Filing Deadline: Tue 10/20/2020
Apply Now
A cover letter and three (3) writing samples are required for a complete application packet. Please see details for submitting your writing samples in the job posting below.
UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 10/9/2020 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.
Special Selection Applicants: Apply by 10/23/2020. Eligible Special Selection clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
California Sea Grant (caseagrant.ucsd.edu) sponsors marine research, extension services, and education activities to support the management, conservation, and enhancement of California’s coastal ocean resources for the benefit of current and future generations. The program, administered by Scripps Institution of Oceanography, is a collaboration of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the State of California and universities across the state to create knowledge, products and services that benefit the economy, the environment and the citizens of California.
Apply Now
A cover letter and three (3) writing samples are required for a complete application packet. Please see details for submitting your writing samples in the job posting below.
UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 10/9/2020 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.
Special Selection Applicants: Apply by 10/23/2020. Eligible Special Selection clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
California Sea Grant (caseagrant.ucsd.edu) sponsors marine research, extension services, and education activities to support the management, conservation, and enhancement of California’s coastal ocean resources for the benefit of current and future generations. The program, administered by Scripps Institution of Oceanography, is a collaboration of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the State of California and universities across the state to create knowledge, products and services that benefit the economy, the environment and the citizens of California.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Under direction of the California Sea Grant Communications Director, the Science Communications Specialist works to raise awareness of California Sea Grant’s research, education, and outreach programs. This involves working in many different capacities to highlight the program and its initiatives including research, education, funding and fellowship opportunities, and events. The incumbent searches out, reports on, writes, and pitches stories on California Sea Grant’s research, extension, outreach and education activities, conducts interviews, and arranges for photography, video, or graphics to accompany news releases. This position contributes to social media efforts to create compelling multi-media content that further tells the story of the program’s scientific research, outreach, and education work. This position also provides analysis on communications activities, and contributes to program-level reporting to funders and partners. High-quality, high-volume work under deadline is consistently required.
The Science Communications Specialist is a strong writer who can write clearly and concisely about a variety of complex topics and is a collaborative team member who can work with diverse colleagues and partners. This position serves as a media-relations pro who will pitch stories to the media and build relationships with journalists and works as a social-media expert who stays up-to-date with the latest social media trends and platforms. The incumbent will be enthusiastic and curious about California’s coastal ecosystems, resources, and future.
Occasional non-standard hours are required to meet deadlines. Required to attend occasional evening and weekend events.
Occasional out-of-town travel is required.
A cover letter and three (3) writing samples are required for a complete application packet.
In addition to your cover letter, please provide three (3) writing examples of recent articles, news releases, project summaries, web articles, or blog posts that you have written which illustrate your ability to write about science for public or non-expert technical audiences.
Please either copy and paste the three articles into your cover letter document, or include links to the articles in your cover letter. Uploading your cover letter as a PDF document is recommended, but you can upload your cover letter as a Word document if needed.
QUALIFICATIONS
B.A./B.S. or M.A./M.S. in a natural or biological science, communications or journalism (or related field); OR an equivalent combination of education and work experience that combines science with journalism/communications. Familiarity and interest in science and/or environmental fields.
Minimum of three to five ( 3 - 5) years experience performing writing, marketing and PR duties in an agency, journalism, or other fast-paced environment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Prior experience writing news releases, media advisories, feature stories, and more.
Thorough knowledge of the concepts and principles of news, media communications and media relations.
Proven skills in understanding and effectively utilizing all news/media mediums including broadcast news, the internet, social media and other emerging technologies. Knowledge of specialty areas such as broadcast news including TV/radio, internet and other emerging technologies.
Thorough written, verbal and interpersonal communications skills, including a strong sense of a good story and understanding of the topics that may be of interest to various publics and that will incorporate key location messages.
Proven knowledge of journalistic best practices and AP style with the ability to turn copy around quickly. Experience writing compelling copy that is targeted to specific audiences via a variety of outlets including social media, websites, email marketing, video, printed brochures and publications, websites, emails, talking points, articles and reports.
