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Posting Detail Information

Working Title32-25 Marketing Communications Senior Specialist and Program Manager, Colorado Water Center

Position LocationFort Collins, CO

Work LocationPosition qualifies for hybrid/in-office work

Research Professional PositionNo

Posting Number202500975AP

Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional

Classification TitleProf/Indiv Contrib II

Number of Vacancies1

Work Hours/Week40

Proposed Annual Salary Range$65,000 - $76,000, commensurate with education and experience.

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

+ Review our detailed benefits information here. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)

+ Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

+ For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .

+ Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !

Desired Start Date

Position End Date (if temporary)

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on07/28/2025

Description of Work Unit

The Office of Engagement and Extension ( OEE ) was organized in 2006 to advance CSU’s engagement and outreach missions. OEE includes CSU Extension, CSU Extended Campus (including CSU Online), the Colorado Water Center and a variety of vibrant programs that engage the teaching, research, extension, and service missions of Colorado State University. The Vice President for Engagement and Extension ( VPEE ) is the principal administrative, academic, and fiscal officer for the division, reports to the CSU President, and works closely with the Provost/Executive Vice President. OEE works collaboratively across all Colleges and offices on campus, and has strong engagement programs throughout Colorado, the Western US and globally. At any given time, OEE includes over 400 employees. The total of budgets is approximately $85 million. OEE is one of the most institutionally comprehensive commitments to engagement and outreach among all land-grant and other universities. Propelled by OEE’s leadership, nationally CSU is a Carnegie Engaged University (2008, 2014), is a member of the Engagement Scholarship Consortium, is an APLU Innovation and Economic Prosperity University (2016) and is highly ranked for its online degree programs. Annually, CSU Extended Campus garners enrollments of over 10,000 learners and CSU Extension delivers approximately 500,000 educational contacts.

The Colorado Water Center (CoWC) is one of 54 Water Resources Research Institutes created by the Water Resources Act of 1964, collectively forming the National Institutes for Water Resources. As a division under Colorado State University’s ( CSU ) Office of Engagement and Extension ( OEE ), the Center aims to connect all water expertise in Colorado’s higher education system with research and education needs of the state’s water managers and users. The CoWC leads interdisciplinary research, education, and outreach activities to address complex and evolving water-related challenges in Colorado and beyond. The Center fosters collaboration among stakeholders, synthesizes objective water knowledge to inform decision-making, and inspires the next generation of water leaders. The Center is headquartered at CSU’s Fort Collins, CO campus, with specialists working throughout the state and partners across the country and world. Visit the CoWC website to learn more about our work watercenter.colostate.edu.

We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities. We invite you to review Colorado State University’sPrinciples of Community (https://inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu/principles-of-community/) that guide our mission and vision of access, teaching, service, and engagement. Colorado State University encourages professional development and provides anEmployee Study Privilege (https://hr.colostate.edu/current-employees/benefits/other-benefit-programs/academic-privileges/) with up to nine credit hours of tuition assistance annually.

Position Summary

The Colorado Water Center (CoWC) Marketing Communications Senior Specialist and Program Manager develops and implements the CoWC’s marketing and communications strategy and receives guidance, direction and support from OEE Marcomms to guide this area. They also assist in implementing outreach, research, and education programs focused on advancing the CoWC’s water workforce and education mission and goals in concert with the CoWC Director and Associate Director. They work with the CoWC staff, water experts across the CSU System, the CSU Office of Engagement and Extension ( OEE ), and external partners across the state to promote and implement water workforce and educational programming. They may be responsible for supporting or coordinating interdisciplinary teams to successfully compete for external grant funding.

This full-time position is partially grant funded and anticipated to last one year with possible extension, pending performance and continued funding. If additional funding is not secured, this position will end or may be reduced in time/effort.

The primary office location is in Fort Collins, CO. While this position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, the individual is expected to maintain a balance establishing a presence in the primary office, to effectively carry out the duties of the position. Work schedule will vary but some nights and weekends will be required. This position will include occasional travel within Colorado. The position is supervised by the OEE MarComms Director with guidance from the CoWC Director and Associate Director.

