ACES Communications & Marketing Manager

ACES Communications & Marketing Manager

The ACES Communications & Marketing Manager (with an emphasis on Content Strategy & Editorial Operations) leads the Alabama Cooperative Extension System's integrated content studio, overseeing news, video, web, and social media content across all program areas and 67 counties. This role serves as the system's chief editorial strategist, responsible for shaping how Extension's research, education, and impact stories are translated into compelling, multi-channel public communications.

This position replaces traditional "news management" with an enterprise-wide content leadership model that integrates storytelling, digital engagement, and earned media strategy into a unified system.

Responsibilities

1. Editorial Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and manage a system-wide editorial strategy aligned with ACES priorities
• Maintain a unified content calendar across all program areas
• Prioritize high-impact stories across Agriculture, Forestry & Natural Resources, 4-H, Human Sciences, and community programs
• Serve as final editorial authority on major system communications

2. Integrated Content Production Oversight

• Lead cross-functional content planning across:
• • News writing and releases
  • Video production and storytelling
  • Coordinate social media content strategy with the Digital Marketing team
  • Web feature development
• Assign content formats based on audience and channel strategy
• Ensure consistent messaging and branding across all outputs

3. Digital & Platform Strategy

• Oversee content performance across aces.edu, social platforms
• Lead SEO-driven content strategy for evergreen Extension resources
• Ensure web content functions as the primary "source of truth" and a hub for Extension information

4. Earned Media & Public Visibility Strategy

• Guide statewide media relations strategy and story pitching
• Serve as senior editorial contact for major media inquiries and high-profile stories
• Strengthen relationships with state, regional, and local media outlets
• Ensure Extension expertise is consistently represented in external news coverage

5. Content Network Leadership (County + Faculty System)

• Build and manage a statewide content contributor network
• Supervise the Digital Marketing team member(s) responsible for social media content supporting Agriculture, Forestry, & Natural Resources (AFNR) program teams.
• Train county and program staff in storytelling and content submission standards
• Establish submission workflows and editorial guidelines for decentralized content
• Work with County Extension Directors to maximize reach within counties.

6. Measurement & Performance

• Track and report on content performance metrics including:
• • Audience reach and engagement
  • Content reuse and repurposing efficiency
  • Media pickups
  • Geographic dispersion across Alabama counties
• Use insights to refine editorial strategy and content priorities

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in in Journalism, Communications, Marketing, or related field.
• 3 years of experience in journalism, strategic communications, digital media, or integrated marketing

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience working in public-sector, higher education, or mission-driven organizations preferred
• Advanced degree preferred in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field

Substitutions Allowed for Experience: When a candidate has the required education, but lacks the required experience, they may normally apply additional appropriate education toward the experience requirement, at a rate of one (1) year relevant education per year of required experience.

Contract Type Continuing

Why Work at Auburn?

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We're Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
• Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

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