Communications Manager I

The MSU Water Alliance is seeking an innovative storyteller and strategic communications manager to help raise the visibility of MSU's Water Alliance (water.msu.edu) and water-related research, education, and outreach. The MSU Water Alliance is supported by MSU's Office of Research and Innovation in partnership with MSU AgBioResearch, MSU Extension, and the Homer Nowlin Endowment. Join a dynamic team excited to start on a new strategy for promoting faculty and students working in the water sphere.

The successful candidate will serve as the content creator and editor for the MSU Water Alliance and have an exceptional ability to identify, produce, and disseminate stories that will engage target audiences. This position focuses on developing/writing/editing content for distribution through a variety of communication channels. This position will also consult on and help manage key communications projects, programs and special events related to MSU Water Alliance. They will be a reliable team member with strong time management skills who can partner with a variety of stakeholders to create and implement integrated communications plans. Effective communication skills across a wide range of audiences are critical. Most importantly, they will be collaborative, creative, and curious with a deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

Responsibilities include:

• Engages in strategic storytelling through feature writing and article development.
• Strategizes, develops, writes, edits, and adapts content for multiple communication channels including emails, websites, social, print, articles, and events.
• Responsible for managing content and updates to the public-facing Water Alliance website via a content management system.
• Manages MSU Water Alliance social media presence, including development of a content calendar, content creation, posting and audience engagement.
• Advises on and track metrics to measure reach and audience engagement; review analytics, feedback, and trends to inform and content strategy and adjust as needed.
• Supports the team in goal setting, execution, tracking, and reporting per project, campaign, department, etc.
• Coordinates multimedia components for integrated communication efforts by working with CANR, University, and other communications teams.
• Serves as a liaison with other university departments/colleges including University Communications.
• Supports internal and external special projects as needed.

This position reports to the Director of the Water Alliance. This position may provide first-level supervision over student employees.

Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills

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.

Desired Qualifications

The ideal candidate would have:

• Four-year college degree program in Communications or Professional Writing.
• Experience with science writing, working in academia/higher education and a willingness to learn.
• Interest in topics related to the mission of the MSU Water Alliance.
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize and summarize complex information and communicate clearly and concisely.
• Initiative, good judgement and the ability to identify priorities, own projects and manage multiple assignments.
• Effective time management skills.
• Experience in writing in a specific voice, building community, and growing engagement.
• Experience with Drupal
• Familiarity with editing and managing a content management system (e.g., Omni, Mura, WordPress) and social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube).

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

• A complete application
• Cover letter
• Resume/CV
• Three samples of short non-fiction writing samples, communication pieces, etc.
• Names and contact information for at least three professional references

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Description of End Date

This is an off-dated position funded until 01/30/2026 with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal

Website

water.msu.edu

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.

Bidding eligibility ends on 1/23/2024 at 11:55 PM