Position Function:
The Media Specialist assists with all aspects of promotional content for communications, marketing, and outreach efforts for the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. The individual provides writing, videography, photography, and some graphic design content for digital and print marketing and collateral materials. The position reports to the CVM Director of Outreach.
Salary Grade: 14
Please see Staff Compensation Structure for salary ranges.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Social Media/Digital Content:
1. Develops content for various social media accounts based upon strategic organizational goals and in concert with branding and marketing plans. Ensures content produced includes a wide representation of the college’s departments/units, clinics, services, and programs.
2. Maximizes brand exposure and identifies opportunities to use w social-media and web-based communications to deliver brand messages in new or more effective ways, with special focus on utilization of data and analytics.
3. Stays abreast of University’s social media and web communications policies and standards and industry best practices.
Copywriting - Print and Traditional Media Content:
1. Develops content for print and other traditional media communications by conducting research, interviewing sources, writing, and editing material for publications and promotional use.
2. Creates content highlighting college, faculty, students, staff, and alumni achievements. Identifies scholarly research for potential stories and works with faculty clinicians and students to spotlight interesting and successful patient/client cases.
3. Assists with the creation of displays, signs, banners, and other such materials developed to promote the college and its departments/units, clinics, services, and programs.
4. Carefully proofreads all content for errors and inconsistencies and ensures it meets university and college messaging standards. Also provides proofreading and editing as needed for content produced by faculty and others within the college.
Photography & Videography:
1. Works in conjunction with coordinator of photographic services to capture still images at various CVM programs, activities, and events upon request.
2. Produces candid photos and captures and edits candid video for CVM social media platforms.
3. Utilizes college’s photo library and video vault to create specialized editorial content (photo, video, graphics, etc.) for digital media use as well as to support copy written for publications and promotional pieces.
Other Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Works outside of traditional business hours when scheduled to do so in advance.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education requirements: Bachelor's Degree in Communications or related field
Experience requirements: Two years of related experience
Must hold a valid driver's license
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's degree in communications or related field
3 to 5 years of experience in the communication field, specifically as a writer, editor, web manager or social media strategist
Experience working for a college or university, especially in veterinary medicine, agricultural communications or closely related area
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communications skills
• Outstanding proofreading and editing skills; Attention to detail
• Knowledge of Associated Press Style
• Skilled in writing for various applications: such as social media content, press releases, corporate/internal communications, promotional/marketing material, website content, news/feature stories
• Graphic design skills including page layout, visual images, and typography
• Adept in still photography and basic videography and video editing
• Proficient knowledge of software including Adobe Photoshop, PremierePro, Lightroom, InDesign, Illustrator
• Excellent organizational skills; Ability to prioritize competing demands, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines
• Strong initiative/self-motivation and reliable follow through; Requires minimal supervision
Instructions for Applying:
Applicants must apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu. Please include resume, cover letter, three work samples and three professional references.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
