Assistant Communications Specialist

Work Location: LSU AgCenter Communications, LSU Campus, Knapp Hall, Baton Rouge, La.

Job Description: The LSU AgCenter is seeking a talented, highly organized, deadline-driven communicator with a varied skill set to join the organization’s Communications news team. This position’s primary function is to use communications methods to increase the availability of AgCenter information to various audiences. This position will be part of the LSU AgCenter Communications Department, which serves research, extension, teaching and international programs for the LSU AgCenter and the LSU College of Agriculture.The preferred candidate will possess strong editing and writing skills with experience in AP Style as well as be able to contribute high-quality photographs to the AgCenter’s news efforts; manage and maintain webpages; and have some knowledge of video production.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Write, edit and distribute news, feature stories and other content for the AgCenter’s news distribution service, website, social media and other communication channels.
• Write and edit marketing copy as needed.
• Develop and maintain relationships with media that encourage their use of AgCenter faculty as sources and AgCenter information in their news efforts.
• Edit additional AgCenter webpages and publications as needed.
• Help manage and maintain LSU AgCenter news webpages.
• Coordinate with the editor of Louisiana Agriculture magazine to help provide editorial oversight to the magazine.
• Photograph AgCenter events, research projects and gather news photographs.
• Help maintain the AgCenter’s photo archive.
• Assist with news and educational video production.
• Contribute content to LSU AgCenter social media platforms.
• Keep up with trends in media delivery to better distribute messages across all platforms.
• Support faculty in their efforts to reach the media and the public.
• Help conduct communications training to faculty groups and individuals.
• Serve on AgCenter committees and help with events.
• Support administrators with presentations, speeches and interview preparation.
• Perform other duties as required and assigned.

In-state travel and flexible scheduling outside of traditional office hours are required.

Qualification Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in public relations, marketing or communications.Other closely related degrees may be accepted if combined with a minimum of four years of professional-level experience directly related to this position. Master’s degree in public relations, marketing or communications is preferred.

Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year, typically includes a week off at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program. Possibility of educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework towards a master’s or Ph.D. degree at campuses of the LSU System. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.

Application Deadline: February 10, 2021, or until a suitable candidate is identified

Application Procedure: Apply online at https://lsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/LSU (or through Workday for internal applicants) by attaching cover letter with resume including a statement of professional interest and goals, university transcripts and two letters of reference. Paper, faxed or e-mailed application materials will not be accepted. In lieu of attaching the letters of reference, they may be sent directly to:

Tobie Blanchard

Director, LSU AgCenter Communications

141 Knapp Hall

Baton Rouge, La 70803

Email: tblanchard@agcenter.lsu.edu

The LSU Agricultural Center is a statewide campus of the LSU System and provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer