracts and agreements through CNHP’s partners and clients. CNHP generally works on over 50 conservation projects per year. To learn more about CNHP’s mission, vision, and values, visithttp://www.cnhp.colostate.edu/.
Position Summary
The Colorado Natural Heritage Program ( CNHP ) at Colorado State University ( CSU ) is seeking a Communications and Outreach Specialist. The position will provide critical leadership, direction, and expertise in developing an integrated and long-term communications strategy that furthers the objectives, plans, and vision for the Colorado Natural Heritage Program. The strategy will include general program messaging and targeted communications campaigns supporting grant-funded projects. Advancing the program’s mission through enhanced awareness of CNHP is a key priority for this position.
The position will oversee CNHP’s work in both communication and outreach. Communication activities will include developing mixed media content and design for CNHP’s website (video, images, and text); establishing and maintaining CNHP’s social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other platforms; producing digital printed materials, such as factsheets, pamphlets, and brochures, etc.; generating press releases and engaging with the press; and being a liaison between CNHP and communications teams at various levels within Colorado State University.
Outreach activities will include planning outreach events in specific communities or for specific audiences; engagement with the land trust community; coordination with private landowners for biological inventories; participation in working groups focused on advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice ( DEIJ ) in conservation science; engagement with current and potential donors and funders; and outreach to state lawmakers in partnership with official CSU lobbyists.
The position will be located on the Colorado State University campus in Fort Collins, CO. The position can be either full-time in-person or part-time in-person/part-time remote. Fully remote work is not an option. The position must be based in Colorado and able to work from the CNHP offices at CSU approximately once a week throughout the year.
CNHP is interested in finding the best candidate for the Communications and Outreach Specialist position. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t think you meet every one of our preferred qualifications – use your application to let us know what excites you about this role and what transferable skills or other qualities you would bring.
Required Job Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and 10 years of direct professional experience in communications; OR Master’s Degree and 5 years of professional experience.
Experience designing and implementing mixed media outreach campaigns (e.g., printed material, web content, social media).
Demonstrated organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills; ability to handle complex tasks with accuracy and attention to detail.
Effective interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including experience with multi-cultural communication and ability to cultivate successful collaboration with a diverse group of individuals.
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.
The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by proposed start date; CNHP will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Preferred Job Qualifications
Multi-language speaker (Spanish preferred), and experience creating communication outreach materials in multiple languages.
Experience engaging diverse stakeholder groups.
Experience in outreach and communications about diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice ( DEIJ ) goals.
Experience working with Colorado’s conservation community and with private landowners.
Experience using Canva, InDesign, or other software for creating outreach materials.
Experience creating outreach material for lawmakers and/or other decision makers.
Experience managing budgets.
Diversity Statement
Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Essential Duties
Job Duty CategoryCommunications
Duty/Responsibility
Develop and carry out CNHP strategic plan for internal and external communication.
Maintain CNHP website design and content using CSU branding guidelines.
Generate web content (video, images, and text) that delivers a dynamic, relevant, and mission-driven online presence.
Establish and maintain CNHP’s social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other platforms.
Develop digital and print marketing materials including factsheets, pamphlets, brochures, posters, postcards, PowerPoint presentations, and CNHP branded items.
Generate press releases and engage with the press.
Serve as a liaison between CNHP and communications teams at various levels within Colorado State University.
Photograph CNHP projects, events and activities for use in marketing and public relations as needed.
Percentage Of Time50
Job Duty CategoryOutreach and Community Engagement
Duty/Responsibility
Coordinate and manage a wide range of outreach events in specific communities or for specific audiences.
Travel to meet with target communities and organizations, such as the land trust community and other environmental organizations, to develop communications partnerships and engage community partners.
Attend meetings and conferences where project outcomes are shared, and where partners are engaged in conversations and collaboration.
Coordinate with private landowners for biological inventories.
Participate in working groups focused on advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice ( DEIJ ) in conservation science.
Engage with current and potential donors
Outreach to state lawmakers in partnership with official CSU lobbyists.
Percentage Of Time40
Job Duty CategoryProject Management
Duty/Responsibility
Work across project teams to develop work plans.
Develop and administer CNHP communications budget.
Percentage Of Time10
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in the announcement to be considered for hire. Apply no later than October 7, 2024, for full consideration. Mailed or emailed applications will not be accepted.
Upload each of the items below individually as a Word Document (.doc), PDF (.pdf), or Rich Text Format (.rtf). Please note that incomplete applications cannot be considered. Please remove social security numbers and birth dates from application materials. A complete application consists of:
Cover Letter (one-page letter addressing each qualification described in the announcement).
Resume
A Statement of Commitment to diversity and Inclusion outlining your commitment and contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion. In this statement, please also describe your vision for how you could enhance diversity and inclusion efforts in this position.
A Portfolio that includes work produced for a brand that includes social media content, design examples, and writing samples.
References – The committee will request a list of 3 references from finalists.
CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.
Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License
Search ContactDavid Anderson, David.Anderson@colostate.edu
EEO Statement
Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. TheOffice of Equal Opportunity (https://oeo.colostate.edu/) is located in 101 Student Services.
The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715,titleix@colostate.edu.
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.
The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.
Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to theOffice of Civil Rights, Department of Education (https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html) .
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
References Requested
References Requested
Minimum Requested
Maximum Requested
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Cover Letter
Resume
Statement of Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Portfolio
Optional Documents