Director of Research Communications

Current University of Arkansas System employees, including student employees and graduate assistants, need to log in to Workday via , then access Find Jobs from the Workday search bar to view and apply for open positions. Students at University of Arkansas System will also view open positions and apply within Workday by searching for “Find Jobs for Students”. All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date (if designated).If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting, the application process will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through “My Draft Applications” located on your Candidate Home page. Closing Date:Type of Position:Professional Staff - Project/Program AdministrationWorkstudy Position:NoJob Type:RegularWork Shift:Sponsorship Available:NoInstitution Name: Division of Agriculture of the University of ArkansasThe 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 theApply 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 .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 DirectorDepartment's Website:uada.eduSummary 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 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 relations3+ 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 videographyExperience with graphic designKnowledge, 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 or contact 501-671-2219.Salary Information:Starting at $85,000, commensurate with experience.Required Documents to Apply:Cover Letter/Letter of Application, Other (see special instructions for details), ResumeOptional Documents:Other (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 articlesVideos or video scriptsMagazines or other publicationsSocial media contentWebsites managedPhotographsGraphics or flyersInternal communications or documentationRecruitment Contact Information:Nick Kordsmeier, Director of Communications