PAY GRADE: 30E

DEADLINE: Position will remain posted until filled. Application review will begin May 14, 2018.

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

Under the general direction of the Director of Environmental Public Education, the Communications Specialist identifies, develops and publishes editorial content for key internal and external audiences about the academic, research and outreach missions of the University of Delaware's College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment and the Delaware Sea Grant College Program. The Communications Specialist prepares and tracks written and digital communications pieces including articles about faculty research and service; feature stories about alumni achievements; event invitations and follow up stories; program impact statements and annual reports; and student recruitment materials. The Communications Specialist works with the Director to develop strategic communications and media plans, and serves as a liaison to the University's Office of Communications and Marketing. As a member of the Environmental Public Education Office, the Communications Specialist works with a team of communications professionals to produce a variety of materials, both digital and print, to increase public awareness, understanding, and appreciation of environmental resources, issues, and research.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Research, write and edit scientific and environmental news articles and features, publications, reports, video scripts, and public outreach materials, and create other print and web-based materials to promote and communicate the activities and functions of the College and Sea Grant.
• Oversee media contact lists, write and send stories to reporters, post stories online, provide stories to appropriate internal sources for posting on university websites, coordinate media responses and events, and track media coverage.
• Prepare and edit talking points, op-eds, special reports, proposals and environmental outreach materials.
• Provide input to the University of Delaware's Office of Communications and Marketing to include both raw information and finished input about College and DESG research, activities, and events.
• Work cooperatively with faculty and scientists, videographers, production coordinators, art directors and photographers to develop brochures, pamphlets, publications, exhibits and other communications materials on College activities, for internal and external audiences.
• Assist in the organization and production of small- and large-scale events, including but not limited to Coast Day, the College and Delaware Sea Grant's annual major public outreach event.
• Maintain relationships and communicate with constituencies within the University, the national Sea Grant network, and other local, regional, and national partners.
• Supervise, develop, and assign college work-study and/or miscellaneous wage personnel as needed.
• Collaborate with the EPEO Director to develop competitive proposals and assist in securing independent project funding; prepare budgets and applicable internal and external reports.
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, English or other job-related discipline and three years job-related experience. Science writing experience is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating with scientific investigators and writing about highly technical and scientific topics in a concise manner that is easily understood by a general, non-science audiences, as well as scientifically savvy audiences.
• Experience interpreting research results, consulting with scientific investigators, and translating research findings to the appropriate clientele.
• Experience working with the media, including writing advisories, releases, pitches, and coordinating media strategies.
• Knowledge of science communication principles, media, and public education techniques, and understanding of media, science, and higher education trends.
• Effective oral, written, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and ability to foster a cooperative environment.
• Ability to handle multiple projects at a given time and to establish and meet deadlines in a productive manner.
• Ability to supervise and train assigned student interns, including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
• Knowledge of proofreading and appropriate style guides.
• Understanding of and appreciation for social media and online communication principles and tools.
• Working experience with both Windows and Mac computer systems and proficiency in MS Office software (Word, PowerPoint, Excel). Experience using web content management systems, social media platforms, iMovie, and Photoshop strongly preferred. Photography and videography skills helpful.
• Knowledge of public educational materials production, including print and electronic publishing processes, procedures, and techniques.

To apply please click here!