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Communications and Marketing Specialist

Inside Higher Ed, Columbus, OH, United States


Job Title
Communications and Marketing Specialist

Department
FAES | Agriculture Communication Education and Leadership

Overview
The Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership (ACEL) within The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) seeks a dynamic and creative Communications and Marketing Specialist. This position develops and executes comprehensive communication and marketing strategies that advance ACEL’s teaching, research, and Extension missions at the local, state, national, and international levels. The role is structured with 50% effort supporting department‑wide communication and marketing and 50% effort dedicated to the OSU Leadership Center.

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 audience‑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

Bachelor’s 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

2–4 years of relevant professional experience

Experience in higher education, Extension, nonprofit, or mission‑driven organizations

Demonstrated experience with branding, digital communications, and multi‑channel marketing strategies

Additional Information
This job profile is a Marketing Communications and Specialist 2 (S2 level) on the career roadmap. The offer for this position will fall within this range based on internal equity, unit’s available budget, and the candidate’s qualifications.

Location: Agricultural Administration (0003)

Position Type: Term (Fixed Term)

Scheduled Hours: 40

Shift: Varying Shifts

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.

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