Strong ability to understand, explain and summarize complex concepts and to share them in clear, jargon-free language that is both scientifically accurate and accessible to lay audiences.
Proven experience using social media including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, online forums and blogs in a professional capacity. Proven results in utilizing new social media tactics that resulted in high engagement.
Demonstrated experience quantifying the effectiveness of social media strategies as well as experience evaluating and advising on the effectiveness of social media strategies.
Thorough organizational skills, good judgment, and political acumen. Skill to complete projects that require a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Proven ability to work both independently and in collaboration with staff teams.
Under direction of the California Sea Grant Communications Director, the Science Communications Specialist works to raise awareness of California Sea Grant’s research, education, and outreach programs. This involves working in many different capacities to highlight the program and its initiatives including research, education, funding and fellowship opportunities, and events. The incumbent searches out, reports on, writes, and pitches stories on California Sea Grant’s research, extension, outreach and education activities, conducts interviews, and arranges for photography, video, or graphics to accompany news releases. This position contributes to social media efforts to create compelling multi-media content that further tells the story of the program’s scientific research, outreach, and education work. This position also provides analysis on communications activities, and contributes to program-level reporting to funders and partners. High-quality, high-volume work under deadline is consistently required.
The Science Communications Specialist is a strong writer who can write clearly and concisely about a variety of complex topics and is a collaborative team member who can work with diverse colleagues and partners. This position serves as a media-relations pro who will pitch stories to the media and build relationships with journalists and works as a social-media expert who stays up-to-date with the latest social media trends and platforms. The incumbent will be enthusiastic and curious about California’s coastal ecosystems, resources, and future.
Occasional non-standard hours are required to meet deadlines. Required to attend occasional evening and weekend events.
Occasional out-of-town travel is required.
A cover letter and three (3) writing samples are required for a complete application packet.
In addition to your cover letter, please provide three (3) writing examples of recent articles, news releases, project summaries, web articles, or blog posts that you have written which illustrate your ability to write about science for public or non-expert technical audiences.
Please either copy and paste the three articles into your cover letter document, or include links to the articles in your cover letter. Uploading your cover letter as a PDF document is recommended, but you can upload your cover letter as a Word document if needed.
QUALIFICATIONS
B.A./B.S. or M.A./M.S. in a natural or biological science, communications or journalism (or related field); OR an equivalent combination of education and work experience that combines science with journalism/communications. Familiarity and interest in science and/or environmental fields.
Minimum of three to five ( 3 - 5) years experience performing writing, marketing and PR duties in an agency, journalism, or other fast-paced environment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Prior experience writing news releases, media advisories, feature stories, and more.
Thorough knowledge of the concepts and principles of news, media communications and media relations.
Proven skills in understanding and effectively utilizing all news/media mediums including broadcast news, the internet, social media and other emerging technologies. Knowledge of specialty areas such as broadcast news including TV/radio, internet and other emerging technologies.
Thorough written, verbal and interpersonal communications skills, including a strong sense of a good story and understanding of the topics that may be of interest to various publics and that will incorporate key location messages.
Proven knowledge of journalistic best practices and AP style with the ability to turn copy around quickly. Experience writing compelling copy that is targeted to specific audiences via a variety of outlets including social media, websites, email marketing, video, printed brochures and publications, websites, emails, talking points, articles and reports.
Strong ability to understand, explain and summarize complex concepts and to share them in clear, jargon-free language that is both scientifically accurate and accessible to lay audiences.
Proven experience using social media including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, online forums and blogs in a professional capacity. Proven results in utilizing new social media tactics that resulted in high engagement.
Demonstrated experience quantifying the effectiveness of social media strategies as well as experience evaluating and advising on the effectiveness of social media strategies.
Thorough organizational skills, good judgment, and political acumen. Skill to complete projects that require a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Proven ability to work both independently and in collaboration with staff teams.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
Confidentiality is a condition of employment due to access to sensitive materials found in proposals.
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The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://www-hr.ucsd.edu/saa/nondiscr.html
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