College of Agricultural Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES)
University of Illinois Extension
Science Communication Coordinator (IWRC and IISG) – A1600581
The Science Communication Coordinator (IWRC and IISG) serves as a regular, full time, 12 month academic professional. Illinois Water Resources Center (IWRC) is co-administered with Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG), and this position will share duties between these organizations. This position will manage communication programming for the IWRC research and outreach programs. This position will also participate in the IISG communication team based on skills and experience. Focus areas may include: drinking water, water quality, private wells, storm water management, and other areas related to IWRC and IISG research and outreach programming. Communication mechanisms include print, web, social media, and video. Coordination of timelines, personnel, and competing projects will also be required. Some travel may be required.
One full time position is available.
Location: Urbana-Champaign Campus
This is a security-sensitive position. Comprehensive background checks, including but not limited to a criminal conviction information check, a CANTS check, and a review of the Registered Sex Offender list, will be conducted.
Specific responsibilities of the Science Communication Coordinator are as follows:
- Develop and implement unbiased, science-based strategic communications plans to advance current IWRC and IISG programs and research messages.
- Work with IWRC and IISG program specialists and researchers to communicate the results of their work and capitalize on opportunities to achieve impact.
- Write and maintain print and web-based content for IWRC and IISG, such as research reports, newsletters, website copy, social media (i.e. Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook), and videos.
- Contribute to grant writing and grant reporting to further promote IWRC and IISG programming.
- Oversee the organization of workshops and conferences, such as Illinois Water and The Private Well Conference, to transfer knowledge as well as build networks within the state and nationwide.
- Represent IWRC and IISG at appropriate events and on selected planning committees.
- Supervise students, program staff, and contractors to assist with development of program materials as needed.
- Comply with Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity policies and guidelines in all aspects of University of Illinois Extension work. Assist staff with data collection for affirmative action, gender, and targeted reports.
- Perform other duties that contribute to the mission of University of Illinois Extension as assigned.
- To perform the functions of this position, the employee will be required to perform work both within an office and outside in the communities that are served, and must have the capability to travel from one location to the other in a timely fashion. Employee is responsible for securing personal transportation. A valid driver’s license is preferred. Some work will be required during evenings and/or weekends. When working, the employee may be exposed to a variety of environmental factors to include, but not limited to, hot or cold weather, exposure to noise and allergens, and uneven ground. In performing the functions of this position, the employee may be subjected to various mental and physical demands as well to include, but not limited to, independently traveling to and performing work at different locations, lifting and moving items that may occasionally weigh up to forty (40) pounds and frequently weigh up to twenty (20) pounds, and twisting, pushing and pulling movements. More detailed information regarding the functions of this position (including the physical, mental and environmental requirements of the position) may be obtained from Human Resources for the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) by contacting hr@aces.illinois.edu.
Administrative Relationship: The Science Communication Coordinator is administratively responsible to the Assistant Director, IWRC.
Qualifications:
- Required: Master’s degree in science, natural resources, environmental communication, or related fields. Bachelor’s degree will be considered with five years of science communication experience. Experience communicating science to various less-technical audiences. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Preferred: Interest in water resources, especially knowledge of drinking water (public water supply and/or private wells). Experience developing and implementing science based communication plans to engage the pubic, policy makers, and stakeholder groups. Experience supervising academic professional staff, students, and contractors. Experience with Extension, Sea Grant, or Water Resources Center programs. Proficiency with Adobe software to develop communication materials. Experience with audio and video production.
Additional Information
The position is a full-time, benefits-eligible, non-tenure, academic professional position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Generous vacation and sick leave. State Universities Retirement System. Group health, dental, vision and life insurance.
Application Procedure: To apply, go to http://go.illinois.edu/A1600581. Log in to your account and upload a cover letter and resume, as well as the names and contact information of three professional references. Resume dates must be in month/year format and employment history, at a minimum, should include all work dating back to the completion of your undergraduate degree. Positions that were less than full-time/100% must be noted as being part-time. Transcripts may be requested at a later date. To receive full consideration, all requested application materials must be submitted via the online system by the close date of December 20, 2016.
For further information about the position please contact Laura Kammin at lkammin@illinois.edu. For technical assistance with the online application process, call 217-333-6747 or email jobs@illinois.edu.
Illinois is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or criminal conviction history. Illinois welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity. (www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu).
