Posting Details

Posting NumberPG190715SPInternal RecruitmentNoWorking TitleIR-4 Project National Information and Communications OfficerAnticipated Hiring RangeCommensurate with Experience ($55,000 - $65,000)Work ScheduleMonday-Friday / 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (additional hours as needed)Job LocationRaleigh, NCDepartmentIR-4 ProjectAbout the Department

The IR-4 Project is a national Federal/State partnership research program to assist farmers of fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs, ornamentals, and other specialty crops by facilitating registration of safe and effective chemical and bio-based pest management products. The IR-4 Project is needed because the crop protection industry focuses their research efforts on major crops such as corn, soybean, and cotton that provide the companies adequate return on their development investment. Without IR-4, farmers of specialty crops would only have access to a few crop protection products to protect their crops. IR-4 Project Headquarters provides national leadership, coordination and regulatory compliance for the IR-4 Project research activities performed by approx. 125 scientists at over 20 public sector research farms and five analytical laboratories throughout the United States.

Essential Job Duties

Reporting to the IR-4 Project National Chief of Staff, the IR-4 Project National Information and Communications Officer will lead and manage information and communications efforts for the IR-4 Project from its National Headquarters at NC State. This position is primarily charged with independently managing the internal and external information, content development, brand management, and website management for the IR-4 Project. This position will interface with the IR-4 scientists and staff across the US, and abroad. Key activities include:

• Information and Content Development (45%): This position is responsible for developing timely content for varied audiences that conveys scientific research and success stories of registrations obtained by the IR-4 Project, for example, into consumer, producer and extension agent facing materials. This includes creating content for, and manage production of, a variety of printed and electronic marketing and promotional materials including brochures, videos, posters, reports, banners, etc. Development of outreach materials and displays to be utilized at industry trade shows, national meetings and when meeting with elected officials and legislators. Writing, editing and proofreading materials as required to support administrative and program staff needs.
  • The information and content responsibilities will involve all IR-4 units, including national Headquarters at NC State, the regional offices (University of Florida, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Michigan State University, University of California – Davis as well as USDA Agriculture Research Service Minor Use Program).
• Management of brand and production of internal and external communications (45%): Managing the scheduling of electronic external communications, monthly newsletters and updates using Constant Contact and associated social media sites. This position will also work with internal IR-4 staff to create content for, and manage the scheduling of electronic internal communications as needed. Additional responsibilities include management and updating of the IR-4 website (using WordPress) as well as brand management.
• Continuous Improvement (10%): Lead the continuous improvement of information, web presence, content, audience reach analysis, services, and process related to internal and external communications to consistently meet changing needs and improve the quality of our information distribution and services.

This position will work closely with the IR-4 Data Application Manager to ensure that the web-based data structures are functioning appropriately and are easily accessible to our regional and national partner scientists.

Other Responsibilities

Supervision of occasional consultants and temporary employees may be required. Special projects and additional duties as assigned.

Mandatory Designation - Adverse WeatherNon Mandatory - Adverse WeatherMandatory Designation - Emergency EventsMandatory - Medical EmergenciesMinimum Experience/Education

Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Other Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in marketing, communications, public relations, or related field;or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Excellent organizational, leadership, interpersonal, decision making, writing skills for a variety of audiences including for development purposes, and project management skills are required.
• A wide degree of creativity and strong knowledge and understanding of current trends in digital media/social media.
• Must be capable of doing all the described activities independently.
• Applicant must have familiarity of and experience with agriculture, preferably experience with specialty crops.
• Proven success managing complex websites in a WordPress CMS. Examples of websites created and/or managed will be required.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and project/time management skills are critical.
• Must have exceptional writing, editing, proofreading, and research skills.
• Must demonstrate previous success managing social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn).
• Must be able to juggle multiple priorities and projects, and meet deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters’ degree in marketing, communications, public relations, or related field; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• At least three years of demonstrated success in a management-level position in communications or marketing.
• Developed knowledge of U.S./ International agriculture and experience translating scientific research into content suitable for general, industry or academic audiences.

Required License or Certification

• Valid NC Driver’s License or the ability to obtain within 60 days of start.

Valid NC Driver's License requiredYesCommercial Driver's License Required?NoJob Open Date09/16/2020Earliest Close Date---- (Positions will be posted until 5:00 PM ET on this date. Positions remaining posted after this date are still accepting applications but may close at any time.)09/23/2020Notice to ApplicantsSpecial Instructions

Applicant required documents: Cover Letter, CV/Resume, Contact Information for References, Examples of websites created/manages – links ok, Examples of social media posts – links ok, Writing sample of a scientific communication, Short writing sample for a general audience

Position Number00108193Position TypeSHRAPosition Classification Band TitlePublic Communication SpecialistPosition Classification Band LevelAdvancedPosition Classification Salary Range$31,200 - $83,965Salary Grade Equivalency73Alternate Option

If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)1.00Appointment12 Month RecurringMandatory DesignationNot ApplicableTime Limited PositionNoTime-Limited Appointment Length (if applicable)Is this position partially or fully funded on ARRA stimulus monies?NoDepartment Id110313 - IR-4 ProjectAA/EOE

NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process, please call 919-515-3148.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. If highest degree is from an institution outside of the U.S., final candidates are required to have their degree equivalency verified at www.wes.org or equivalent service. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * How did you learn of this opportunity?
   • NCSU Website
   • NCSU Executive Search Services
   • Monster.com
   • CareerBuilder.com
   • InsideHigherEd.com
   • Other Online Job Board
   • Carolina Job Finder / Employment Guide
   • Job / Career Fair
   • The Chronicle of Higher Education
   • HERC
   • Professional Journal
   • Print Advertisement (Newspaper / Periodical)
   • Professional Organization
   • Direct Contact from NCSU HR Representative / Recruiter
   • NCSU Employee Referral
   • Social Media (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Other)
   • Other
2. If you learned about this vacancy from "other source" or "other website", please provide the source.

   (Open Ended Question)

3. * Please select the response below that best describes your experience/education for the Public Communication Specialist position.
   • Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate in a related field
   • Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate in an unrelated field and four years of related experience
   • Associate's in a related and two years of related experience
   • Combination of post-high school education and/or experience in a related field to equal at least 4 years (ex. 1 year towards a related degree and 3 years of related experience)
   • Did not complete high school but have a combination of high school education and related experience to equal 8 years (ex. 1 year of high school and 7 years of related experience)
   • None of the above
4. * Do you have a valid NC Driver's license or the ability to obtain one within 60 days of your start date?
   • Yes
   • No
5. * Do you have at least three years of demonstrated success in a management-level position in communications or marketing?
   • Yes
   • No

Application Materials RequiredRequired Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Curriculum Vitae
4. Other Document (1)
5. Other Document (2)
6. Other Document (3)
7. Short Writing Sample

Optional Documents