POSITION X2470 Communications Specialist

LOCATION University of Tennessee, Institute of Agriculture, Extension, Department of 4-H Youth Development and Extension Administration

EFFECTIVE DATE January 1, 2025

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary is commensurate with training and experience. Benefits include group hospitalization and life insurance, State Employees Retirement; Workers’ Compensation; sick and annual leave; numerous University of Tennessee and state benefits programs, including liberal time off for holidays and longevity pay after three years of service; reimbursement for official travel.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Provides leadership and vision for communications and outreach efforts for the 4-H department as well as for the Extension Dean's office. Develop vision for and create outreach efforts in areas such as video production, publication design, and photography. Serve as departmental liaison for IT and Marketing and Communications offices at the Institute.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Establish and manage all communications channels and content for the 4-H department and Extensions Dean's office:

• Coordinate the online presence for 4-H department and UT Extension through their websites
• Create content for social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, etc.)
• Create content and write news releases, articles, and news highlights
• Curate/create content and manage departmental newsletters
• Respond to public inquiries via email or social media
• Inform public, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and other audiences about news, research, Extension programs, and current events happening in the 4-H department and Extension Dean's office.

Create/design specialized projects for Dean and 4-H Director:

• Produce photos/videos of 4-H staff involved in youth development activities
• Create photo and video archives of departmental activities
• Create and assist with correspondence to donors and stakeholders on behalf of the Dean as well as the 4-H Director
• Create graphic design and manage print processes for projects such as Extension publications, branding suites, brochures, posters, presentations, infographics, and books
• Create production and promotion of videos for Extension projects
• Manage and produce podcasts to address special interest topics

Event collaboration for Extension Administration and department:

• Lead team and collaborate with other staff to plan statewide 4-H events each year, including 4-H Roundup, Academic Conference, and Congress.
• Direct photography and videography projects and activities for state level 4-H and UT Extension events.

IT / Marketing and Communications (M&C) Liaison for 4-H Youth Development:

• Participate in monthly IT update meetings
• Collaborate with IT on Security Committee, Marketing Committee, and Training Committee
• Contribute to IT discussions on implementing Strategic Plan
• Participate in monthly M&C meetings
• Collaborate with M&C on outside media coverage, interviews, and responses
• Develop communications materials with M&C's assistance

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Bachelors Degree in communications, journalism, public relations, graphic design, media arts, or related field and 4 years' experience in a related field.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of computer operations, word processing, and grammatical rules
• Ability to communicate complex scientific principles, research, or ideas
• Ability to write for and communicate with multiple audiences
• Knowledge of website design, editing, and maintenance
• Knowledge of event coordination
• Knowledge of communications trends and strategies
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work with varying project timelines
• Writing and content creation skills

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 4 years' experience in a related field
• Graphic design and page layout skills
• Photography and photo editing skills
• Video production skills
• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud applications
• Ability to manage print projects and define print specs
• Knowledge of IT and IT security terms and processes