The Ohio State University seeks a Project Communications Specialist to develop content and lead marketing and communications efforts related to two USDA funded projects based on the OSU CFAES Wooster campus: From the Ground Up (75%) and the Northeast Ohio Agriculture Innovation Center (NEO AIC) (25%).

This position uses a combination of creative ideation and audience-centric, strategic thinking to produce informative, engaging and strategy-based content that will be used to disseminate and communicate messaging and generate project exposure. Develops communications that will represent the projects and organizations to internal and external constituencies using a variety of channels which may include print and graphic media, video and web communications, and digital and social media in order to enhance relationships and advance the long- and short-term goals and strategies. Collaborates across the enterprise to ensure alignment with the universitys brand, content, and editorial strategies where possible and necessary.

This 100% FTE position is 100% grant funded for 4-years, with potential for extension based on funding availability.

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Advanced degree in relevant field may be desirable. 2 years of relevant experience required. 2-4 years of relevant experience preferred.

About Projects

From the Ground Up: The FTGUp project is a USDA-funded Sustainable Agricultural Systems grant that involves five institutions (OSU, Central State University, the University of Missouri, Lincoln University and Solutions from the Land). Started in July 2024, this 5-year project is centered on farmer-led research and innovation to improve the agronomic and economic performance of climate-smart agricultural practices (CSAPs) and accelerate the adoption of CSAPs in Missouri and Ohio. Leadership for project design and decisions is jointly shared between a Farmer Leadership Team and Project Management Team. The Project Communications Specialist (this position) would work alongside the Project Manager (Alex Jefferies) and report to Lead PI (Dr. Douglas Jackson-Smith), both of whom work out of the OSU CFAES Wooster campus, an interdisciplinary research station 90 minutes north of Columbus in the heart of a vibrant rural and agricultural landscape. See our project website (https://www.ftgup.org).

NEO-AIC: The Northeast Ohio Agriculture Innovation Center (NEO-AIC) is a new venture funded by the USDA Rural Development and is a one stop shop for Northeast Ohio farmers seeking assistance with their value-added agriculture (VAA) business including: financial, legal, technical, regulatory, and value chain/marketing support. The NEO-AIC holistically approaches each client and tailors its approach based on each clients business needs and includes a focus on quality of life. The NEO-AIC project is directed by Dr. Shoshanah Inwood, a rural sociologist and faculty member in the School of Environment and Natural Resources. The office is located on the OSU-CFAES, Wooster campus. See our website (https://senr.osu.edu/extension-outreach/northeast-ohio-ag-innovation-center)

Education/Experience:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and 2 years of relevant experience.
• Strong communication skills in similar organizational context
• Experience with storytelling, print and digital media, some graphic design
• Proven ability to work effectively on a team and build consensus.
• Ability to work on projects of moderate scope and complexity.
• Proven experience with computer/online tracking systems, documentation of work, and implementing communications strategies.
• Some knowledge and/or experience with Midwestern farming and food systems.
• Requires in-person on Wooster Campus as well as travel to locations in Ohio (and potentially Missouri) as needed

Desired:

• Familiarity with farming systems and value-added agriculture and food systems in Ohio and Missouri
• Experience with agricultural communications, outreach, and extension
• Masters degree and/or 2-4 years of relevant experience.

This job profile is a Content and Editorial Content Specialist 2 (S2 level) position on the career roadmap.

The salary paid to an individual will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limit to, education, years of experience, internal equity, etc.cx

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About The Ohio State University

The Ohio State University is a dynamic community of diverse resources, where opportunity thrives and where individuals transform themselves and the world. Founded in 1870, Ohio State is a world-class public research university and the leading comprehensive teaching and research institution in the state of Ohio. With more than 63,000 students (including 57,000 in Columbus), the Wexner Medical Center, 14 colleges, 80 centers and 175 majors, the university offers its students tremendous breadth and depth of opportunity in the liberal arts, the sciences and the professions.

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