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Closing Date:

Type of Position:

Professional Staff - Project/Program AdministrationNo

Job Type:

RegularNo

Institution Name:

Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a state wide campus, with faculty based on University campuses, at Research and Extension Centers and in every Arkansas county. It consists of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES), and is home to more than 1400 employees.  The Division was established in 1959 and is headed by the Vice-President for Agriculture.  The Division headquarters is located in Little Rock with the rest of the University of Arkansas System Administration.  As an employer, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. 

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.  To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process and require reasonable accommodations, please contact the Division's Office of Program & Employment Compliance at compliance@uada.edu.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 501-671-2219 or 479-502-9820.

Department:

VPAG | Communication Services Directoruada.edu

Summary of Job Duties:

The Director of Research Communications will lead a team of communicators to promote the innovation, research and discoveries achieved by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station. In collaboration with the UADA Chief Communications Officer and the Director of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, the Director of Research Communications will implement strategies to reinforce the value of the experiment station and support UADA in achieving its mission.

The Director will oversee operations and content creation, including news releases, media relations, social media, design projects, audio content, videos, websites, publications, crisis communications and brand management. The Director will assign and monitor project assignments, ensure that quality meets established standards, and strive for continuous improvement within the unit.

The Director of Research Communications will:

• Seek and develop content ideas for news stories, web and social media content, and audio and video content.
• Assign projects based on priority and help Research Communications team members prioritize their work to maximize timeliness and value.
• Thoroughly review and edit all research communications projects, including news releases, videos, publications, websites, and more.
• Write news stories, web content, and social media posts for the experiment station.
• Oversee and implement the experiment station’s social media strategy.
• Foster positive and collaborative relationships with faculty members around the state.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the media to promote research and discoveries from the experiment station.
• Help maintain and add to the UADA media contacts database.
• Procure equipment and supplies needed for the Research Communications team to achieve its goals.
• Collaborate with regional partners to amplify the achievements of the UADA researchers within the broader southern region research story.
• Engage in regular professional development and ensure members of the Research Communications team do the same.
• Help maintain brand integrity.
• Offer relevant communications training to UADA employees and research faculty.
• Develop and implement crisis communication plans in coordination with UADA leadership.
• Meet regularly with the Director of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station to align research communications priorities and report on Research Communications activities.
• Note: This position requires occasional travel within Arkansas to cover research activities or events with the potential for infrequent after-hours or weekend work.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, engineering, science, or a related field is required. A related Bachelor’s degree and pertinent professional licensure or four (4) years of directly related experience may be substituted for the Master’s degree. Substitution for a Master’s degree does not waive the other requirements, which are in addition to the substitution requirements.

• 4+ years of experience in communications and public relations.

• 1+ years of supervisory experience.
   

Preferred Qualifications:

• 8+ years of experience in communications and public relations

• 3+ years of supervisory experience.

• Experience working with science or research communications.

• Experience with social media platforms and content management systems (CMS).

• Experience with photography or videography

• Experience with graphic design

 

Knowledge, skills and abilities:
 

• Meticulous attention to detail and exceptional writing and editing skills to ensure 100% accuracy in our content.

• Excellent command of the English language, grammar, and storytelling to deliver high-quality content.

• Effective priority management skills to manage multiple priorities and meet project deadlines.

• Understanding of KPIs used to measure communications success.

• Willingness to acquire new skills and learn from others quickly and efficiently.

• Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, from members of the media to our researchers.

Additional Information:

For technical assistance with the application process, please email humanresources@uada.edu or contact 501-671-2219.

Starting at $85,000, commensurate with experience.Cover Letter/Letter of Application, Other (see special instructions for details), ResumeOther (see special instructions for details)

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Please submit a document or other portfolio containing work samples that demonstrate your skills. Past work examples include, but are not limited to, the following list. You do not need examples for every item listed — only those items in which you have some expertise. For each item, please include a brief description of your specific role in the creation of that content:
Published news releases or news articles
Videos or video scripts
Magazines or other publications
Social media content
Websites managed
Photographs
Graphics or flyers
Internal communications or documentationNick Kordsmeier, Director of Communications
nkordsme@uark.edu

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS  

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

Motor Vehicle Reports Check

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture may conduct pre-employment background checks on certain positions for applicants being considered for employment.  The background checks may include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check.  Required checks are identified in the position listing.  A criminal background check or arrest pending adjudication information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absences of a relationship to the requirements of the position.  Background check information will be used in a consistent, non-discriminatory manner consistent with the state and federal law. 

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:

Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Sitting

Frequent Physical Activity:

Hearing, Talking

Occasional Physical Activity:

Driving

Benefits Eligible:

Yes