Communications Coordinator

Position Summary

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a Communications Coordinator to support UCANR Innovate and affiliated initiatives, including the California AgTech Alliance. Reporting to UC ANR Innovate's Director of Communications and Marketing, this full-time, career position executes day-to-day communications activities, helping translate direction into production and keep projects on schedule. Key duties include drafting and scheduling social media content, building and sending email campaigns in Mailchimp, adapting existing visual assets for digital channels, compiling analytics, providing on-site event support, and assisting with basic press outreach. The Coordinator also supports content development for newsletters, blog posts, and other routine communications, and assists with coordinating editorial schedules across programs.

Department Summary

UC ANR Innovate is a statewide program of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources that advances applied innovation across agriculture, food systems, and biotechnology in California. The program manages and supports a portfolio of initiatives focused on technology commercialization, workforce development, and regional innovation ecosystems. UC ANR Innovate works closely with researchers, growers, startups, industry partners, and public agencies to coordinate programs, events, funding activities, and communications that support real-world adoption and measurable outcomes.

This position is a career appointment that is 100% fixed.

The home department is the ANR Office of Innovation. While this position normally is based in Davis, CA, this position is eligible for hybrid flexible work arrangements for applicants living in the State of California at this time. Please note that hybrid flexible work arrangements are subject to change by the University.

Pay Scale: $27.63/hour to $37.60/hour

Job Posting Close Date: This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 2026-04-07.

Key Responsibilities

35% Campaign & Content Implementation

• Implement communications campaigns across UCANR Innovate and affiliated initiatives, translating direction from the Director of Marketing and Communications into clear, timely deliverables.
• Draft, edit, and publish content including blog posts, short announcements, event promotions, and website updates.
• Adapt and prepare visual assets (graphics, photos, simple layouts) for use across digital channels using Adobe CC or Adobe Express.
• Coordinate timelines, approvals, and asset handoffs to ensure projects move from concept to publication without delay.
• Support content development for multiple programs simultaneously while maintaining clarity around brand voice and audience.

30% Social Media Management

• Draft, schedule, and publish social media content across platforms, with primary responsibility for LinkedIn and Instagram and secondary channels as appropriate.
• Adapt long-form content into platform-specific posts aligned with audience needs and program goals.
• Resize, adapt, and deploy existing graphics or photos to meet platform requirements and accessibility standards.
• Monitor engagement, respond to basic inquiries, and flag opportunities or issues to the Director.
• Support live and near-live posting during events, field days, and convenings.

15% Email Marketing & List Management

• Build, format, and send email campaigns using Mailchimp.
• Manage contact lists, audience segmentation, and basic automation.
• Support event promotion, announcements, and periodic updates across multiple initiatives.
• Track performance metrics and maintain clean, organized lists.

10% Analytics & Reporting

• Compile and summarize performance metrics across social, email, and web channels.
• Prepare regular analytics snapshots to support reporting, planning, and grant deliverables.
• Maintain organized records of campaign performance and audience growth.

5% Press & Media Relations

• Under direction of the Director, assist with basic press outreach, including drafting media advisories and coordinating logistics.
• Maintain press lists and media contact records.
• Support on-site media coordination during major announcements or events.

5% Other duties as assigned

• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the communications and outreach functions.
• Assist with time-sensitive tasks, special projects, and operational needs as directed.
• Provide general support to ensure continuity of communications activities during peak periods or events.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Demonstrated ability to support communications or marketing functions in a professional environment, with at least two (2) years of relevant experience.
• Ability to draft clear, concise written content and adapt messaging for different audiences and channels.
• Experience drafting, scheduling, and publishing social media content using standard tools or native platforms.
• Working knowledge of email marketing platforms such as Mailchimp, including campaign setup, formatting, and basic list management.
• Ability to adapt existing visual assets for digital use using tools such as Canva, Adobe Express, or comparable software.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to follow established brand, tone, and accessibility guidelines while executing communications materials.
• Ability to compile and summarize basic performance metrics related to email, social media, and web content.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to work independently with direction and oversight.
• Comfort using common productivity tools and emerging technologies to support efficient execution while maintaining accuracy and voice.

Preferred Skills

• Experience supporting communications for multi-program, grant-funded, or public sector initiatives.
• Familiarity with website content management systems such as WordPress, Wix, or similar platforms.
• Experience providing communications support for events, including live or near-live social posting, basic photography, or post-event summaries.
• Experience preparing analytics summaries or dashboards using platform insights or tools such as Google Analytics.
• Interest or background in agriculture, food systems, technology, or innovation-related fields.
• Spanish or other second-language proficiency.