Marketing & Communications Specialist

Marketing & Communications Specialist

Join Larimer County Extension, a vibrant part of Colorado State University Extension, where we bring research-based education and resources to life, empowering individuals and communities to thrive. As the Marketing & Communications Specialist, you'll play a pivotal role in showcasing our impactful programs in 4-H youth development, agriculture, community development, health & well-being, horticulture, local food, and natural resources. This position offers the perfect balance of collaborative teamwork and independent creativity, with flexible scheduling to support work-life balance. If you're passionate about storytelling, fostering connections, and making a meaningful difference, we invite you to bring your talents to our dynamic team! The typical schedule for the Marketing and Communications Specialist is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Some weekend and evening work will be required, and hours can be flexed accordingly. This position may be performed as a hybrid of in-person and remote work. In the first three months of employment, a minimum of three days in-person in the office is required. After that period, at least two days per week must be spent in-person at the office.

To be considered for this position, please attach a cover letter and resume to your application.

Responsibilities

What you'll be doing:

• Refining and executing a marketing and communications plan to promote Larimer County Extension and its programs, including using data analytics (e.g., social media traffic, web hits) to measure success and adjust plans as needed.
• Acting as a trusted partner and subject matter expert to staff, co-creating and implementing marketing and communications strategies for individual programs and events, including occasionally leading fundraising campaigns.
• Creating and refining websites, program/event registration pages, calendars, social and traditional media, videos, graphics, giveaway items, reports, brochures, flyers, newsletters, press releases, and other print and digital content in alignment with the marketing and communications plan and evolving needs of the community, staff, and organization.
• Taking a lead role in representing Larimer County Extension and its programs at events (including some evening and weekend events), including coordinating event supplies, equipment, and logistics.
• Building and maintaining positive working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including Extension staff, communications and other County staff, CSU communications staff, media contacts, County Commissioners, and volunteers.
• Ensuring that all marketing and communications efforts align with county and Colorado State University standards (e.g., brand standards), accessibility requirements, and applicable laws and regulations.

What We're Looking For

• Expertise in creating engaging, innovative, high-quality content, including written pieces, websites, videos, photos, giveaway items, and social media, using programs such as Canva, Hootsuite, Filmora, and Adobe Illustrator, as well as core web technologies and website analytics tools.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, including translating technical and complex concepts for public consumption, fundraising, and potential grant applications.
• Strong understanding of marketing principles, strategies, and current trends, as well as the ability to use data analytics to maximize limited resources in promoting Larimer County Extension and its programs.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, plan future initiatives, and meet deadlines effectively.
• Demonstrated success in establishing and maintaining positive working relationships with colleagues, external agencies, and community members, with the ability to engage effectively with adults and youth at events promoting Larimer County Extension and its programs.
• Ability to navigate, interpret, and implement marketing and communications guidelines, legal requirements, brand standards, and accessibility policies of Larimer County and Colorado State University.
• Knowledge of journalistic practices and media relations; existing relationships with local media a plus.
• Familiarity with Extension programs; ability to speak and translate materials into Spanish a plus.

Qualifications

To move forward in the hiring process, candidates must meet the required minimum qualifications. That said, we encourage you to think about your unique background and skills before applying. People often underestimate how their experiences match up with a role's needs. We encourage you to apply if you meet the minimum qualifications and believe your skills and perspective can add value to this position.

• Two (2) years of experience working with design programs, such as Indesign, Illustrator, or Photoshop required.
• Three (3) years of experience in a directly related field or in the performance of similar duties and responsibilities required.
• Bachelor's Degree, or equivalent combination of education and/or experience, from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, or a related field required. Related education or experience may be substituted on a year for year basis.
• Possess reliable transportation to be able to work in any County facility and around the community as needed and required.

Benefits Here's what Larimer County offers for all Regular, Limited Term, and Appointed positions:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits
• FSA or HSA (depending on the medical plan)
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Basic Life/AD&D Insurance
• Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
• Retirement Plan 401(a) with employer match
• 457(b) Deferred Compensation
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays

Want to dive into the details? Check out Larimer County's Benefits.

Supplemental Information

An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of required pre-employment checks or testing. All application components must be submitted by 11:59 PM MT on the closing date listed. Larimer County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment in all employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity or expression, and sexual orientation), national origin, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, military status, or any other characteristic protected by law or regulation.