Strategic Communications Specialist

The Center for Rural Energy Security (CRES) in the Division of Applied Social Sciences (DASS) in the College of Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources (CAFNR).

The Strategic Communications Specialist works to promote the Center for Rural Energy Security (CRES)'s research and policy reports with national policy audiences and to raise CRES's profile in the national energy policy landscape. This person will work closely with researchers to translate academic work into clear, accurate, and policy-relevant products and will coordinate proactive dissemination through press releases, national and trade media outreach, responses to media inquiries, social media distribution, and targeted outreach to legislative, regulatory, and industry audiences. The position will also liaise with College Marketing and Communications, University Legislative Affairs, and Central Marketing and Communications to ensure alignment with institutional messaging, legislative priorities, and risk management while maintaining the responsiveness required of a policy-focused research center.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate the dissemination of Center for Rural Energy Security/CRES output across target audiences and media types. Determine the appropriate tone, style, and formatting for various platforms, ensuring information levels are optimized for specific target audiences and distribution channels.
• Oversee the drafting of complex, interdisciplinary academic research into accessible policy briefs, white papers, and public reports tailored for non-academic stakeholders like government officials, industry leaders, and regulators..
• Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries while proactively pitching op-eds and press releases to local, national, and trade publications to establish CRES as a recognized authority.
• Supervise and mentor communications staff and students to ensure high-quality output and professional development.
• Collaborate with affiliated faculty across multiple colleges to monitor research cycles and translate ongoing scholarly work into timely, policy-relevant communications that respond to current news and legislative cycles.
• Cultivate relationships with an array of external partners, including rural energy stakeholders, national trade associations, and legislative personnel at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Liaise regularly with University Government Affairs and Central Marketing & Communications teams to ensure all outreach aligns with broader institutional messaging, legislative priorities, and risk management protocols.
• Support development efforts by assisting in messaging, materials, and cultivation of relationships with current and potential external partners.
• As with all positions, involvement with other duties and responsibilities may be expected in order to support the mission and purpose of the University of Missouri.

Monday - Friday; 7:30 am - 4:30 pm or 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 4 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Five or more years' experience across multiple media formats.

Experience developing and successfully executing regional- and national-level strategic communications plans with an array of target audiences, particularly with policy makers, regulators, and industry leaders.

Experience or familiarity with energy and/or economic development policy settings.

Experience mentoring junior personnel in translating complex research material into accessible, policy-relevant products.

An ability to work collaboratively with academic scholars across social and physical science disciplines and with communications and legislative affairs staff across the University.

The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as $59,737.60 - $96,054.40 annually.

Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual's particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Grade: GGS-011
University Title: Senior Strategic Communications Consultant

To review the University of Missouri's Staff Compensation Structure you can view the Job Code detail page. Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application, resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references.

Visa Sponsorship Information:
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment visas.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.