Communications and Recruitment Specialist

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Type of Position:
Professional Staff (Non-Classified)

Workstudy Position:

No

Job Type:
Regular

Work Shift:

Sponsorship Available:

No

Institution Name:
Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a state wide campus, with faculty based on University campuses, at Research and Extension Centers and in every Arkansas county. It consists of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES), and is home to more than 1400 employees.  The Division was established in 1959 and is headed by the Vice-President for Agriculture.  The Division headquarters is located in Little Rock with the rest of the University of Arkansas System Administration.  As an employer, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. 

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.  To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process and require reasonable accommodations, please contact the Division’s Office of Inclusion, Access, and Compliance at [email protected].

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 501-671-2219 or 479-502-9820.

Department:
HORT Horticulture

Department’s Website:

https://agribusiness.uark.edu/research/index.php
https://horticulture.uark.edu/research-extension/index.php

Summary of Job Duties:
This is a 12-month, full-time professional position. This position is designed to assist the Department of Horticulture and the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness with communicating research results and other departmental activities to professional and lay audiences. Specific duties include, but are not limited to:
Communications: Create and execute a unified communications strategy that defines audiences, prioritizes messages, and initiates and maintains connections through specific channels with key publics including colleagues, administration, alumni, industry stakeholders, and prospective students.
Work with Department personnel and Division of Agriculture communication staff to enhance consistent visibility and image of the Departments. Communicate and coordinate with faculty and staff to promote programs within the department(s). Support marketing and communication through creative posts, photos and messaging on various social media platforms. The position will also write and edit an annual newsletter out-lining academic and research accomplishment of students and faculty to alumni and supporters of the department; create and update website content to best promote research accomplishments of the department; update and maintain video boards and various departmental social media accounts.
Recruitment: Develop and execute an effective student recruiting strategy and participate in campus recruiting events. Work with faculty members and Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences recruitment coordinator to attract high quality high school, transfer, undeclared students and graduate students to the departments. Represent the departments at meetings of the college Prospective Student Relations committee. For Horticulture will serve as Co-chair of the Department Scholarship Committee, notify students of deadlines and steer them towards scholarships appropriate for their major.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:  B.S. or B.A. degree in Agricultural Communications, Communication, Journalism, English, or a related field with English/Communications elements.

Preferred Qualifications:  M.A./M.S. in Agricultural Communication, Communication, Journalism, or English.  Minimum 2 years experience as a writer/editor.  Experience in strategic communications.  Experience working directly with students. 

Additional Information:

Salary Information:

Commensurate with education and experience.

Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume, Unofficial/Official Transcript(s), Writing Sample

Optional Documents:

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Recruitment Contact Information:

Dr. Wayne Mackay, Professor and Head-Horticulture; [email protected]
Dr. John Anderson, Professor and Head – Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness; [email protected]

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS  

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:
Criminal Background Check, Motor Vehicle Reports Check

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture may conduct pre-employment background checks on certain positions for applicants being considered for employment.  The background checks may include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check.  Required checks are identified in the position listing.  A criminal background check or arrest pending adjudication information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absences of a relationship to the requirements of the position.  Background check information will be used in a consistent, non-discriminatory manner consistent with the state and federal law. 

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture commits itself to policies of affirmative action and diversity with respect to both employment opportunities and program participation.  The Division complies with these policies not merely because of legal requirements, but because we believe that such practices are basic to human dignity.  As such, the Division welcomes all applicants to apply without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.  Candidates must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.  All applicant information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:
Hearing, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Sitting, Talking

Frequent Physical Activity:
Driving, Walking

Occasional Physical Activity:
N/A

Benefits Eligible:
Yes