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JOB SUMMARY

UConn Extension, a part of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, seeks applicants for a part-time (75%) Communication and Outreach Assistant (Educational Program Assistant 2), to support our food system projects and programs, including the Solid Ground Beginning Farmer Training Program, Farm to School, Climate Smart Adaptation Project, Grown ConneCTed marketing campaign, and future initiatives that support sustainable food systems. Under the supervision of the Senior Extension Educator in Food Systems, this position will perform communication and programmatic support for Extension outreach and education aimed at food system stakeholders statewide. This position will be based primarily out of Tolland County Extension Center.

The incumbent will create Extension publications and share learning resources that help stakeholders increase their skills and knowledge in assigned areas. The incumbent will develop communication materials (videos, fact sheets, posters, and/or presentations) on topics relevant to our programs. Topics covered include but are not limited to direct-to-consumer marketing, farm to school best practices, climate smart production methods, farm financials, farmland seeking, soil testing, and access to technical assistance providers. The incumbent is expected to manage relevant communication platforms (websites, listservs, and social media) that are necessary for Extension outreach. The incumbent will work independently and present work for feedback from project teams that include the supervisor, faculty, and relevant stakeholders.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties of this position will include, but are not limited to:

• Perform communication tasks to support Extension outreach programs. Use web pages, electronic communications, multimedia technologies, social media, and other emerging technologies to disseminate information to stakeholders.
• Create flyers, posters, banners, table runners for outreach and conference presentations.
• Provide event coordination support at in-person educational events through tabling, registration check-in, signage, filming, and photography throughout the state.
• Design and procure educational materials and promotional items following university procurement protocols.
• Ensure compliance of all distributed materials with ADA requirements for both print and digital, collaborating with university experts as necessary.
• Coordinate the translation of materials.
• Conduct in person visits with program stakeholders, including beginning farmers, to document activities (photo/video).
• Collaborate with state agency partners and service providers in food and agriculture in Connecticut and the Northeast.
• Participate in weekly project team meetings (up to 3 hours per week) to plan Extension outreach programs for new growers, such as conferences, workshops, and twilight meetings.
• Distribute notices and updates to beginning farmers using the Solid_Ground_Farmer_Trainings-L listserv. Support development, layout, and content creation for the Solid Ground program’s monthly newsletter.
• Generate articles for UConn publications, including Crop Talk (a quarterly newsletter for vegetable and fruit growers of Connecticut) and UConn Today. Share programmatic news digitally through the UConn-CAHNR Faculty/Staff Weekly Digest and the UConn Daily Digest.
• Coordinate with UConn-CAHNR communications staff to align messaging, meet brand protocols, respond in a timely manner to inquiries from media and stakeholders, and assist with articles for print or digital media as needed.
• Identify needs for training and educational resources.
• Support the implementation of program evaluation to measure the performance of Extension outreach programs.
• Create a welcoming and inclusive workplace culture and professional environment that values and respects all individuals. Ensure that all communications and materials produced are accessible, clear, and inclusive.
• Perform related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s degree and 2 to 3 years of experience in agriculture, communications or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
2. Demonstrated experience and skill in communication tasks, including website development and management, design and layout of flyers and newsletters, engaging audiences using social media, creating presentation templates using PowerPoint and Canva, creating and distributing e-newsletters.
3. Experience with event promotion to reach diverse audiences and meet registration goals using a variety of outreach strategies.
4. Demonstrated experience in consistent management of brands, logos, and program identities.
5. Demonstrated photography and video skills, including editing.
6. Experience navigating institutional procurement systems to purchase print materials (e.g., brochures, guides) and promotional materials (e.g., corporate apparel, logo merchandise).
7. Demonstrated experience with appropriate use of AI for writing and editing, creating visual content and web content, and social media management.
8. Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bilingual in English and Spanish.
2. Demonstrated experience in agriculture operations and/or food system projects.
3. Experience coordinating or assisting on video projects with professional video production firms.
4. Demonstrated experience and skills in storyboarding, animated educational videos, or other techniques to use communications to engage audiences in learning.
5. Demonstrated skill and experience with meeting ADA compliance in communication materials.
6. Familiarity and experience working with food and agriculture service providers in Connecticut.
7. Leadership training or experience in food systems in Connecticut or Northeast region.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a part-time (75%) durational position, twelve month, UCPEA staff position. Weekly hours will be 26.25 hours. This position is located primarily at the Tolland County Extension Center in Vernon, CT. Occasional in-state travel will be required as a part of this role. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA). This position includes an outstanding full benefits package. Salary will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s background and work experience.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check. The successful candidate must possess a valid driver’s license and have access to an insured vehicle for travel to outreach events and stakeholder locations. This position also requires the ability to lift up to 15 pounds, with or without mechanical assistance.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Faculty and Staff Positions, Search #499490 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on May 8, 2026. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics, which may be found at https://portal.ct.gov/Ethics/Statutes-and-Regulations.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.