Natural Resources Communications Manager — Communications Manager I

MSU Internal Job Postings Details•East Lansing, MI

25d

About The Position

The Natural Resources Communications Manager leads communications about the story and impact of MSU Extension’s Natural Resources Programming Portfolio, including the Michigan Natural Features Inventory, MSU Center for Lakes and Streams, Michigan Sea Grant Extension, and MSU Extension’s Woods and Wildlife Team. The role supports communication strategies that increase visibility, public understanding, and stakeholder awareness of natural resources programming statewide. It serves as an Extension liaison to the Michigan Sea Grant communications program leader and team at the University of Michigan, including coordinating joint communications planning and implementation. The position embeds communications support within program teams and coordinates communication activities related to data collection and reporting for grants and awards managed by MNFI, as well as annual reporting for the Renewable Resources Extension Act and Michigan Sea Grant. Work may also support MSU academic departments, including Forestry and Fisheries and Wildlife, by translating program outcomes, research findings, and educational impacts into accessible reports and communications for internal and external audiences. The manager communicates science through clear, engaging, accurate writing and multimedia materials, translating complex natural resources issues, research, and program work for audiences with varied backgrounds. The role works with internal and external editors and designers to develop and brand print and digital communications and marketing content. It plans, develops, edits, and posts MSU Extension website content in consultation with subject matter experts; coordinates shared website content with Michigan Sea Grant partners; and develops and updates websites and social media content, including for Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, while following MSU brand standards. The position has a primary assigned MSU work site. Space is available, although negotiable, at the Michigan Natural Features Inventory office in downtown Lansing. MSU Extension supports a flexible work environment, with flexibility dependent on the position’s needs, responsibilities, opportunities, and location. This is an off-dated position funded for one year from the date of hire, with a possible extension contingent on funding renewal.

Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that normally acquired through a four-year college degree program in Journalism, Telecommunications, or Public Relations, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
One to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in relevant areas such as public and media relations, writing and editing, publication production, news, broadcasting, print media, marketing, advertising, creative services, graphic design, desktop publishing, web design, presentations, spreadsheets or databases, public presentations, radio production, computer technology, or managing social media content.
Knowledge of basic computer terminology and operations, and ability to use email and the internet.
Strong writing, proofreading, and editing skills, and effective oral and written communication skills.
Ability to prioritize tasks, make sound decisions, and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment while meeting aggressive deadlines.
Understanding of and ability to implement Civil Rights principles and compliance standards.
Demonstrated skills or professional development within the last five years related to cultural awareness and working effectively with individuals from varied backgrounds.
Ability to perform the other skills and/or physical abilities required for the position, as applicable.

Nice To Haves

Ability to work effectively both independently and in a team, serving in leadership and contributor roles.
Experience and proven ability working productively with a team.
Understanding of science writing and ability to translate complex natural resources or environmental-focused public policy issues into clear, accessible communications.
Ability to build and maintain positive relationships within and across organizations, including through distance technology.
Ability to identify and help develop program materials with a culture, access, and belonging lens that supports understanding of critical issues facing target audiences.
Ability to review and provide administrative guidance, in consultation with a supervisor, on events, processes, outreach strategies, program delivery, and communication pathways to help identify and remove barriers to participation.
Experience managing marketing and communications needs for natural resources education professionals.
Experience in natural resources education and campaign creation.
Knowledge of effective communication strategies for rural audiences.
Demonstrated commitment to reaching audiences reflecting varied backgrounds, perspectives, and communities.
Experience with AP Style, digital communications, social media, and general communications support.
Ability to use or willingness to learn web-based content management systems and internal and external collaboration systems.
Experience with email marketing platforms such as Constant Contact, and tools such as Microsoft Office, Photoshop, Canva, and InDesign.
Proficiency with technology for day-to-day work, record keeping, reporting, team communications, and management, including web research, Zoom, Qualtrics, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and distance technology.
Basic photography and graphic design skills.
Knowledge of MSU branding or experience following organizational brand guidelines.
Experience managing communications for natural resources programming and translating research and educational impacts for internal and external audiences.

Responsibilities

Plan, create, produce, photograph, edit, record, or draft releases and feature materials for online communications, media, and publications to inform the public and the University about issues and events.
Identify sources of information and conduct research, surveys, and interviews to obtain information.
Compose, edit, design, record, produce, and duplicate audio or printed programs and materials.
Coordinate and approve the work of artists, photographers, and printers, and monitor work in progress.
Assist with web development and technological enhancements for the unit.
Maintain and update files, including statistical reports, clippings, and measurements.
Assist with negotiating rates and ordering print, television, or radio advertising.
Contribute to social media growth and engagement strategies; execute campaigns and support goal setting, tracking, and reporting.
Serve as a liaison with other University departments, including University Relations.
Develop and implement communications strategies that elevate the visibility and understanding of natural resources programming.
Coordinate with Michigan Sea Grant communications staff on joint communications planning and implementation and shared website content.
Coordinate communications activities related to data collection and reporting for MNFI grants and awards, RREA, and Michigan Sea Grant.
Translate research findings, program outcomes, and educational impacts into accessible reports and communication products.
Create science-based written and multimedia communications for audiences from varied backgrounds.
Work with editors and designers to manage the development and branding of print and digital communications and marketing content.
Plan, develop, edit, and post MSU Extension website content in consultation with subject matter experts; develop and update websites and social media content.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.