Required Job Qualifications

+ Bachelor’s degree.

+ A minimum of five (5) years relevant experience working in a multi/inter disciplinary environment on water-related education, communications, and outreach initiatives.

+ Demonstrated experience working in collaboration with multiple entities leading the identification, development, and execution of water-related projects and programs.

+ Demonstrated experience in developing plans and executing communications strategies to engage key audiences.

+ Demonstrated experience creating and editing copy for multiple audiences and across multiple platforms (traditional and online).

+ Understanding of and experience with marketing and communications channels, tactics, and metrics.

+ Demonstrated understanding of Colorado and Western U.S. water systems, complex issues, and key stakeholders.

+ Willing and able to travel throughout Colorado, U.S., and internationally.

+ Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.

+ The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date; the Colorado Water Center will not sponsor a visa for this position.

Preferred Job Qualifications

+ Master’s degree in a relevant Water Resources or Environmental Science/Law/Policy Discipline.

+ Commitment to serving the state’s water community and ability to adapt to evolving needs and priorities.

+ Experience writing grant proposals that have led to successful acquisition of externally sponsored awards.

Essential Duties

Job Duty CategoryStrategic Marketing and Communications

Duty/Responsibility

+ In partnership with and with direction from CSU’s OEE marketing communications team, develop communications plan and execute on CoWC communications strategies to engage key audiences across channels, including web, social media, newsletters, and printed materials.

+ Serve as a liaison between CoWC and OEE to ensure alignment of CoWC marcomms within the broader CSU community.

+ Develop the process to streamline communication requests for CoWC staff.

+ Develop and execute on promotion plan to highlight Water Center programs, events and overall impact.

+ Staff CoWC exhibit booths and tables at campus and local events, sharing water-related information and resources with event attendees.

+ Provide general outreach and communications support, including coordination of CoWC events and presentations to the general public and Colorado water stakeholders on water issues.

+ Develop and manage digital water education resources hub.

+ Track ROI of marketing and communications efforts and develop communications that share impact with internal and external audiences.

+ Leverage insights for continued improvements.

Percentage Of Time60%

Job Duty CategoryProgram Management – Water Workforce and Education

Duty/Responsibility

+ Work with the CoWC Associate Director to develop and implement water workforce and education initiatives, including but not limited to external partnership development and coordination; and water workforce webinars, meetings, and events.

+ Contribute to external grant proposals (writing and editing) to ensure capacity and resources exist to achieve program goals related to water education and workforce development.

+ Coordinate across CoWC programs to develop integrated projects and initiatives to advance water workforce and education.

+ Work collaboratively with local, regional, and state decision-makers, public and private organizations and agencies, and the broader water community.

Percentage Of Time30%

Job Duty CategoryGeneral Program Support

Duty/Responsibility

+ Support facilitation of stakeholder meetings, including meeting logistics.

+ Represent the CoWC at conferences and other events.

Percentage Of Time10%

Application Details

Special Instructions to Applicants

For full consideration, allmaterials must be RECEIVED no laterthan 11:59 PM Mountain Time on Monday, July 28, 2025. Please submit the following to apply:

+ Resume

+ Cover letter addressing how professional experiences align with identified required and preferred qualifications of the position

All applicants will be contacted approximately 15 working days after the deadline regarding their status. Next steps and interview dates will be shared to those moving forward. Four professional references will be requested of applicants that advance in the interview process. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.

For questions regarding the application process, contact the Talent Acquisition office [email protected]. For questions regarding the job vacancy, responsibilities, and salary, please contact Julee Stepheson [email protected].

CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.

Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License, Travel

Search ContactJulee Stephenson at [email protected]

EEO

Colorado State University ( CSU ) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

References Requested

References Requested

Minimum Requested

Maximum Requested

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

+ Cover Letter

+ Resume

Optional Documents