Communications Specialist II

Texas A&M AgriLife is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive agriculture program, bringing 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 Texas county, AgriLife improves lives, environments, and the economy through education, research, extension, and service.

About the role

The Communications Specialist II is a member of the Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications team and serves as the primary liaison between Marketing & Communications and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. This role supports the development and execution of communications initiatives that promote Extension programs, services, and impact while ensuring alignment with brand standards and guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Liaison & Relationship Coordination
  • Serve as the primary day-to-day contact between the Marketing and Communications unit and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
  • Build and maintain relationships with Extension agents, specialists, and administrative staff to identify stories and examples of the Extension brand in action.
  • Participate in selective Extension meetings to identify communication needs, priorities, and opportunities.
  • Train Extension employees on the proper use of the Extension brand guide, communication tools, and resources developed by the AgriLife Marketing and Communications unit.
• Communications Development & Execution
  • Coordinate and support the development of communication plans tied to Extension programs and initiatives.
  • Assist in executing campaigns that promote program impact, public awareness, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Ensure messaging is consistent with organizational brand standards and communication guidelines.
  • Assist with content development.
  • Serve as project manager for Extension communications projects to ensure timely delivery and proactive status updates.
  • Understand the needs of Extension employees and suggest new tools and resources for the Marketing and Communications unit.
  • Support the event outreach communication strategy by sharing updates and coordinating training.
• Training Support
  • Provide guidance to Extension personnel on communication best practices, templates, and brand standards.
  • Support consistency across communications while allowing for local adaptation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, agriculture communications, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Two years of related experience.
• Ability to travel consistently across the state to work with Extension employees.

Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to simplify complex information.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a collaborative environment.
• Proficiency in standard communications tools.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work across various teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Understanding of Extension structure, programming, and community-based outreach.
• Ability to stay focused on the mission of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the land-grant mission.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three years of professional experience in communications, marketing, or a related field.
• Experience coordinating projects or working with multiple stakeholders.
• Previous experience as a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension agent or similar Extension role.
• Familiarity with Extension audiences and community engagement practices.
• Experience in a land-grant university system, public sector, or mission-driven organization.
• Experience developing content that highlights program outcomes and impact.
• Experience in inspiring others to take action.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums.
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays.
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
• Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife.

Pay

Pay Grade: 9. Compensation is based on the selected candidate’s qualifications.

Schedule

Flexible work schedule and remote work may be available for this position, pending employee eligibility requirements.