JOB SUMMARY:
The Content & Design Specialist assists with the broad range of marketing and communication activities related to the strategic direction developed by the UW Extension team of administrators and educators. This position plays a key role in shaping how our community views and experiences the UW Extension through inspired, collaborative, and innovative design and content creation. Designing a campaign, creating a video, refreshing a webpage, and producing publications, your work will make a difference in the community. This position blends graphic design, content creation, and digital storytelling to support marketing, communications, public relations, and community engagement efforts.
Essential Duties
Content Creation & Storytelling
Under the direction of the UW Extension UW Extension team of administrators and educators, create and assist in the creation of original, engaging content including written copy, photography, video, graphics, and short-form multimedia for digital and print use.
Assist in the production and editing of visual content and short-form videos for multiple platforms including social media, websites, presentations, and outreach efforts.
Distributes clear, accessible, and audience-appropriate content for social media posts, newsletters, webpages, publications, and promotional materials.
Design & Branding
Create and design materials for print and digital platforms including magazines, brochures, flyers, presentations, print ads, digital ads, social media graphics, videos, and signage.
Ensure all materials align with UW Extension brand standards, accessibility best practices, and inclusive design principles.
Manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing deadlines while working within design specifications and budget constraints.
Digital Communications & Social Media
Develop, maintain, and implement a social media calendar, including ideation, content creation, copywriting, design, scheduling, and performance tracking.
Monitor trends, platform updates, and emerging content formats to keep UW Extension communications relevant and engaging.
Travel to community UW Extension events to capture content for publication.
Design, produce, and distribute monthly campaigns tailored to target audiences.
Accessibility & Compliance
Ensure all communications and materials are accessible and available to individuals with disabilities and diverse communication needs, including plain language, alternative formats, and visual accessibility.
Adhere to privacy, confidentiality, and data protection requirements related to consumer and personnel information.
General Responsibilities
Participate as an active and collaborative team member within the UW Extension.
Attend and participate in staff meetings, training, and professional development opportunities as time allows.
Comply with all applicable federal, state, and county laws, administrative rules, agency policies, and professional standards.
Advocate for issues impacting older adults and adults with disabilities and help communicate relevant programs, resources, and legislative issues to the community.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications Required
Education and Experience
Pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design, Marketing, Communications, Digital Media, or a related field; experience in graphic design, content creation, marketing, or communications. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.
Licenses and Certifications
Valid Wisconsin Driver’s License
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Strong knowledge of content creation, digital storytelling, branding, marketing, and promotion.
Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud or equivalent design tools.
Strong skills in photography, videography, and video editing.
Working knowledge of website content management systems.
Strong understanding of social media platforms, content formats, and accessibility considerations.
Ability to adapt to emerging technologies, platforms, and communication trends.
Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage complex, multifaceted projects.
Strong written, visual, and verbal communication skills across diverse audiences and settings.
Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism.
Ability to manage challenging situations with tact, respect, and professionalism.
Ability to work under generally safe and comfortable conditions, with occasional exposure to emotionally charged or crisis-related situations.
MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT USED
General Office Equipment: including but not limited to multi-function copier, laminator, guillotine paper cutter
Laptop utilizing Windows 11, Microsoft Office 365, Canva, Adobe
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Lifting up to 20 pounds occasionally; frequent lifting or carrying up to 10 pounds.
Intermittent standing, walking, and sitting.
Repetitive hand and finger movements for computer and equipment use.
Occasional bending, twisting, squatting, climbing, reaching, and grasping.
Ability to communicate orally in a clear manner.
Ability to distinguish sounds and visual details at varying distances and light conditions.
- The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.
