Communications Specialist II - Science Communications

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. St