Extension Foundation Seeks Publications Manager

Publications Manager

Application Due Date: Open until filled.

Application Link: https://registry.extension.org/242904784061155

Extension Foundation (EXF) is a well-established non-profit organization providing diverse services to over one hundred public universities across the United States. EXF is a membership-based 501(c)(3) non-profit operating foundation formed in 2006 by Extension Directors and Administrators. EXF partners with university-based Cooperative Extension Services to increase their capacity and offers exclusive professional development to its members. EXF has multiple sources of funding, including memberships and multiple federal awards.

Summary: The Publications Manager is a key figure in the Extension Foundation's communications team. By effectively managing their responsibilities, they will significantly contribute to the Foundation's outreach and communication efforts.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Publications Manager provides oversight for the Extension Foundation publishing portfolio and projects, serving as the organization’s chief editor and writer.

Leadership and Oversight:

• Oversee the Extension Foundation’s digital publishing portfolio and projects, including but not limited to the grant publications, feature stories, the annual report, grant reports , white papers, proceedings, grant applications, website content, and other content as needed.
• Ensure that digital content meets quality standards, including ADA standards for accessible design. Facilitate peer and sensitivity reviews as needed.
• Oversees the work of contractors as needed.

Project Management:

• Create and maintain an annual organization-wide publications calendar and editorial schedule, consulting with other Extension Foundation staff to identify publishing needs and projects, ensuring deadlines are met and the publishing process is completed.
• Frame and manage the annual grant publishing effort, including content development, scheduling, editing, and publishing.
• Gather information for reports and other publications as needed.
• Manage the publishing process for a wide range of publications, including editing, formatting, posting, distribution, and post-publication analytics.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to identify areas for improvement in the workflow.

Content Creation and Maintenance:

• Write, edit, proof, design, and/or format publications using Word templates and InDesign. Incorporate multimedia to increase reader engagement.
• Work with the evaluation specialist to gather information for grant reports and provide editing and formatting support. Develop strategies to share grant report results and outcomes in other forms of content.
• Develop, edit, proofread, and design informational pieces grounded in expert insights and formatted for practical application for Extension professionals.
• Fact-checking information in the submitted content.
• Create marketing and communications stories for the websites including publications announcements.
• Serve as an in-house editor and writing/publishing mentor, providing general editing and proofreading services and developmental editing as needed, ensuring clarity, accuracy, readability, and consistency in tone. Guide Extension Foundation staff on style guide use and work with the communications team to maintain the organization’s style guide.
• Manage all aspects of the Extension Foundation's publications library, including updating publications.
• Leverage existing tools to accomplish the publishing function, including FlippingBook, Bowker ISBN services, HubSpot CRM, the Extension Foundation website (WordPress), Connect Extension, JotForm, Google Folders, Google Ads, and Google Analytics.
• Maintain a publications desk manual and cross-train staff.

Content Performance:

• Provide publications analytics information regularly using tools like FlippingBook, HubSpot, website surveys, website traffic information, Google Ads, and Google Analytics.
• Work closely with the Extension Foundation communications and professional development staff on a content strategy that promotes and resurfaces publications by leveraging the Foundation’s social media presence.
• Collaborate with the communications and professional development staff to ensure that grant recipients featured in the Foundation’s content have the necessary strategies and assets for effective digital engagement to help them promote their work and reach a wider audience.

Other Duties:

• Serve as the Extension Foundation’s liaison to the Journal of Extension Board of Directors.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities

Required Skills and Abilities

Leadership and Project Management

• Leadership: Proven ability to lead and manage a digital publishing function, delegate tasks effectively, and motivate colleagues, not in a direct line of supervision, and clientele for collaborative and creative work.
• Project Management: Strong organizational and time management skills to oversee multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and implement strategic plans for the publications team.

Technical Skills

• Digital Publishing: Expertise in digital publishing platforms and tools, including Word, InDesign, WordPress, FlippingBook (or similar platform), and content management systems.
• Design: Proficiency in design software and the ability to create visually appealing publications that incorporate multimedia elements.
• Strong technical and report writing skills, combined with excellent writing and editing abilities. The Publications Manager will be able to translate complex information into clear, accurate, and engaging stories that resonate with a diverse audience.
• Data Analysis: Proficiency in using analytics tools to measure the performance of publications.

Communication and Collaboration

• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and external partners.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively in a team environment and collaborate with colleagues across different departments.

Additional Skills

• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Consistently demonstrated meticulous attention to detail and accuracy, coupled with sound judgment.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

• Video and multimedia production skills, including podcasting.
• Proficiency in social media management.

Required Education and Experience

• BA in English, journalism, or related field. An advanced degree is preferred.
• Five to seven years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of the Cooperative Extension System and its programs.

Location, Work, and Physical Requirements

The Extension Foundation is a virtual workplace. All employees are remote and are responsible for establishing their own work locations adequate to performing their positions. The position requires the ability to sit for long periods, stand, participate in online meetings, and occasional travel.

Remote work requirements (with an annual reimbursable allowance offered toward meeting these needs) include:

• A personal computer capable of running the current version of Windows or macOS, and able to run Zoom.
• Apps: Microsoft Office (2019 or newer) desktop applications. Access to Google G Suite and the Adobe Creative Cloud will be provided.
• Connectivity: Broadband internet connection able to support 480p live video/480P (or better) webcam.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Hours: 40 hours/week, non-exempt, benefits eligible. 100% remote.

Benefits: health, dental, vision, flexible spending account, 403(b) retirement plan

About Extension Foundation

The Extension Foundation was formed in 2006 by Extension Directors and Administrators. Today, the Foundation partners with Cooperative Extension through liaison roles and a formal plan of work with the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy (ECOP) to increase system capacity while providing programmatic services, and helping Extension programs scale and investigate new methods and models for implementing programs.

The Foundation also provides professional development to Cooperative Extension professionals and offers exclusive services to its members. Its purpose is in its mission statement: to help U.S. Cooperative Extension make a more visible, measurable, impact on local issues.