Serves as a communication assistant for the OSU Extension communication manager. Provides marketing and administrative support directly related to communication plans, materials, and activities for the Extension organization at the state level and for county/other unit assistance. This includes communicating and demonstrating best practices for branding and marketing. Coordinates, creates, and updates internal documents and public-facing materials on behalf of the OSU Extension director’s office; templates for use by Extension professionals; and Extension public relations information in collaboration with the Extension communication manager, Extension director, CFAES dean, and other college leaders.

Collaborates with other offices and units regarding OSU Extension communications and projects. Oversees and facilitates compliance with branding requirements at all levels of Extension and in coordination with the CFAES marketing team. Manages content on state-level websites, and monitors county/other Extension unit website content and brand application. Coordinates Extension presence at select events on behalf of the Extension director’s office. Performs other communication-related tasks as needed.

This position is preferably located on The Ohio State University Columbus campus in the Agricultural Administration building, although alternative options will be considered. This is a full-time position.

For full consideration, please submit a cover letter with application. Candidates selected for interview will be asked to submit three short writing samples and three creative samples (ex. print design, photograph, social media posts/graphics).

Position Responsibilities

Marketing (25%) – Plan, write, edit, and format printed and electronic communications such as newsletters, annual reports, press releases, and impact statements. Review communication materials and websites for branding compliance, grammatical edits, and other issues. Manage Extension social media presence and create social media posts in collaboration with the CFAES Marketing team. This includes the Extension Facebook page. Manage content on the OSU Extension YouTube channel in coordination with the CFAES social media team. Create and maintain templates, such as infographics and Extension press releases. Create and update marketing assets and media kits. Design display banners and other standardized promotional materials for OSU Extension county offices. Collect and manage a summary of Extension success stories in coordination with Extension program leaders and the Learning and Organizational Development unit. Create and coordinate materials for promotion campaigns and advertisements with the CFAES Brand Approval team (BAT).

Administrative (25%) – Answer media requests and branding questions; coordinate responses with Extension communication manager and CFAES BAT/marketing team. Cross-reference and work with multiple units and employees on listings for Extension personnel directory. Manage and collect content, draft News and Notes, and publish issues online with Extension communication manager. Review and correct basic edits to transcript of the Extension director’s regular video updates; handle pre-video digital accessibility requests. Collaborate on logistics for Extension Cabinet and leadership team meetings. Lead preparation of content and activities for Extension new employee onboarding related to marketing and communication (included with support unit module). Manage inventory of branded county/unit exterior office signage; coordinate with offices to update as needed. Initiate and manage managing merchandise and promotional orders; coordinate efforts with unit fiscal representatives, CFAES marketing team, and University Marketing and Trademark and Licensing office.

Websites (25%) – Maintain OSU Extension websites and web content, including events, news items, banners, and more. Provide guidance for Extension units with their websites; and help move, update, or archive content as needed with individual content managers. Research resources and build content on Extension Today topic pages. Manage online content for Extension Handbook, in coordination with Extension director, Operations director, and other administrative leaders. Manage digital accessibility requirements of Extension online content in conjunction with CFAES digital accessibility coordinator.

Miscellaneous (15%) – Manage miscellaneous communication record-keeping and administrative tasks as needed. Ex. catalog and package historical documents/photos for University Archives. Ex. civil rights compliance needs such as nondiscrimination notices on Extension materials, signage for county/unit offices, etc. in coordination with CFAES Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and university partners.

Event Planning (10%) – Coordinate Extension presence and communication materials for select events, such as OSU Extension Annual Conference; Farm Science Review; and CFAES Legislative Luncheon, county commissioner functions, and other legislative activities. Serve as a steering committee member for several of these events with other college colleagues.

Minimum Education Required
Bachelor's Degree – communication, agricultural communication, journalism, marketing

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in relevant communications field or equivalent combination of education and experience. Superior writing and editing skills are required. Demonstrated success in handling complex projects and programs is required. A self-guided and self-motivated individual who is organized and detail-oriented with time management skills. Experience with design principles, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office Suite is required.

Desired Qualifications

One to three years of relevant experience preferred. Experience managing social media accounts and online content. Experience with following organizational branding guidelines. Experience with website maintenance. Some familiarity with video editing and production. Familiarity with university processes, protocols, and procedures is desired. Knowledge of OSU Extension desired.

Function: Marketing and Communications

Sub-Function: Marketing and Communications

Career Level: Individual Contributor - Specialized

Career Band: T1

About Us: Ohio State University Extension provides practical advice, sensible solutions, and realistic down-to-earth answers for ALL Ohioans. We fulfill the land-grant mission of The Ohio State University by interpreting knowledge and research developed by Extension and other faculty and staff within the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences; Ohio State main campus; and other land-grant universities – so Ohioans can use the scientifically based information to better their lives, businesses and communities.

The Extension system is the world’s largest non-formal educational system. Extension’s hallmark is programming delivered by professionals to address the needs of the local community while also addressing state, national, and global issues. Our practical educational programs combine the needs of local citizens and communities with new research and technical information.

No matter which county you visit, you can find people who are helped by the four major OSU Extension program areas: family and consumer sciences, 4-H youth development, community development, and agriculture and natural resources. These program areas – and many other special topics – are continuously being evaluated and updated to meet the changing needs and issues facing each community.

The Ohio State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, race, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, protected veteran status, or any other basis under the law.

Vaccine Requirements

Ohio State is focused on enhancing the health and safety of our community. Therefore, the university is requiring every student, faculty and staff member to be compliant with Ohio State’s COVID-19 vaccine requirement.

By the start of employment, all newly hired employees must receive at least the first dose of a two-dose series or a single dose of a one-dose series COVID-19 vaccination. Individuals who choose a two-dose series vaccination must receive the second dose within 45 days of their start date. Proof of vaccination will be required at time of hire.

Candidates may request a medical or religious exemption from the vaccination requirement. Campus employees may also request an exemption for personal reasons. Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, College of Medicine or OSUP Employees are not eligible for personal exemptions. All exemptions are subject to Ohio State’s approval and subject to change, including revocation, due to legal and regulatory requirements.