Communications Specialist II - Science Communications

About this role

Job Title Communications Specialist II - Science Communications

Agency Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service

Department Marketing and Communications

Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate

Job Location College Station, Texas

Job Type Staff

Job Description About Texas A&M AgriLife Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members: • Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

• Texas A&M AgriLife Research

• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University

• Texas A&M Forest Service

• Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

As the nation’s largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.

Click here to learn more about how you can be a part of AgriLife and make a difference in the world!

Position Information: As a member of Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications, this role strategizes, develops and executes comprehensive communications activities aimed at elevating the thought leadership and visibility of Texas A&M AgriLife. The position is charged with elevating the quality, rigor and reach of Texas A&M AgriLife's science writing and communication - translating complex research into clear, accurate and engaging content for public, media and stakeholder audiences. This includes writing for AgriLife Today's digital newsroom and magazine, supporting science-based earned media efforts and contributing to web content for Texas A&M AgriLife's KPEP sites, and serving as the dedicated communications steward for an assigned portfolio of AgriLife units. This person holds a passion for the life sciences, strong science writing skills and the ability to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible, compelling content for a range of audiences.   Key Responsibilities: Science Writing and Content Strategy • Serve as a science writer for Texas A&M AgriLife, elevating the standard, clarity and impact of research storytelling across the organization.

• Write and edit science-driven stories, features and news content for AgriLife Today, ensuring accuracy, appropriate context and accessibility for both scientific and general-public audiences.

• Translate technical findings from faculty, researchers and Extension specialists into narratives suitable for digital newsroom distribution and earned media pickup.

• Coordinate across internal and external stakeholders, including but not limited to leadership, social media, photo/video, media relations, web, graphic design, etc.

Assigned Unit Stewardship • Serve as the dedicated communications point of contact for assigned units, building ongoing relationships with department heads, center directors, faculty and staff to identify story opportunities.

• Proactively track research publications, grants, awards and AgriLife Extension milestones within assigned units to surface newsworthy content.

• Coordinate with unit leadership to align messaging with departmental and college priorities and maintain a consistent editorial cadence for each unit.

Web Content and Communications • Contribute to and help maintain web content on KPEP websites, ensuring content is current, accurate and consistent with Texas A&M AgriLife's editorial and brand standards.

• Steward brand messaging, voice and tone across platforms to ensure consistency in messaging and alignment with the overall communications strategy.

• Serve as back-up and extra support as needed for the Texas A&M AgriLife-wide digital calendar.

• Manage and support ad hoc projects and assignments, in coordination with the web team.

Analytics and Reporting • Monitor and analyze the effectiveness of communication efforts and campaigns using metrics and analytics tools.

• Prepare reports and presentations for internal stakeholders, providing insights and recommendations for continuous improvement, including on assigned unit content performance.

Other Duties: • Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience: • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Two years of related experience.

  Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: • Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet applications.

• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.

• Ability to present information clearly and concisely.

  Preferred Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, English, Agricultural Communications, Life Sciences or a related field.

• Master's degree in a relevant field.

• 3+ years of experience in science writing, journalism or communications, ideally in a research, higher education or agricultural setting.

• Experience writing for a digital newsroom, magazine or news publication.

• Prior experience covering agriculture, natural resources or life sciences research.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities • Strong writing, editing and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific or technical information into clear, accurate content for general audiences.

• Working knowledge of AP style and journalistic writing conventions.

• Familiarity with the life sciences, agriculture, natural resources or a related scientific field sufficient to interview researchers and accurately represent their work.

• Experience building and maintaining relationships with faculty, researchers or subject-matter experts to identify and develop story ideas.

• Understanding of earned media and media relations practices, including pitching science stories to journalists.

• Strong project mana

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