Research Communications Coordinator

Responsibilities

• The Research Communications Coordinator is responsible for managing communications and media relations associated with South Dakota State University’s research enterprise. This individual works as the primary storyteller to effectively describe and promote the university’s research activities to local, regional and national audiences.
• Develop a cohesive research communications and marketing strategy that aligns with university objectives, working with the Vice President for Research and Economic Development and other university leadership.
• Work directly with university researchers to promote their work and expertise to the media and public.
• Develop strategic communications by conducting interviews, producing unique written content and assisting in production of video, graphics and photos across all platforms including digital or broadcast channels, website and social media.
• Serve as the university’s lead communicator for the annual research report and monthly electronic newsletters.
• Highlight university researchers and their work through news releases and feature stories and pitching stories to news outlets.
• Respond to requests from national print and broadcast media.
• Provide oversight of the university’s experts list on sdstate.edu and increase awareness and use of university experts in regional, national and international media.
• Identify, recruit and maintain relationships with researchers willing to be included on the experts list.
• Monitor breaking news and identify and pitch those SDSU experts to media to be utilized as expert sources for comment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications, English, marketing or related field completed by start date
• At least three years of relevant strategic/broadcast communications experience in a fast-paced professional environment
• Exceptional communication and organizational skills
• Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Knowledge of Associated Press style
• Ability to present the results of research, type, content and form of articles required for publication by television stations, magazines, trade journals and newspapers
• Must be able to handle multiple tasks under tight deadlines and within established budgets
• Ability to take a project from concept through final application and execution
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire

Preferred

• Earned master’s degree
• Experience working with students and interns
• Web content development and management experience
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite (including Photoshop) and/or other image-editing and desktop publishing software
• Experience with marketing automation and CRM tools
• Experience in covering research-related topics

Benefits

• SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.