TITLE: Media and Communications Assistant – Senior Writer

DEPARTMENT: College of Agriculture, Community, and the Sciences

REPORTS TO: Director of Marketing & Public Relations

CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Land Grant Program Director of Marketing and Public Relations on the Kentucky State University Campus, the Media and Communications Assistant – Senior Writer will be responsible for strategizing with the Land Grant Program Media and Communications Department with efforts to promote the work of the Land Grant Program and Kentucky State University, primarily through written communication such as press releases, website content, social media posts, Ag Knowledge magazine, and more.

The Media and Communications Assistant – Senior Writer will support existing Land Grant Program Media and Communications Team efforts, which include: 1) managing requests and workflow of the Media Assistant Writer 2) ensuring that the media team is highlighting and promoting the work of the Land Grant Program, Cooperative Extension Program, and College of Agriculture, Community, and the Sciences; 2) producing content such as narrative videos, Ag Knowledge magazine, and press releases; 3) offering technical support and planning for programming and events. The Media and Communications Assistant – Writer will report to the Senior Writer. The Senior Writer will produce and oversee written content that highlights, explains, and promotes the work of the Land Grant Program and other disciplines as assigned.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Manages the media and communications department with efforts to promote the work of the Land Grant Program and Kentucky State University, primarily through written communication.
2. Helps identify newsworthy happenings within the Land Grant Program and writes press releases.
3. Collaborate with other writers on staff to produce content for Ag Knowledge, annual Land Grant Program magazine.
4. Copy edits social media posts, educational programming, and other written communication.
5. Provides support for communications ideas and goals throughout the year.
6. Assists with virtual and in-person event planning, promotion, coordination, and set-up to support Extension and outreach opportunities.
7. Assists with the creation of graphic materials for events (i.e., flyers, registration forms)
8. Assists the video production department with projects, including writing scripts and helping with equipment.
9. Assists with audio/visual and information technology needs for the Land Grant Program.
10. Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Ability to use a personal computer and a variety of related software applications.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment.
• Ability to take initiative and be resourceful and punctual.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to adhere to deadlines.
• Experience with graphic design is preferred.
• Experience with social media management is preferred.
• Experience with video production equipment is preferred.
• Experience in event planning and/or set-up is preferred.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

OTHER DUTIES:

QUALIFICATIONS:

Licensing and Certifications: NA

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is normally performed in either a typical interior/office work environment or in a farm-related setting.
• Must be able to work outdoors in a wide range of weather conditions, including heat or rain.
• Ability to lift 15lbs required.
• This position requires some night meetings, weekend work, and attendance at out-of-county meetings.
• A valid driver’s license and a personal vehicle for official duty travel are required. Mileage will be reimbursed at a rate established by the University.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

Internal Candidates are Encouraged to Apply.

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.