Job description

Closes March 31, 2023

Applications submitted via the Indeed 'Apply now' button will not be considered. You must apply at https://go.illinois.edu/CommsLead-ASC

The Agroecosystem Sustainability Center (ASC) is a new research center aiming to be a world leading innovation powerhouse in advanced monitoring and modeling of agroecosystems for improving sustainability under climate change. ASC is jointly funded by the Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Environment (iSEE), the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES), and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation (OVCRI). ASC gathers leading researchers from across the UIUC campus in the subject areas of biophysical and biochemical research in agroecosystems, primarily focusing on whole-plant and landscape-level studies to regional and global applications. The research is driven by co-founding and affiliated faculty members, professional staff scientists, postdocs and graduate students to advance science goals and technological innovations, with clear motivation to generate real-world solutions and impacts. ASC also has plans to work closely with industry partners and bring truly interdisciplinary educational opportunities for aspiring students at UIUC.

Job Summary

Manage and implement a comprehensive communications strategy, including developing communication and outreach materials, maintaining newsletters, and creating an online presence for ASC. The position is aimed to promote ASC research and build its reputation as the leading research center for sustainable agriculture and technology innovation. ASC stakeholders include the scientific community, farming community, policy-makers, industry, and funding agencies and foundations.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide various communications, public relations, writing, editing, graphic design, and layout needs for print and web-based materials.

CONTENT CREATION/DEVELOPMENT – 70%

• Develop communication materials for research publications, research groups, and projects.
• Create, and edit content for, print and online publication. This includes articles on scientific research and researchers, coverage of events, seminars, and symposia, interviews with faculty, affiliates, and students of all levels, proofing and writing help for grant proposals, and creating press releases on awards, grants, and developments. Editing and proofing work as necessary, in collaboration with the ASC Director and other staff, as well as communication staff in iSEE and the College of ACES.
• Update and maintain a dynamic, informative, and useful website for ASC. Effectively lead social media efforts, such as Facebook and Twitter, to reach current and potential audiences.
• Develop and maintain a quarterly newsletter for ASC.
• Develop research outreach materials for ASC stakeholders, including farmers, agricultural industry, and policymakers.
• Support internal communications efforts of ASC-related efforts in the campus. Write announcements, web content, and other communication pieces.
• Brainstorm creative ideas for event themes, such as workshops and conferences.
• Formulate key messages and a strategy for marketing those messages. Assist in design of specific material, such as single- and multi-page brochures, annual reports, publications, large-scale signage, digital signage, and illustrations.
• EDITING AND WRITING, MISCELLANEOUS – 20%
• Plan and draft non-technical sections of research proposals, project reports, peer-reviewed articles, as well as edit drafts produced by others.
• Write and edit a variety of comprehensive narratives for stylistic consistency according to sponsor requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• EVENT PUBLICITY AND SUPPORT – 10%
• Provide comprehensive event support for workshops and ASC-related conference, including print invitations, email invitations, presentation templates, locating needed technologies for presentations, photographs and or video footage of the event.
• Provide other event logistics as needed.

Additional Physical Demands

This job allows remote/hybrid mode, and it is mostly remote with occasional in-person events and other needs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, radio/television broadcasting, web/digital media, or a related field
• One (1) year (12 months) of professional work experience in public relations, journalism, social media communications, newspaper reporting, radio/television broadcasting with emphasis on production, or web/digital media
• Based on position requirements, additional education, training, and/or work experience in the area of specialization inherent to the position, may be required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Advertising, Marketing, Public Relations, External Relations, or a related field is required
• Prior experience is highly desirable
• Strong writing skills in the context of communication and journalism.
• Familiarity and prior experience with computer software and photography/video skills used in generating promotional material is essential
• A minimum of three years of experience in a higher education communications and/or management position is preferred
• A minimum of two years of experience in a research intensive environment is highly desirable, as is experience with scientific writing and promotional materials development.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong marketing, creative, and project management skills required, along with solid editorial skills.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5006 - Public Information Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after closing date. Salary is commensurate with experience.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on March 31, 2023. Applications not submitted through https://go.illinois.edu/CommsLead-ASC will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. Qualified candidates must upload a letter of which details qualifications noted above, resume and the names and contact information of three professional references. All requested information must be submitted for your application to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. For further information, please contact Erica Hanson, Human Resources, 217-333-0034. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters at https://go.uillinois.edu/noticesandposters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $55,000.00 per year

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: One location

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