Position Summary
Position Description
North Dakota State University invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of Agriculture Communication Director.
The Agriculture Communication Director will lead communication and marketing efforts for NDSU Agriculture and serves as the chief communications officer for units under the NDSU Vice President for Agriculture including NDSU Extension; the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station; and the NDSU College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources. The Agriculture Communication Director reports to the Vice President. The Agriculture Communication Director provides leadership for the department’s efforts, including editorial, marketing, graphics, electronic media, distance education, web services, computer support, distribution, administration, and print/copy. Department staff provide a broad range of services, consulting, and training to faculty and staff on the NDSU campus and across the state. The Director serves on the Vice President’s Leadership Council, the Extension Leadership Team, and meets with department heads/chairs/directors, Research Extension Center directors, and other stakeholders on a regular basis to develop and implement communication strategies.
The Agriculture Communication Director, in collaboration with the Vice President, will develop, implement, and oversee short and long-term communication, marketing, and technology strategies for NDSU Agriculture (this includes the NDSU College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources; NDSU Extension; and the ND Agricultural Experiment Station). This individual works collaboratively with administrative leaders, department staff, research and Extension professionals statewide, University Relations staff, campus communicators, and other allied units to align and strengthen communications, marketing, branding, strategies, and related priorities.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, information technology, or any field related to the work ongoing within NDSU Agriculture. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills. * Excellent interpersonal skills. * Professional experience in communications, journalism, marketing, information technology, or related areas. * Experience with leadership and management responsibilities involved in a supervisory role. * Ability to plan and manage fiscal resources. * Experience working collaboratively with units that are geographically dispersed. * Demonstrated ability to develop and implement innovative ideas. * Experience working in teams where responsibility is delegated and accountability is expected. * Demonstrated ability to build and lead successful teams, and strengthen relationships with internal clients and external stakeholders. * Demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. * Knowledge of Associated Press writing style. * Basic understanding of Agriculture.
Preferred Qualifications
* Master’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, information technology, or a related field. * Knowledge and understanding of the land grant mission. * Success in obtaining grants and managing budgets. * Demonstrated ability to effectively lead and manage change. * Demonstrated experience in crisis management and communication. * Prior experience organizing strategic communication planning efforts.
Contact Name
Dr. Leon Schumacher, Search Committee Chair
Contact Email
leon.schumacher@ndsu.eduContact Phone
701-231-5173
Application Instructions
For full consideration, application screening will begin on May 12, 2024. Application materials must include: 1) a letter of interest that specifically addresses how your experiences and qualifications intersect with the desired traits indicated for this position; 2) a resume or curriculum vita that includes work experience and employment history; 3) the names and contact information (telephone number, postal address, and email address) of three professional references for future contact including your professional relationship with each reference listed; 4) share strategic communication planning ideas (1-2 pages max.); and 5) provide writing samples (1-2 pages max). Please direct questions or nominations to Dr. Leon Schumacher, Search Committee Chair, by email (leon.schumacher@ndsu.edu) or phone (701-231-5173).