"Small Farms Communications Specialist"

Job Description

The Small Farms Communication Specialist will oversee a comprehensive communications program for the Small Farms Network (SFN), including written, visual, digital, and electronic external communications, in collaboration with the UC SAREP Communications Manager and SFN academics and staff. Communications activities may include writing blog posts and press releases, managing statewide Small Farms Network social media platforms, photography, graphic design, publication design, video editing, and managing and maintaining the Small Farms Network website. In addition, the Communications Specialist will develop and maintain SharePoint databases and a digital clearinghouse of educational resources. The Small Farms Communications Specialist will work with UCCE small farms advisors and staff and UC SAREP statewide program personnel to develop and execute a communications and branding strategy for the Small Farms Network that uplifts the voices of farmer clientele, communicates program impacts, respects privacy and confidentiality, and emphasizes non-extractive storytelling techniques.

The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) Small Farms Network acts as an information hub connecting small-scale farms to the research and education resources of the University of California. The network serves a diverse clientele, including small-scale and diversified family farms; beginning farmers, and growers of specialty crops not covered by traditional commodity-based extension programs.

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

The home department is the UC Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program (SAREP). 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: $73,600.00/year to $103,400.00/year

Job Posting Close Date:
This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 12/01/2025.

Key Responsibilities:

Manage comprehensive communications programs for the UC ANR Small Farms Network, including written, visual, digital, and electronic communications:

• Activities may include writing blog posts and press releases, managing statewide Small Farms Network social media platforms, photography, graphic design, publication design for outreach, extension, and promotional materials, video editing, and website management and maintenance.
• Design and implement information campaigns and newsletters for small farms clientele and stakeholders, such as announcements of events, available educational materials, current funding opportunities, regulatory compliance resources and deadlines, and policy engagement opportunities.
• Develop, manage, and maintain digital and web resources, including a digital clearing house of educational resources for agricultural technical service providers, an internal SharePoint database for farm visit data, and clientele contact lists.
• Create and deliver educational materials and extension publications in formats accessible to target audiences and prioritizing clientele learning and communication preferences, including diverse learning styles and a range of digital and technical literacy levels.
• Ensure compliance with relevant accessibility guidelines for communications materials and make content accessible to a wider range of diverse users.
• Promote best practices for creating inclusive materials among Small Farms Network staff and academics.

Create, develop, and implement long- and short-term strategic communications plans and projects in collaboration with UC SAREP leadership and Small Farms Advisors:

• Consult with and advise UC SAREP leadership regarding all aspects of communications including developing and implementing strong communications strategies that effectively deliver the desired message, policy interpretation, educational outcome, or problem resolution.
• Collaborate with Small Farms Network staff and academics and UC SAREP leadership to identify and address specific external communications needs.
• Travel to county sites and Small Farms Network events to document program highlights and success stories.
• Assist small farms advisors and staff in reporting program impacts and stories to external stakeholders.
• Assist small farms advisors and staff in developing high-quality extension education resources using the most effective mode of communication and resource format to reach the intended audience.

Coordinate production of high quality external communications products and publications that effectively deliver the desired message to small farms clientele.

• Coordinate the production of materials for external publicity such as branded merchandise, conference booth materials, flyers, brochures, policy briefs, and information sheets.
• Work with Small Farms Network personnel, UC ANR's News & Information Outreach in Spanish (NOS), external partners, and translation and interpretation services to produce high-quality bilingual educational and outreach materials and resources.
• Assist with statewide extension communications events and campaigns such as webinars, videos, conferences, and field days.
• Support Small Farms Network personnel with programming for bilingual radio outreach.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field with coursework relevant to communications, journalism, science communications, or equivalent work experience or training.
• Knowledge and understanding of technical communications applications, including design concepts, media platforms, and applications, such as InDesign, Canva, Drupal-based web platforms, email marketing platforms, YouTube Studio, video editing software, Sharepoint, social media platforms, and other relevant applications.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including active listening, political acumen and diplomatic ability, and cultural humility.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills and ability to manage multiple project tasks to ensure successful completion.
• Skills to work with teams or departments to tailor communications deliverables to both targeted and broad general audiences, including identifying appropriate communication styles and modes for the intended audience.
• Prior experience with blog posts and press releases, managing social media platforms, photography, graphic design, publication design, video editing, webinar coordination, and/or website management and maintenance.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience creating accessible content and/or ensuring compliance with accessibility guidelines.
• Demonstrated skills and experience communicating complex topics, such as regulatory requirements or results of scientific research, to diverse audiences with a wide range of formal educational backgrounds and technological literacy.
• Understanding of the UC SAREP and Small Farms Network mission and current issues related to small-scale farms in California.
• Experience working in inter-cultural settings, working with marginalized or historically underserved communities, and/or using ethical or non-extractive story telling strategies.
• Experience developing communications or educational resources for non-English speaking audiences and/or low / limited literacy audiences.
• Proficient bilingual communication skills including the ability to read, write, translate, and effectively communicate technical agricultural information in a language relevant to farmers in California, such as Spanish, Hmong, Chinese, Iu Mien, Punjabi, or Korean.
• Experience working in an agricultural setting or directly working with farmers.