Communications and Marketing Specialist

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 department-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 brand-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 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

• 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 mission-driven organizations
• Demonstrated experience with branding, digital communications, and multi-channel marketing strategies

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, units available budget, and the candidates qualifications