Extension Communications Specialist

Are you looking for a rewarding career that will let you give back to your community? NC State Extension extends research-based knowledge to all North Carolinians, helping them transform science into everyday solutions that improve their lives and grow our state. We are the model of excellence in non-formal, research-based education that advances agriculture, the environment, human health and well-being, youth and communities, while creating prosperity for all North Carolinians. Working for NC State Extension allows you to teach without being tied to a classroom and school bell. Check out this video on what it's like to work for NC State Extension.

No two days in Extension are ever the same, there is always something new! Extension Agents are active in their communities and often need to meet the clients when and where they are available. This is not your typical desk job!

While our employees are located in NC County offices, they reap the benefits of employment at NC State University. Some of our benefits include:

* Paid time off

* Paid tuition

* Health Insurance

* Flexible Scheduling

* Retirement Savings

* Supplemental Benefits Programs

* WolfPerks!

You Belong Here! At NC State, our goal is for all employees to reach their fullest potential at work. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition ( https://news.hr.ncsu.edu/you-belong-here/) and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

The County Communication Specialist is a member of the staff of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension ( NCCE), Wake County Center and a vital member of the Administrative Support Team. Reporting directly to the County Extension Director, the Communication Specialist plays a pivotal role in performing a wide range of public communications and marketing-related work internally and externally for NC Cooperative Extension in Wake County including the development, delivery, and coordination of promotional and informational materials through a variety of communication media platforms. The position is also key to our customer service at the local Center.

The position works closely with programs related to Volunteer Systems, 4-H Youth Development, Community Food Systems, and Agriculture and Natural Resources and, cooperates with colleagues in the NCCE and county leaders in performing assigned responsibilities. The performance of assigned responsibility is governed by the philosophy, objectives, policies, and procedures of the NCCE.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit
North Carolina Cooperative Extension ( NCCE) gives our residents easy access to the resources and expertise of NC State University and NC A&T State University. Through educational programs, publications, and events, the Cooperative Extension field faculty deliver unbiased, research-based information to North Carolina citizens.

The Wake County Center of the NCCE works as a unit of local government and within the land-grant University system to provide educational programs that enrich the lives, land and economy of Wake County residents. Locally, Extension works to connect growers with research-based information and technology to ensure the growth & sustainability of NC's agriculture industry. Extension offers educational programming related to home gardening, local foods & nutrition,and leadership development to help youth and adults make healthier decisions and increase access to fresh, local, healthy food.

Wake County is located in central North Carolina and has a population over 1.12 million residents. Wake County is home to Raleigh, the state capital, as well as 12 other smaller municipalities, and N.C. State University. The county includes both urban and rural areas with increasing needs for food security, expanded markets to help sustain our farms and positive youth development supporting youth.

Duties and Responsibilities
This position performs a wide range of public communications and marketing related

work.

Primary Responsibilities include:

* Writes and edits news & promotional materials

* Provides graphic design and production of materials

* Prepares and disseminates news releases and feature stories through various media outlets

* Develops and manages print, electronic, broadcast, and/or web-based content

* Develops the capacity of Extension staff to generate, disseminate feature stories through a variety of media outlets

* Manages social media campaign(s) to address specific issues or topics of importance

* Develops & recommends communication strategies for all Extension program areas

* Initiates, develops and maintains working relationships with Wake County Public Affairs, the CALS.Communication Office and other external individuals & organizations.

* Provide primary onsite customer service 2-3 days per week in the Extension Office

For more information about Wake County, please go to Homepage | Wake County Government To learn more about the NCCE Wake County Center, see https://wake.ces.ncsu.edu/

*Ability to travel to onsite activities regularly outside of the Extension office.

* Ability to convey information orally and in written form to individuals or groups to ensure they understand the message. Ability to listen and respond appropriately to information from others.
* Ability to provide advice or counsel and to understand clients, organization and culture.
* Ability to establish a set of tasks and activities associated with an intended outcome and timeline as well as to ensure actions are performed in order to achieve desired results.
* Possession of marketing, graphic design, social, print or broadcast media, web-site development skills and ability to stay up-to-date with trends and technical advances in these areas.
* Ability to use innovative solutions and designs where appropriate.
* Ability to follow chain of command and apply judgment.
* Ability to think strategically and ideate within broad vision.
* Ability to translate from abstract concepts to operational strategies.

Graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in Communication, Public Relations, English, Journalism, humanities or agricultural Sciences field and two-years of experience in marketing and communications in a public setting.

Valid driver's license and reliable, personal transportation are required In order to operate a state vehicle, a valid NC driver's license is required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained.

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. 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.