Content Specialist

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Closing Date:

Type of Position:

Professional Staff - Project/Program AdministrationNo

Job Type:

RegularDay Shift (United States of America)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 Program & Employment Compliance at compliance@uada.edu.

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:

Office of Communications Directoruaex.uada.edu

Summary of Job Duties:

The Content Specialist supports the UADA Communications team, based in Little Rock, and is responsible for writing and editing compelling news and feature stories. Content Specialists develop strategic content across multiple platforms, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and impact. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with news-writing experience and the ability to tailor messages for diverse audiences.

Duties:
Plan, develop, write and publish news and feature stories that communicate the impact of work by the Cooperative Extension Service, part of the Division of Agriculture.
Work with Extension faculty and staff to find story ideas that highlight Extension’s programs and services.
Understand and translate complex scientific concepts for the average reader.
Assist with media relations by developing media lists, creating and delivering on-target pitches for stories and being of service to journalists seeking information for their stories.
Edit and proofread stories written by colleagues
Copyedit Extension publications as needed.
Achieve a high level of accuracy and precision in all written work.
Develop other strategic content across multiple platforms, including web content, newsletters, publications, social media, video scripts, and presentations.
Photograph Extension events and help manage photo content on the Extension photos database.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor of Arts/Sciences Degree in journalism, English, mass communications, public relations, marketing, technical writing, or related field from an accredited college or university. Some travel will be required; therefore, applicants must be able to qualify to operate a motor vehicle for the purpose of state business.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years of experience writing and editing with a portfolio of published work.
• Knowledge of agricultural issues.
• Photography skills.
• Social media experience a plus.

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong writing/reporting techniques to make stories appealing for news media and the public.
• Excellent storytelling skills — must have a strong command of the English language and grammar.
• Journalistic integrity.
• Self-editing skills — meticulous attention to detail is critical.
• Ability to demonstrate solid news judgment.
• Familiarity with AP writing style.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines; strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Ability and desire to quickly and efficiently learn new skills and learn from others.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills.
• Self-starter.

Qualification Equivalencies:

Additional Information:

Commensurate with education and experienceCover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume, Unofficial/Official Transcript(s), Writing Sample

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Tracy Courage, tcourage@uark.edu

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 is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:

Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding

Frequent Physical Activity:

Talking

Occasional Physical Activity:

Driving

Benefits Eligible:

Yes