Natural Resources Communications Manger — Communications Manager

Natural Resources Communications Manager

Michigan State University Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and collaborative environment, which requires all staff to contribute toward a vision for success regardless of title or position within the organization. We strive to create a positive culture, access to resources, and a sense of belonging for staff, partners, and programming participants. This means that all staff at MSU Extension are dedicated to the following:

• We work together to ensure that programming is available to all audiences, creates meaningful and positive impacts for participants, and demonstrates partnership and collaboration across communities.
• We understand that a welcoming and respectful environment is built through the efforts of everyone.
• We foster an environment that welcomes a broad range of perspectives and experiences, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to contribute and thrive.
• We ensure that every team member is prepared with the skills and resources to contribute to our welcoming and supportive culture.
• We foster an environment that values a range of perspectives, skills, and experiences by working to ensure access to programming for communities.
• We commit to continuous learning and engagement to better serve Michigan residents and meet the evolving needs of communities.
• We recognize that broad accessibility and collaboration are essential elements of our work and are vital to organizational and programmatic success.
• We embrace a culture of understanding, coaching, and feedback toward achieving a vision of success for the entire organization and its staff.
• Together we will achieve success, and we commit to these goals in our work, continued education, and ongoing efforts.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Natural Resources Communications Manager provides leadership in communicating the story and impact of MSU Extension’s Natural Resources Programming Portfolio, which includes the Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI), the MSU Center for Lakes and Streams, Michigan Sea Grant Extension, and MSU Extension’s Woods and Wildlife Team. In this role, you will support the development and implementation of communication strategies that elevate visibility, public understanding, and stakeholder awareness of natural resources programming across the state.

You will also serve as Extension liaison to the Michigan Sea Grant communications program leader and team at the University of Michigan, including joint communications plan and implementation. This position supports the success of Extension programs through embedded communications within work teams.

In this position, you will provide coordination and communication activities related to data collection and reporting requirements associated with funding through the multiple grants and awards managed by MNFI, annual reporting that supports the Renewable Resources Extension Act (RREA) and Michigan Sea Grant. There may also be opportunities to support efforts in academic departments at MSU, including the Department of Forestry and the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife.

Examples of this type of work include helping translate program outcomes, research findings, and educational impacts into accessible reports and communication products that serve internal and external audiences.

A key responsibility includes supporting efforts to communicate science through clear, engaging, and accurate writing and contributing to/supporting multi‑media communications. This involves producing science‑based communications that translate complex natural resources issues, Extension research, and programmatic work into materials that inform, educate, and inspire audiences from varied…