Farms Communications Specialist Davis, CA,

Position: Small Farms Communications Specialist  Davis, CA, Job ID 82095
Small Farms Communications Specialist Davis, CA, Job

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources

Job Description

The Small Farms Communication Specialist will oversee a comprehensive communications program for the Small Farms Network (SFN), including written, visual, digital, and electronic external communications, in collaboration with the UC SAREP Communications Manager and SFN academics and staff. Communications activities may include writing blog posts and press releases, managing statewide Small Farms Network social media platforms, photography, graphic design, publication design, video editing, and managing and maintaining the Small Farms Network website.

In addition, the Communications Specialist will develop and maintain SharePoint databases and a digital clearinghouse of educational resources. The Small Farms Communications Specialist will work with UCCE small farms advisors and staff and UC SAREP statewide program personnel to develop and execute a communications and branding strategy for the Small Farms Network that uplifts the voices of farmer clientele, communicates program impacts, respects privacy and confidentiality, and emphasizes non-extractive storytelling techniques.

The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) Small Farms Network acts as an information hub connecting small-scale farms to the research and education resources of the University of California. The network serves a diverse clientele, including small-scale and diversified family farms; beginning farmers, and growers of specialty crops not covered by traditional commodity-based extension programs.

This position is a contract appointment that is 100% fixed.

The home department is the UC Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program (SAREP). While this position normally is based in Davis, CA, this position is eligible for hybrid flexible work arrangements for applicants living in the State of California at this time. Please note that hybrid flexible work arrangements are subject to change by the University.

Pay Scale: $73,600.00/year to $/year

Job Posting Close Date:
This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 12/01/2025.

Key Responsibilities:

50%

Manage comprehensive communications programs for the UC ANR Small Farms Network, including written, visual, digital, and electronic communications:

Activities may include writing blog posts and press releases, managing statewide Small Farms Network social media platforms, photography, graphic design, publication design for outreach, extension, and promotional materials, video editing, and website management and maintenance.

Design and implement information campaigns and newsletters for small farms clientele and stakeholders, such as announcements of events, available educational materials, current funding opportunities, regulatory compliance resources and deadlines, and policy engagement opportunities.

Develop, manage, and maintain digital and web resources, including a digital clearing house of educational resources for agricultural technical service providers, an internal SharePoint database for farm visit data, and clientele contact lists.

Create and deliver educational materials and extension publications in formats accessible to target audiences and prioritizing clientele learning and communication preferences, including diverse learning styles and a range of digital and technical literacy levels.

Ensure compliance with relevant accessibility guidelines for communications materials and make content accessible to a wider range of diverse users.

Promote best practices for creating inclusive materials among Small Farms Network staff and academics.

25%

Create, develop, and implement long- and short-term strategic communications plans and projects in collaboration with UC SAREP leadership and Small Farms Advisors:

Consult with and advise UC SAREP leadership regarding all aspects of communications including developing and implementing strong communications strategies that effectively deliver the desired message, policy interpretation, educational outcome, or problem resolution.

Collaborate with Small Farms Network staff and academics and UC SAREP leadership to identify and address specific external communications needs.

Travel to county sites and Small Farms Network events to document program highlights and success stories.

Assist small farms advisors and staff in reporting program impacts and stories to external stakeholders.

Assist small farms advisors and staff in developing high-quality extension education resources using the most effective mode of communication and resource format to reach the intended audience.

25%

Coordinate production of high quality external communications products and publications that effectively deliver the desired message to small farms clientele.

Coordinate the production of materials for external publicity such as branded merchandise, conference booth materials, flyers, brochures, policy briefs, and…