Communications Coordinator

Position Summary

Dr. Sue Rhee is seeking a highly motivated, organized, and creative person to coordinate the online and in person communications of several federally funded life science centers to promote the science and scientists of the centers. The current centers include the Plant Cell Atlas, Water and Life Interface Institute, and Plant Metabolic Network. The strategies and materials built for these centers should be made in ways for them to be easily adopted and adapted by other centers at MSU. The successful applicant will be primarily responsible for advancing this mission of the centers through the responsibilities outlined below.

Duties and Responsibilities

30% Support External Communications: Develop and implement communication strategies to share the Center’s goals, activities, and achievements through newsletters, press releases, social media, annual reports, and a dedicated website, ensuring the Center’s work is accessible to both scientific and public audiences.

40% Content Creation and Dissemination: Develop and disseminate promotional materials, such as brochures, videos, and reports, to share the Center’s research findings and broader impacts with a global audience. Expertise in graphic design is especially important.

30% Support Internal Communication Coordination: Support the Center’s all hands retreat, conferences, and workshops in collaboration with scientific coordinators and administrative staff.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Communications, Telecommunications, Journalism, Marketing, or Public Relations; up to six months of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in internal communications; news, broadcasting, and print media, and/or marketing, advertising, and creative services; graphic design; word processing; desktop publishing; web design; presentation software; spreadsheet and/or database software; public presentation; or radio production; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree (required) or Master’s degree (preferred) in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Graphic Design, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, or a related field.

Experience:

• 1-3 years of experience in communications or public relations, preferably in a scientific, environmental, or agricultural organization.
• Proven experience in promoting and supporting events, workshops, or educational programs.

Communication Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex scientific concepts for a wide range of audiences.
• Experience with content creation for social media, newsletters, and websites.
• Excellent Microsoft Office skills, especially Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. 
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills would be a plus.

Project Management: Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

Technical Skills:

• Experience with graphic design or video production software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) is a plus.
• Proficiency in using communication tools such as social media platforms, email marketing software, and content management systems (CMS).

Cultural Competence: Experience working in international or cross-cultural settings, understanding the dynamics of collaborating with partners across different countries and cultures.

Adaptability: Ability to work in a fast-paced, evolving environment, with a proactive approach to identifying new outreach opportunities and adapting to changing needs.

Passion for Science and Sustainability: Demonstrated interest in sustainable agriculture, environmental science, or bioeconomy topics.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

CV/resume

Cover letter 

names and contact information for 3 or more professional references

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Description of End Date

This is an off date position funded for 1 year from date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Website

https://www.rheelab.org/

Bidding eligibility ends December 17, 2024 at 11:55 P.M.