Communications Specialist II

Job Description

About Texas A&M AgriLife

Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:

• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

• Texas A&M AgriLife Research

• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University

• Texas A&M Forest Service

• Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

As the nation’s largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5, employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.

Click here to learn more about how you can be a part of AgriLife and make a difference in the world!

Position Information:

The Communication Specialist II is a brand storyteller for Texas A&M AgriLife, crafting compelling and emotionally resonant narratives that showcase the people, research, teaching and Extension work making an impact across Texas and beyond. As one of the team’s go-to writers and editors for AgriLife Today, this role will write feature stories in addition to supporting copywriting across the brand channels to deliver clear, engaging and consistent brand messaging. This role also serves as a skilled copywriter and proofreader for other brand needs. The Communication Specialist II will help maintain and update the AgriLife Editorial Style Guide, ensuring all communications align with the brand’s voice, tone and style. A successful candidate will be a detail-oriented writer and editor with a sharp eye for accuracy, tone and clarity, and a passion for shaping stories that matter.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Serve as a primary writer for AgriLife Today, producing high-quality features, news releases and lay content tailored to external audiences.

• Write and edit across all brand channels, including but not limited to news stories, web copy, paid media assets, newsletters and stakeholder communications.

• Provide final proofreading and quality control review for content created by the team to uphold high standards of accuracy, clarity and quality as well as brand voice.

• Maintain and update the AgriLife Editorial Style Guide, ensuring consistency in voice, style and usage across platforms.

• Chase meaningful story opportunities and stay attuned to emerging trends, engaging topics and opportunities that align with AgriLife’s mission, strategic priorities and brand positioning.

• Partner and execute content with other expert teams within the marketing and communications team, including media relations, marketing, executive communications, graphic design, visual media and web to ensure messaging supports strategic goals and adapts appropriately to each channel.

• Collaborate with faculty, staff, students and leadership within assigned units to identify and develop engaging stories that align with Texas A&M AgriLife's mission and strategic priorities.

• Manage assignments and adapt to various topics within agriculture, life sciences, healthy living and other AgriLife focus areas.

• Utilize performance metrics to evaluate the impact, inform editorial decisions and continually improve storytelling efforts.

• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Two years of experience in writing, editing, or media relations.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Exceptional writing, editing and storytelling skills with attention to accuracy and detail.

• Proven ability to work under tight deadlines and handle multiple assignments simultaneously.

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to form relationships with stakeholders.

• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience writing in higher education, agriculture, life sciences or science communication.

• Knowledge of integrated communications strategies across paid, earned, shared and owned channels.

• Strong understanding of AP style.

• Comfort with collaborative content planning and cross-functional teamwork.

What You Need to Know

Salary: Pay grade 9. Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate’s qualifications.

Why Work at Texas A&M AgriLife?

When you choose to work for Texas A&M AgriLife, you become part of an organization that is an established leader in agriculture and life sciences with a wide range of capabilities to meet the needs of our statewide, national, and international constituents.

In addition, Texas A&M AgriLife offers a comprehensive benefit packing including the following:

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums

• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays

• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month

• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas

• Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife