Communications and Marketing Specialist
Effie Worldwide, Inc., Akron, OH, United States
The Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership (ACEL) within The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) is seeking a dynamic and creative Communication and Marketing Specialist .
This position develops and executes comprehensive communication and marketing strategies that advance ACELs teaching, research, and Extension missions at the local, state, national, and international levels. The role is structured with 50% effort supporting departmentâ‘wide communication and marketing and 50% effort dedicated to the OSU Leadership Center , a key Extension function housed within ACEL.
The Communication and Marketing Specialist reports to the Department Chair and works collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external partners to increase visibility, engagement, and impact through strategic storytelling and brandâ‘aligned communications.
Key Responsibilities Communication and Content Development
Lead the planning, development, and execution of departmental communication and marketing initiatives for ACEL and the OSU Leadership Center
Create and edit written content including articles, press releases, newsletters, promotional materials, and digital communications highlighting departmental programs, research, events, and professional development offerings
Collaborate with faculty, staff, and students to identify and promote accomplishments, impacts, and success stories
Apply professional graphic design, photography, and videography practices as appropriate and in accordance with OSU, CFAES, and OSU Extension brand standards
Marketing Strategy and Campaign Management
Develop, implement, and maintain strategic marketing plans that promote OSU Leadership Center professional growth opportunities to internal and external audiences
Manage marketing budgets and oversee paid advertising efforts, including creative development, media placement decisions, pricing negotiations, and performance evaluation
Monitor and adjust marketing strategies to improve reach, engagement, and return on investment
Stakeholder and Leadership Communications
Develop and implement a comprehensive stakeholder communication strategy that strengthens engagement with alumni, emeritus faculty, donors, industry partners, Extension partners, Leadership Center clients and prospective clients, and university leadership
Translate departmental goals, priorities, and outcomes into clear, compelling, and audienceâ‘appropriate messaging across communication channels
Support departmental and Leadership Center leadership with strategic communication needs to ensure alignment with CFAES and university messaging
Serve, alongside the department chair, as a departmental representative to the ACEL Alumni Board
Assist with departmental annual reporting and impact communications
Recruitment and Engagement Marketing
Partner with the Student Service Coordinator, academic program leaders, graduate program coordinator, OSU Leadership Center directors, and department chair to support recruitment and engagement marketing efforts
Develop promotional materials for prospective and current students and Leadership Center clients
Support communication and outreach strategies that increase awareness of academic programs, research strengths, student engagement opportunities, and leadership development programming
Web and Social Media Management
Lead website and social media content strategy, including storytelling and strategic narrative development
Manage departmental and OSU Leadership Center websites, social media platforms, and newsletters to ensure a consistent, accurate, and engaging digital presence
Monitor web analytics and social media performance metrics to inform continuous improvement of communication strategies
Required Qualifications
Bachelors degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
Minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in communication, marketing, public relations, or a related field
Preferred Qualifications
24 years of relevant professional experience
Experience in higher education, Extension, nonprofit, or missionâ‘driven organizations
Demonstrated experience with branding, digital communications, and multiâ‘channel marketing strategies
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This position develops and executes comprehensive communication and marketing strategies that advance ACELs teaching, research, and Extension missions at the local, state, national, and international levels. The role is structured with 50% effort supporting departmentâ‘wide communication and marketing and 50% effort dedicated to the OSU Leadership Center , a key Extension function housed within ACEL.
The Communication and Marketing Specialist reports to the Department Chair and works collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external partners to increase visibility, engagement, and impact through strategic storytelling and brandâ‘aligned communications.
Key Responsibilities Communication and Content Development
Lead the planning, development, and execution of departmental communication and marketing initiatives for ACEL and the OSU Leadership Center
Create and edit written content including articles, press releases, newsletters, promotional materials, and digital communications highlighting departmental programs, research, events, and professional development offerings
Collaborate with faculty, staff, and students to identify and promote accomplishments, impacts, and success stories
Apply professional graphic design, photography, and videography practices as appropriate and in accordance with OSU, CFAES, and OSU Extension brand standards
Marketing Strategy and Campaign Management
Develop, implement, and maintain strategic marketing plans that promote OSU Leadership Center professional growth opportunities to internal and external audiences
Manage marketing budgets and oversee paid advertising efforts, including creative development, media placement decisions, pricing negotiations, and performance evaluation
Monitor and adjust marketing strategies to improve reach, engagement, and return on investment
Stakeholder and Leadership Communications
Develop and implement a comprehensive stakeholder communication strategy that strengthens engagement with alumni, emeritus faculty, donors, industry partners, Extension partners, Leadership Center clients and prospective clients, and university leadership
Translate departmental goals, priorities, and outcomes into clear, compelling, and audienceâ‘appropriate messaging across communication channels
Support departmental and Leadership Center leadership with strategic communication needs to ensure alignment with CFAES and university messaging
Serve, alongside the department chair, as a departmental representative to the ACEL Alumni Board
Assist with departmental annual reporting and impact communications
Recruitment and Engagement Marketing
Partner with the Student Service Coordinator, academic program leaders, graduate program coordinator, OSU Leadership Center directors, and department chair to support recruitment and engagement marketing efforts
Develop promotional materials for prospective and current students and Leadership Center clients
Support communication and outreach strategies that increase awareness of academic programs, research strengths, student engagement opportunities, and leadership development programming
Web and Social Media Management
Lead website and social media content strategy, including storytelling and strategic narrative development
Manage departmental and OSU Leadership Center websites, social media platforms, and newsletters to ensure a consistent, accurate, and engaging digital presence
Monitor web analytics and social media performance metrics to inform continuous improvement of communication strategies
Required Qualifications
Bachelors degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
Minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in communication, marketing, public relations, or a related field
Preferred Qualifications
24 years of relevant professional experience
Experience in higher education, Extension, nonprofit, or missionâ‘driven organizations
Demonstrated experience with branding, digital communications, and multiâ‘channel marketing strategies
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