Position DetailsPosition Information Department Extension Communications (TEX) Position Title Specialist 2-Publications Job Title Communications Specialist Appointment Type Professional Faculty Job Location Corvallis Benefits Eligible Full-Time, benefits eligible Remote or Hybrid option? Yes Job Summary The Division of Extension and Engagement is seeking a Communications Specialist for the division's Communications and Marketing team. This is a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, professional faculty position. The primary work location for this position is the division's Communications and Marketing office on OSU's campus in Corvallis, Oregon. This position is expected to work onsite in Corvallis at least three (3) days per week. This Communications Specialist position is a team member of the Division of Extension and Engagement's (division) Communication and Marketing Unit. This position reports to the unit's News and Public Affairs Manager.The Communications Specialist creates content in a variety of media and delivery platforms to inform public audiences about the division's programs, people and impact. The primary focus is on storytelling, including writing, editing and basic multimedia production. This work serves to build awareness of and support for the division and its units among the public, decision-makers and other audiences. This position covers programmatic beats as assigned. In addition, this position contributes to efforts to create content and related strategies that are accessible to all and linguistically and culturally relevant.The Communications Specialist collaborates with unit colleagues, division faculty and staff, and external collaborators, including government agencies and organizations, members of the media and the public.The division has built the capacity and expectation for employees to use digital communications and technologies in the modern-day workplace. This reflects our demonstrable commitment to using digital communications tools and changing technologies as a primary way to raise Oregonian's awareness of and engagement with our organization, programs and resources. These activities will be included in the annual plan of work, impact statements and summary of accomplishments/achievements.About the division's communication and marketing unit:This unit operates as an integrated communications and marketing team in support of the Division of Extension and Engagement and the statewide OSU Extension Service. The team collaborates with division leadership and colleagues to create educational, engaging and brand-aligned communications that increase awareness, access and support among external audiences. This includes educational publishing; news and media relations; marketing and branding; design and multimedia; web and content strategy; and executive, public affairs and internal communication efforts. The team also provides support, consultation and training for division employees in these areas. In addition, the team provides collaborative leadership for innovative and effective use of educational and communication technologies.About the division:The Division of Extension and Engagement is core to Oregon State University's mission. The division helps create real solutions and positive impact across Oregon and beyond. The division is aligned under the leadership of the Vice Provost for Extension and Engagement. To learn more about our division and its core units and initiatives, please visit: Oregon State University strives to ensure that all educational programs, services, activities, and materials we offer to the public are identified, developed, delivered, and evaluated in an accessible, inclusive, equitable, and socially just manner. OSU division's educational programs, services, activities, and materials are available to all people. OSU division prohibits discrimination in all its programs, services, activities, and materials. All employees are responsible for and expected to comply with Civil Rights obligations and actively work to expand access to all eligible populations.Why OSU? Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don't wait for challenges to present themselves - we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.FACTS:• Top 1.4% university in the world•More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined•1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.• 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties• 7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone• 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates•35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color•217k+ alumni worldwide• For more interesting facts about OSU visit: Locations: Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport. Oregon State's beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America's best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.Total Rewards Package:Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents. •Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.•Retirement savings paid by the university.• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave. • Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.•Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.•Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.Key Responsibilities 70% - Content creation, publication and distribution
- Creates and edits content about the division's programs, activities and people.
- Interviews sources and writes news stories, short- and long-form content and news releases in consultation with and as assigned by supervisor. Duties include travel throughout Oregon as needed.
- Takes photographs and helps produce video or other multimedia content. Includes appropriate metadata with digital assets for future reference.
- Ensures content created is culturally inclusive, socially cognizant and compliant with university and division brand and style guidelines and accessibility requirements.
- Includes activities created to enhance access, inclusion and relevant best practices in annual plan of work, impact statements, and summary of accomplishments/achievements.
- Follows OSU and unit content review and distribution protocols.
- Monitors audience feedback, media coverage and other relevant data; collaborates with colleagues and unit leadership to increase effectiveness and adjust strategies and tactics.
- Uses software and digital tools and platforms to create, edit and publish content; promotes and delivers content; manages and uses digital assets; and works collaboratively. This includes publishing content to OSU Extension and the division's websites.
15% - Collaboration and coordination
- Contributes writing, editing, proofreading and other skills and expertise to unit and division teams and projects. This may include but is not limited to educational content, marketing material, newsletters, social media and internal communications.
