Position Summary(Basic Job Function)
This is a temporary or an on-call position. Provides professional support. Responsibilities may include general business, science, medical, agricultural or other professional support functions. Term: Temps can work two (2) nine (9) month terms with a week break in service in between and at the end of the second term terminate for three (3) months or switch to an on-call. On-Call allowed to work 1039 hours in any twelve (12) month period.
Unit Position Summary
Position description: The Department of Forestry at Michigan State University invites applications for a part-time, Communications Professional (Professional Aide) as an integral team member within the Forest Carbon and Climate Program (FCCP). This position will play a lead role in articulating the MSU FCCP mission, vision, and impact to donors and partners. The successful candidate will lead the development of communication strategy and coordination of clear, compelling, accurate messaging and communications materials. Responsibilities include contributing to achieve accelerated course enrollment and enabling fundraising environment by securing presence in digital, social media, and printed formats as well as producing collateral and cases for support that can be utilized with a variety of potential audiences. This is a part-time, temporary position, expected to work approximately 20 hours per week for approximately six months. Position extension would be based on continued funding.
This role is a unique opportunity to provide essential support to the Forest Carbon and Climate Program by planning, developing, and maintaining communication materials, allowing us to best reach the diverse professionals making decisions for forests and climate.
Together with FCCP’s Director and in coordination with the FCCP staff, the FCCP Communications Professional will focus on the following:
Develop and Execute Communications Strategy (25%)
- Develop and oversee marketing plan to elevate FCCP outputs and learning opportunities with particular focus on short-courses targeted to professional audiences and partnerships
- Develop and execute social media plans and campaigns, leveraging project outputs and visuals from FCCP research and creative projects
- Lead design, composition, and editing of website, print content, news releases, social media posts
FCCP Network and Donors Relations (20%)
- Conceptualize, plan, and implement a programmatic approach to building relationships and securing philanthropic support — including setting ambitious goals, developing strategies for prospects, prioritizing activities, asking for gifts in close coordination with MSU Advancement and CANR Corporate Relations.
- Produce a continually evolving set of tools that support fundraising strategy and tactics including presentations that can be used by the FCCP team that supplement cases for support and visually communicate its impact and vision to inspire fundraising partnership.
- Support the development of compelling proposals and reports working closely with the FCCP team to produce project budgets and project budget narratives that articulate the need for support and the impact of donations.
- Produce regular programmatic updates for donor communities.
- Develop and maintain contact information database of alumni, donors, and other interested individuals involved in the FCCP
Creative contributions to FCCP Projects (40%)
- Leading creative projects and activities needed to fulfill sponsored projects, particularly those with creative emphasis such as design, video production, and engagement as well as curricular development
- Synthesis of FCCP research findings and communication to various audiences
- Lead coordination of creative and knowledge transfer outputs, including incorporating feedback, engaging with partners, testing materials, and transfer of final deliverables for use by partners across various platforms.
Creative Services – Carry out the following directly and through mentoring student employees and/or overseeing outside services (15%)
- Work closely with Director, team, consultants and Advisory Committees to plan and FCCP’s major annual conference participation and other events throughout the year
- Supervise student employees – mentor to help develop content and to undertake tasks like updating the website and posting to social media
- Train and equip staff and other volunteers with the knowledge, tools, practice and support needed to be effectively engaged in fundraising and communicational activities
- Graphic design, Photography, Video editing and production
Application review will begin on September 23, 2024, and will continue until the position has been filled. Questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Daniel Ortega Pacheco at ortegapa@msu.edu.
Desired Qualifications
Required qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Journalism, Communication, or Public Relations; one to three years of relevant work experience in public and media relations, fundraising and communications, composing, editing and publication production; news and print media, and/or marketing, advertising, and creative services; experience managing content for social media channels; supervisory experience. Experience managing individual giving and issue-based campaigns. Experience writing grants and reports targeted to non-profit organizations and private corporations including using impact metrics as well as developing cases for support that inspire financial partnership. Familiar with industry standards in fundraising. Experience using CRM systems and donor databases. Experience in event planning and in the use of various writing styles (including AP) and editing techniques, web communications, media relationships (including handling interview requests, writing press releases and arranging interviews), writing infographics and text and video explainers, editing video and photos, using advanced software such as Adobe products, Figma, as well as communications software like email communication managers. Proficiency in English and Spanish is essential. Candidate should be comfortable in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment that requires flexibility and thrives on collaboration. Ability to handle multiple projects at once in a fast-paced and upbeat environment. Motivated to help turn team members’ ideas into a tangible outcome. Experience in communicating on science, natural resources, forestry, or climate change.
Preferred qualifications: Advanced degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or Related field. At least five years of experience preferred, working in diverse environments. Robust portfolio including science-based communications and experience with science writing for lay public. We seek a motivated self-starter, highly creative and independent individual, with a focus on high-quality outputs and continually learning new and creative communication tactics and approaches. The individual should be comfortable working with science-based information and outputs, using data from research and projects to undertake ambitious communications projects. Previous experience using writing as a tool to build community in the context of philanthropy communications, grant proposals and reports is preferred.
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
Upload the following required documents: 1) a letter of interest detailing qualifications for the position; 2) resume/curriculum vitae. Provide at least three professional references with contact information.
Special Instructions
Do not upload your portfolio, but we may request examples of your work during screening.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Work Hours
STANDARD 8-5
Remote Work Statement
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.
