Natural Resources Communications Manager — Communications Manager I

Working/Functional Title

Natural Resources Communications Manager

Position Summary

Michigan State University Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and collaborative environment, which requires all staff to contribute toward a vision for success regardless of title or position within the organization. We strive to create a positive culture, access to resources, and a sense of belonging for staff, partners, and programming participants. This means that all staff at MSU Extension are dedicated to the following:

• We work together to ensure that programming is available to all audiences, creates meaningful and positive impacts for participants, and demonstrates partnership and collaboration across communities.
• We understand that a welcoming and respectful environment is built through the efforts of everyone.
• We foster an environment that welcomes a broad range of perspectives and experiences, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to contribute and thrive.
• We ensure that every team member is prepared with the skills and resources to contribute to our welcoming and supportive culture.
• We foster an environment that values a range of perspectives, skills, and experiences by working to ensure access to programming for communities.
• We commit to continuous learning and engagement to better serve Michigan residents and meet the evolving needs of communities.
• We recognize that broad accessibility and collaboration are essential elements of our work and are vital to organizational and programmatic success.
• We embrace a culture of understanding, coaching, and feedback toward achieving a vision of success for the entire organization and its staff.
• Together we will achieve success, and we commit to these goals in our work, continued education, and ongoing efforts.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Natural Resources Communications Manager provides leadership in communicating the story and impact of MSU Extension’s Natural Resources Programming Portfolio, which includes the Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI), the MSU Center for Lakes and Streams, Michigan Sea Grant Extension, and MSU Extension’s Woods and Wildlife Team. In this role, you will support the development and implementation of communication strategies that elevate visibility, public understanding, and stakeholder awareness of natural resources programming across the state. You will also serve as Extension liaison to the Michigan Sea Grant communications program leader and team at the University of Michigan, including joint communications plan and implementation. This position supports the success of Extension programs through embedded communications within work teams.

In this position, you will provide coordination and communication activities related to data collection and reporting requirements associated with funding through the multiple grants and awards managed by MNFI, annual reporting that supports the Renewable Resources Extension Act (RREA) and Michigan Sea Grant. There may also be opportunities to support efforts in academic departments at MSU, including the Department of Forestry and the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. Examples of this type of work include helping translate program outcomes, research findings, and educational impacts into accessible reports and communication products that serve internal and external audiences.

A key responsibility includes supporting efforts to communicate science through clear, engaging, and accurate writing and contributing to/supporting multi-media communications. This involves producing science‑based communications that translate complex natural resources issues, Extension research, and programmatic work into materials that inform, educate, and inspire audiences from varied backgrounds.

In addition, you will work with internal and external editors and designers to manage the development and branding of communications and marketing content (print and digital) for education and outreach efforts. You will plan, develop, edit, and post digital content for MSU Extension website in consultation with subject matter experts, and coordinate with Michigan Sea Grant partners on shared website content. This includes developing and updating websites, creating and managing content for social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, to develop an online presence, while ensuring creative materials adhere to MSU brand standards.

Although negotiable, there will be space available for this position to work from the Michigan Natural Features Inventory Office in downtown Lansing, Michigan.

MSU Extension is a forward-facing, community-based organization that supports a flexible work environment for its diverse and talented workforce. Being present in communities is at the core of the organization’s mission. The level of flexibility within positions is driven by the needs, responsibilities, opportunities, and location of the position. There is an expectation employees work from an assigned MSU Work Site as a primary office location. However, there may be an opportunity to utilize MSU Extension's flexible work environment.

Characteristic Duties/Responsibilities

• Plans, creates, produces, photographs, edits, records or drafts releases and feature materials for on-line communications, media, and publications in order to inform the public and University of issues and events.
• Identifies sources of information, researches, surveys and interviews to obtain information.
• Composes, edits, designs, records, produces and duplicates audiotaped or printed programs or materials.
• Coordinates and approves the work of artists, photographers and printers and monitors work in progress.
• Assists with web development and technological enhancements for the unit.
• Maintains and updates files including statistical reports, clippings and measurements.
• Assists with negotiating rates and orders advertising for print, television or radio.
• Contributes to the overall growth and engagement strategies for social media.
• Executes innovative social media marketing campaigns to support traditional media, public relations, and advertising activities and to promote department events.
• Supports social media goal setting, execution, tracking, and reporting.
• Serves as a liaison with other University departments including University Relations.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Minimum Requirements

• 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.
• This position requires knowledge of basic computer terminology and operations, and the ability to use e-mail and the internet.

Desired Qualifications

• Self-starter who can effectively work both independently and in a team environment.
• Experience and proven ability working productively with a team serving in both leadership and contributor roles.
• Understanding of and experience with science writing, including ability to translate complex natural resources or other environmental-focused public policy issues into clear and accessible written communications.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships intra- and inter-organizationally, many of which require distance technology.
• Ability to identify and assist in the development of materials in support of programming created with a culture, access, and belonging lens that supports growth and understanding of critical issues facing target audiences.
• Review and provide administrative guidance in consultation with supervisor events, processes, outreach strategies, program delivery and communication pathways to identify and remove barriers in reaching potential participants.
• Ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Ability to demonstrate sound decision-making skills.
• Experience in managing the marketing and communication needs of natural resources education professionals.
• Experience in natural resources education and campaign creation experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of effective communication strategies for reaching rural audiences.
• Demonstrated commitment to reach audiences reflective of varied backgrounds, perspectives, and/or communities.
• Experience in the use of AP Style writing and editing techniques, digital communications, social media, and general communications support.
• Ability to use or willingness to learn web-based content management systems, both internal and external collaboration systems.
• Strong writing, proofreading, and editing skills.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Experience with email marketing platforms, for example, Constant Contact, Microsoft Office, Photoshop, Canva, and InDesign.
• Proficiency in use of technology (e.g., web research, Zoom, Qualtrics, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for mail/calendaring, distance technology, etc.) for day-to-day work, record keeping, reporting, team-based communications, and overall management.
• Basic photography and graphic design skills.
• Knowledge of MSU branding or experience adhering to organizational brand guidelines/frameworks.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment while adhering to aggressive deadlines.
• Understanding of and ability to implement Civil Rights principles and compliance standards.
• Demonstrated skills and professional development from the last five years related to cultural awareness and the ability to work effectively with individuals from varied backgrounds.
• Other skills and/or physical abilities that are required to perform duties of the position.

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

Current resume/CV.

Cover letter.

Four (4) professional references including two (2) current or previous supervisors.

Special Instructions

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

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

https://youtu.be/R58m2-um5Mg?si=Qra8RM