Job Description

Position Summary

Communications Manager

CANR International Programs/Emerald Ash Borer Program - Entomology

The CANR International Programs and Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Program housed within the Department of Entomology seek a communications manager to manage websites, develop content and promote programs, achievements and activities. This position will support two major areas of responsibility, split 50% efforts in each of the two areas: 1) managing the communication activities of CANR International Programs, and 2) managing the national emerald ash borer.info website and related communications.

The successful candidate will collaborate with multiple stakeholders to create articles, news releases, publish newsletters, maintain websites, and other forms of communication/media. 

Responsibilities include:

CANR International Programs (50%)

• Plan and produce on-line and print newsletters for a wide range of stakeholder groups.
• Plan and implement communication strategies, and on a regular schedule, produce content for X (formerly known as Twitter) and other social media platforms.
• Develop content including new communications and outreach materials, and work with other program or communications specialists as needed. 
• Compose, edit and issue press releases as needed.
• Develop and maintain web content for CANR International Programs’ websites ( and ).  
• Work with faculty, staff, students, university and CANR communicators to achieve communication goals for CANR International Programs.

Emerald Ash Borer Program (50%):

• Communicate with other outreach specialists, regulatory officials and scientists in the US regarding new EAB finds, regulations, revised management guidelines or related.
• Track elements of website use, assist in preparation of annual reports to funding agencies, and cooperate in identification of goals, objectives and expected outcomes of website-related activities.
• Cooperate with MSU’s RS-GIS unit, which hosts the website, and the RS-GIS webmaster who handles technical activities on a contractual basis. Gain familiarity with the content management system, facilitating new content posting and management.
• Collaborate with communications specialists at Purdue University and Ohio State University Extension to announce, publicize and host the EAB University series of webinars. Each webinar is recorded and made available on the EAB.info website for later viewing.
• Regularly review, screen and archive outdated information on the website, in cooperation with McCullough or other scientists or regulatory officials, as appropriate.
• Monitor and answer user inquiries directed to the website or pass user inquiries along to experts at MSU or other entities.
• On occasion, the manager may represent and promote the EAB website at events for professional, community or industry organizations, which may require overnight travel.

Position is for 1-year from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability.

Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in journalism, telecommunications, communications, public relations, or marketing; one to three years of 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.

Desired Qualifications

Experience with science writing, news writing, planning communication strategy and interacting with stakeholders; knowledge of AP Style; experience with photography or videography, along with graphic design; experience with accessible and inclusive communications, including international stakeholders; ability to direct media to reliable state, national and international contacts for specific information; experience with development and execution of communication strategies, outreach campaigns, publications, and other materials for educational and outreach efforts; experience in monitoring social media and ability to represent the national EAB website in social media contexts.

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

Cover letter, resume, portfolio of works and achievements.

Special Instructions

Questions about the position can be directed to Callista Rakhmatov, ransomca@msu.edu or Deb McCullough, mccullo6@msu.edu

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Description of End Date

This is an off-dated position funded for one year from date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal

Website

Bidding eligibility ends on 6/25/2024 at 11:55 PM

About Michigan State University

Spartans work every day to advance the common good in uncommon ways.Together, we tackle some of the world?s toughest problems to find solutions that make life better?from alternative energy to better food safety to breakthrough medical and environmental applications achieved through rare isotope research.We teach. We explore and we discover. We collaborate and lead. We innovate, inspire, and empower. We achieve our potential and create circumstances that help our students and others achieve theirs.We're good at it, and we've been at it for more than 150 years.The nation?s pioneer land-grant university, MSU began as a bold experiment that democratized higher education and helped bring science and innovation into everyday life. The revolutionary concept became a model for the nation.Today, MSU is one of the top research universities in the world?on one of the biggest, greenest campuses in the nation. Home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs, we?re a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, scientists and leaders.In ways both practical and profound, we work to create a stronger, more sustainable, and more hopeful future for all.

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