Communications Manager I

Back to search results Apply now Job no:953479
Work type:Support Staff
Pay Grade: 12
Major Administrative Unit / College: College Of Agriculture And Nat Resources
Department: Fisheries And Wildlife 10002344
Sub Area: AP- Professionals
Salary: 54584.00 - 58656.00
Location:East Lansing
Categories:PR/Media/Graphics/Comm/Fund Raising, Research/Scientific, Administrative Professionals- AP, Full Time (90-100%), Union, Remote-Friendly

The MSU Department of Fisheries and Wildlife has partnered with the Conservation Frontlines Foundation in seeking an innovative storyteller/writer and strategic project manager to help raise the visibility of Conservation Frontlines (e.g., www.conservationfrontlines.org/, https://www.facebook.com/conservationfrontlines/) and wildlife-oriented sustainable conservation research, education, and outreach. Conservation Frontlines works in partnership with MSU’s Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. Conservation Frontlines is a non-profit organization which publishes monthly online news. Join a dynamic team excited to launch a new strategy for promoting the most important sustainable use, conservation, and wildlife management news from North America and around the world.

The successful candidate will serve as the content creator and editor for Conservation Frontlines and have an exceptional ability to identify, produce, and disseminate stories and social media that will engage target audiences. This position focuses on developing/writing/editing content for distribution through a variety of communication channels. This position will also consult on and help manage key communications projects and programs. They will be a reliable team member with strong time management skills who can partner with the Conservation Frontlines team and allied stakeholders to create and implement integrated communications plans. Effective communication skills across a wide range of audiences are critical. They will be collaborative, creative, and curious with a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Responsibilities include:  

• Engages in strategic storytelling through feature writing and article development. 
• Strategizes, develops, writes, edits, and adapts content for multiple communication channels including emails, websites, social, print, and articles.  
• Responsible for managing content and updates to the public-facing Conservation Frontlines website and may manage via a content management system. 
• Manages Conservation Frontlines social media presence, including development of a content calendar, content creation, and audience engagement.  
• Advises on and track metrics to measure reach and audience engagement as well as review analytics, feedback, and trends to inform, as well as content strategy and adjust each as needed. 
• Supports the team in goal setting, execution, tracking, and reporting per project, campaign, etc. 
• Supports other internal projects as needed (e.g., monthly calls, reporting to CFL Board of Directors). 

Michigan State University (MSU) is a top 100 global university located in East Lansing, three miles east of the state’s capital. The MSU community includes more than 12,000 faculty, academic and support staff, and about 50,000 students. MSU offers an extensive benefits package to its employees including health care, prescription, and dental coverage, and a base retirement program with a university matching contribution, as well as basic life insurance. In addition, MSU offers educational benefits including a course fee courtesy program and educational assistance. 

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Journalism, Telecommunications, or Public Relations; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in public and media relations, composing, editing and publication production, news, broadcasting, and print media, and/or marketing, advertising, and creative services; graphic design; word processing; desktop publishing; web design; presentation; spreadsheet and/or database software; public presentation; or radio production; or computer programming/technology; experience managing content for social media channels; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

The ideal candidate would have: 

• Experience with science writing, working in academia/higher education and a willingness to learn. 
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize and summarize complex information and communicate clearly and concisely. 
• Initiative, good judgement and the ability to identify priorities, own projects, and manage multiple assignments. 
• Effective time management skills. 
• Experience in writing in a specific voice, building community, and growing engagement.
• Experience with Drupal
• Familiarity with editing and managing social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube) and a content management system (e.g., Omni, Mura, WordPress). 

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.

• A complete application 
• Cover letter 
• Resume/CV  
• Three samples of short non-fiction writing samples, communication pieces, etc.  
• Three examples of social media posts.
• Names and contact information for at least three professional references.  

This position reports to the Boone and Crockett Chair in Wildlife Conservation. This position may provide first-level supervision over student employees. 

STANDARD 8-5

This is an off dated position funded for three years from the date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

https://www.canr.msu.edu/fw/ and www.con

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Advertised:May 22, 2024 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:Jun 4, 2024 Eastern Daylight Time