- Builds knowledge of the division's programs and activities and maintains relationships with division leadership, faculty and staff to identify story ideas and develop content.
- Develops and maintains relationships with external communications professionals, including media, that result in their use of division and OSU Extension content and sources.
- Responds to inquiries from the media, the public and collaborators in a timely fashion.
- Communicates and coordinates with colleagues in OSU Media Relations and college communications units
- Participates actively in the OSU communicators' network, including attending workshops and meetings held by University Relations and Marketing.
- Coordinates own projects, including developing plans and schedules, tracking progress and deadlines, and coordinating with supervisor and team members. Uses the unit's standard project management tools and processes to support efficient internal work.
10% - Professional development and service
- Engages in opportunities to build knowledge and skills in areas relevant to position duties. This includes building skills to effectively use digital technologies and to advance equity and inclusion through communications and marketing work.
- Provides communications advice, training and consultation to division employees. This occurs through workshops, webinars, articles, individual instruction and other appropriate methods.
- Serves and advances the profession through active membership, leadership and participation in relevant professional organizations, workshops, meetings and award and recognition programs.
- Provides service to OSU and the land-grant system by working on unit, division, university, regional and national committees and projects.
5% - Other
- Performs other duties and projects, as assigned.
- Completes the division's civil rights training session(s).
- Ensures the incorporation of the appropriate civil rights requirements in content creation and publication.
What You Will Need
- Bachelor's degree in public relations, journalism, communications or field related to the duties of the position and demonstrated professional experience in communications.
- Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills with ability to communicate successfully with a broad and diverse audience.
- Experience with photography and/or videography, including basic photo and/or video editing.
- A commitment to collaborative and respectful learning and working environments that are safe, inclusive and welcoming.
- Demonstrated ability to sustain effective, professional interactions with colleagues, supervisor and others.
- Ability to learn and adapt to using multiple forms of digital communication systems and other tools in a changing technological environment.
- Ability to balance multiple projects and meet deadlines independently and through teamwork.
This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver's license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.What We Would Like You to Have
- Bilingual and/or biliterate (Spanish/English).
- Experience working with Associated Press (AP) style.
- Experience publishing content on digital platforms, such as websites.
- Experience using professional video and photo editing tools.
- Sharp news sense, good copy-editing skills and strong attention to accuracy and detail.
- An understanding of local, state and national news media and media relations practices.
- Ability to present to and provide training for individuals and groups.
- Ability to accurately interpret technical, specialized or complex topics for public understanding
Working Conditions / Work Schedule The primary work location for this position is the OSU Extension Communications office on OSU's campus in Corvallis, Oregon. However, flexible work may be established via an OSU Flexible Work Arrangement Agreement, with pre-determined periodic reviews of on-going work for continuation of the agreement. This position is expected to work onsite in Corvallis at least three (3) days per week.Position requires travel throughout Oregon and non-standard (evening and weekend hours) to interview sources and capture content. Infrequent out-of-state travel will be required for professional development and service.Pay Method Salary Pay Period 1st through the last day of the month Pay Date Last working day of the month Recommended Full-Time Salary Range $44,496-$67,758 Link to Position Description Posting Detail Information Posting Number P08692UF Number of Vacancies 1 Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 01/31/2025 Anticipated Appointment End DatePosting Date 12/03/2024 Full Consideration Date 12/31/2024 Closing Date 01/12/2025 Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants Special Instructions to Applicants To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by December 31, 2024. Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants.When applying you will be required to attach the following digital documents:1. Resume: Finalists will attend a meet and greet with unit employees/close collaborators which will include the distribution of their redacted resume and a short biography.2. Cover letter that addresses each required qualification3. Writing samples (uploaded as Other Document 1): Please provide three professional writing samples. Upload all samples as a combined PDF or as a document with a link to each sample. Samples should demonstrate clean editing and effective communication skills.4. Multimedia samples (Uploaded as Other Document 2): Please attach a document with links to two examples of photography or video work (or both) that you shot and/or edited.You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.Starting salary within the salary range will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.For additional information please contact: Kathryn Stroppel, ...@oregonstate.edu, 541-###-####OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has critical or security-sensitive responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU's Employee and Labor Relations team at ...@oregonstate.edu.