Communications Specialist II - Science Communications

About Texas A&M AgriLife

Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University, Texas A&M Forest Service, and Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory. As the nation’s largest and most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings 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 county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments, and the Texas economy through education, research, extension, and service.

About the Role

As a member of Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications, this role strategizes, develops, and executes comprehensive communications activities aimed at elevating the thought leadership and visibility of Texas A&M AgriLife. The position is charged with elevating the quality, rigor, and reach of Texas A&M AgriLife's science writing and communication—translating complex research into clear, accurate, and engaging content for public, media, and stakeholder audiences.

Responsibilities

• Science Writing and Content Strategy
  • Serve as a science writer for Texas A&M AgriLife, elevating the standard, clarity, and impact of research storytelling across the organization.
  • Write and edit science-driven stories, features, and news content for AgriLife Today, ensuring accuracy, appropriate context, and accessibility for both scientific and general-public audiences.
  • Translate technical findings from faculty, researchers, and Extension specialists into narratives suitable for digital newsroom distribution and earned media pickup.
  • Coordinate across internal and external stakeholders, including but not limited to leadership, social media, photo/video, media relations, web, and graphic design.
• Assigned Unit Stewardship
  • Serve as the dedicated communications point of contact for assigned units, building ongoing relationships with department heads, center directors, faculty, and staff to identify story opportunities.
  • Proactively track research publications, grants, awards, and AgriLife Extension milestones within assigned units to surface newsworthy content.
  • Coordinate with unit leadership to align messaging with departmental and college priorities and maintain a consistent editorial cadence for each unit.
• Web Content and Communications
  • Contribute to and help maintain web content on KPEP websites, ensuring content is current, accurate, and consistent with Texas A&M AgriLife's editorial and brand standards.
  • Steward brand messaging, voice, and tone across platforms to ensure consistency in messaging and alignment with the overall communications strategy.
  • Serve as back-up and extra support as needed for the Texas A&M AgriLife-wide digital calendar.
  • Manage and support ad hoc projects and assignments, in coordination with the web team.
• Analytics and Reporting
  • Monitor and analyze the effectiveness of communication efforts and campaigns using metrics and analytics tools.
  • Prepare reports and presentations for internal stakeholders, providing insights and recommendations for continuous improvement, including on assigned unit content performance.
• Other Duties
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years of related experience.

Skills

• Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Ability to present information clearly and concisely.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, English, Agricultural Communications, Life Sciences, or a related field.
• Master's degree in a relevant field.
• 3+ years of experience in science writing, journalism, or communications, ideally in a research, higher education, or agricultural setting.
• Experience writing for a digital newsroom, magazine, or news publication.
• Prior experience covering agriculture, natural resources, or life sciences research.

Preferred Skills

• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific or technical information into clear, accurate content for general audiences.
• Working knowledge of AP style and journalistic writing conventions.
• Familiarity with the life sciences, agriculture, natural resources, or a related scientific field sufficient to interview researchers and accurately represent their work.
• Experience building and maintaining relationships with faculty, researchers, or subject-matter experts to identify and develop story ideas.
• Understanding of earned media and media relations practices, including pitching science stories to journalists.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple assignments, deadlines, and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills for coordinating across marketing and communications functions (social media, photo/video, graphic design, media relations).
• Ability to maintain brand voice, tone, and editorial consistency across multiple platforms and content types.

Pay

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

Schedule

This position is based in College Station, TX. New hires are required to work on site full-time for the first 90 days. After the initial 90-day period, employees may be considered for a flexible work arrangement that allows up to 20 hours per week at an alternate work location, subject to approval and Texas A&M AgriLife Procedures.

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.