Outreach & Communication Lead, Illinois Nutrient Stewardship Alliance

Outreach & Communication Lead, Illinois Nutrient Stewardship Alliance

Agroecosystem Sustainability Center, iSEE

This position may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement dependent with unit operational needs.

This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public land-grant research university in Illinois in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana. It is the flagship institution of the University of Illinois system and was founded in 1867. The university serves the people of Illinois through a shared commitment to excellence in teaching, research, public engagement, economic development and health care. Faculty, staff and students share their knowledge, expertise and resources with residents in every corner of the state through public service and outreach programs.

Job Summary
This position will manage communication and outreach activities, support the program coordination and deliverables, produce communication materials for outreach, aid in research-to-practice content development, conduct in-field outreach activities, and maintain strong relationships with farmers, partners, and stakeholders across Illinois.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Communication Materials
  • Develop clear, accessible outreach materials such as summaries of nutrient management research and recommendations, newsletters, and website and social media content.
  • Translate technical or scientific content into formats for diverse audiences, with particular emphasis on farmers and crop advisors.
  • Produce short, easily digestible video clips for web, presentations, and social media platforms.
  • Prepare meeting materials, agendas, minutes, and follow-up actions.
  • Work closely with iSEE communication and Extension staff to ensure smooth distribution of communication materials.
  • Collaborate with web developers to maintain an accessible online presence.
  • Prepare and deliver public speaking presentations.
• Engagement & Outreach
  • Cultivate existing and initiate new relationships with commodity groups, grower associations, Illinois Extension, industry partners, and conservation organizations.
  • Facilitate communication between stakeholders, the advisory committee, and the co-leads to ensure INSA remains farmer-focused.
  • Lead planning, coordination, and delivery of outreach efforts, including workshops and field days.
  • Represent INSA at events to strengthen visibility and engagement with the agricultural community.
• Coordination & Operations
  • Support the Executive Manager in day-to-day program operations of INSA.
  • Coordinate schedules, meetings, and communications among research teams, partner organizations, and the INSA Advisory Board.
  • Assist the Executive Manager in preparing progress reports and tracking program evaluation metrics.
• Organizational Requirements
  • Perform other duties that contribute to the mission of INSA programming, as assigned.
  • Local, regional, statewide, and (limited) interstate travel required.

Additional Physical Demands
To perform the essential functions of this position, work will occur in both office settings and community-based environments. The role requires the ability to travel between locations in a timely manner; reliable transportation is necessary. This position may require occasional evening and/or weekend work. Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, radio/television broadcasting, web/digital media, or a related field.
• One (1) year (12 months) of professional work experience in public relations, journalism, social media communications, newspaper reporting, radio/television broadcasting with emphasis on production, or web/digital media.
• Demonstrated experience in agricultural research, agricultural outreach and/or agricultural extension.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS degree in agricultural sciences, agricultural communications or marketing, agricultural business, agricultural engineering, environmental studies or sustainability, environmental engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience with on-farm research and/or outreach on nutrient management and agronomy.
• Experience with planning educational events (e.g., field days, workshops).
• Experience with graphic design and video editing programs, including webinar skills.
• Demonstrated experience preparing and delivering research presentations to non-scientific audiences.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Familiarity with US Midwest agricultural systems and stakeholder organizations.
• Familiarity with agricultural stakeholders in the state of Illinois.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to translate scientific concepts for general audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively with team members and build relationships with stakeholders.
• Ability to prioritize a seasonally high-volume workload, meet deadlines, and provide regular reports on activities and outcomes.
• Ability to effectively use word processing, presentation, and spreadsheet products.
• Interest in long-term, statewide agricultural sustainability initiatives.
• Effectively manages multiple priorities, timelines, and deliverables with strong attention to detail.
• Communicates clearly and builds effective relationships with varying audiences.
• Creates clear, engaging materials that translate research into practical applications.
• Collaborates effectively with researchers, farmers, and industry partners to achieve shared goals.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5006 - Public Information Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $55,000 to $80,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at .

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Friday, May 29, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting and upload a cover letter, resume, and names/contact information (including phone number and email address) for three professional references. Applications not submitted through will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Leslie Lewin Reinhart at 217-333-0034. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next . Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal , or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [email protected] .

Requisition ID : 1035736

Job Category : Professional and Administrative

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