Global Agricultural Productivity Initiative (GAP Initiative) Lead

Job Description

Project manager responsible for the production, presentation and promotion of the annual Global Agricultural Productivity Report® (GAP Report). Responsibilities include:

Author and editor of the GAP Report®:
• Manage budget, timeline and editorial calendar for the production, distribution and presentation of the GAP Report®.
• Serve as lead author of the GAP Report®, writing original content and incorporating research and stories provided by others. Ensure that all content is reviewed by appropriate partners and experts and approved by Executive Editor before publication.
• Obtain feedback on the themes and outline for the GAP Report® from partners; collect stories and photos for the print and online publications.
• Obtain updated agricultural total factor productivity (TFP) data from officials at the USDA Economic Research Service and collaborate with them on the productivity analysis for the GAP Report®.
• As needed, secure contracts with graphic and website designers and work with them to create visually engaging print and online reports.
• Supervise the activities of one or more GAP Report® interns.

Coordinate the GAP Report® annual launch event and other GAP-related events:
• Secure contracts for event space and audio/visual services. Collaborate with provider to ensure correct room set-up, order food and arrange rehearsal time.
• Ensure travel arrangements for staff, students and guests happen in a timely manner.
• Update and distribute Event Guide containing all logistical information for the GAP Report® Launch.
• Create signage, flyers, press kits and other materials as needed for the event.
• Work with CALS Global leadership to identify and invite panelists for the GAP Report® Launch event. Develop run-of show and prepare briefings for panelists.
• Create PowerPoint presentation of the findings.
• Increase awareness of the Report on campus through student and faculty engagement.

Communications and marketing to external audiences:
• Serve as editor of the Harvest 2050 blog (or equivalent). Solicit and edit original blog posts from guest contributors to create stories that meet the GAP Report® content and style guidelines. Seek opportunities to write blogs for external partners.
• Manage social media accounts to disseminate messaging. Create “social cards” and other visual elements to attract readers.
• Work with CALS Communications and Marketing to identify opportunities for earned media coverage.
• Create communications tools for GAP Report® partners for their internal and external communications, including a social media toolkit, presentation slides and press releases.
• Provide bi-annual updates on GAP Report® communications efforts and statistics for GAP Report® sponsors and monthly reports for CALS Global leadership.

Communication with Partners:
• Collaborate with CALS Global Leadership and CALS Advancement to deepen relationships with sponsors and identify new sponsors and other sources of support.
• Serve as key point of contact for internal and external inquiries about the GAP Report®.
• Identify opportunities to expand the reach of the GAP Report® to new audiences. Possible travel to attend events, build relationships with sponsors and partners, obtain research and stories for the report, and speak/present the findings of the GAP Report®.
• Collaborate with organizations, government officials and individuals working in agriculture, food and nutrition security, climate change and sustainability to increase the visibility and influence of the GAP Report®.

Other duties in support of CALS Global:
• Other duties as directed by the Associate Dean and Director of CALS Global

This position is a hybrid position; eligible employees will be allowed to telework up to 2 days per week, contingent on performance.

Required Qualifications

• Masters degree, including one degree with a major or minor in Agricultural Economics
• Outstanding interpersonal skills
• Impeccable English writing and editing skills
• Relevant international experience and demonstrated interest in international development
• Experience writing and/or editing for a publication of similar scope.
• Project management experience

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD, including one degree with a major or minor in Agricultural Economics
• Demonstrated success in managing stakeholder and partner relations
• Media relations experience
• Social media experience
• Experience with oversight of website content development
• Understanding of agricultural TFP

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with experience

Review Date

1/12/2023

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. Thomas Thompson at tlthomps@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: December 19, 2022
Applications close: