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Position overview

Position title: NCEAS Lead Science Communicator

Salary range: This full-time position offers a competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience. The posted UC system-wide salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See Table 36 for the salary range at UCSB. A reasonable estimated full-time rate for this position at 100% $70-$85K annual. “Off-scale salaries”, i.e. a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions. Full benefits package included.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: March 2025 or later

Position duration: 1 year position with possibility of extension based on funding and performance

Application Window

 

Open date: December 9, 2024

Next review date: Monday, Jan 13, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Sunday, Aug 31, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

Are you passionate about science communication and storytelling to broad and diverse audiences? Do you want to support and promote more awareness of cutting-edge environmental science programs and data science initiatives? Do you excel at connecting people and ideas and strategically building communication and outreach networks?

Job Description

We seek a Lead Science Communicator to join the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS), working with our Executive Director, Deputy Director and other NCEAS staff and scientists to shepherd communication and outreach around our portfolio of programs. In this position you will lead science storytelling and manage all external communications at NCEAS. The position is based in downtown Santa Barbara at NCEAS.

Your primary responsibilities will be to:

  • Observe and connect with the range of research underway at NCEAS, scouting for opportunities to tell science and community engagement stories in creative and effective ways
  • Communicate the impact and success of Center initiatives for environmental science and management
  • Consult with working group communications leaders to offer strategic guidance for communication plans that maximize the impact of their findings and outputs
  • Lead development of new communication content and strategies for NCEAS, including:
  • website content and presentation
  • Press releases, media outreach and placement
  • promotional materials
  • social media
  • visualization and infographics
  • Strategically engage and connect with diverse audiences to enhance NCEAS existing networks and create new connections across science, policy, media, and management groups
  • Stay abreast of current trends, conferences, research, and educational opportunities in environmental science communications

RESIDENCY AT NCEAS: NCEAS is located in scenic downtown Santa Barbara, California. Established in 1995, the Center is known for fostering interaction and collaboration, characteristics that lead to the success of its visiting scientists. NCEAS has a thriving community of postdocs, resident scientists, and analysts, and a frequent influx of leading scientists and practitioners from around the world participating in working group projects.

NCEAS is committed to improving diversity and inclusion in science. We value the diversity of expertise, backgrounds, needs, and experiences reflected among our residents, visitors, and broader communities. We are committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, age, gender identity, parental status, sexual orientation, (dis)ability, citizenship status, and nationality. To see the steps we are taking to advance diversity and inclusion please see our full statement here: https://www.nceas.ucsb.edu/diversity-inclusion.

The department is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching and service.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

  • Masters Degree or enrolled in a Masters program in Environmental Science, Ecology, Science Communication or related field

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

  • Masters Degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Science Communication or related field at the time of appointment

Preferred qualifications

  • 1+ years of work experience in science communication or related focus
  • Demonstrated effectiveness in storytelling, media, journalism, communication, public relations, social media, or other related field;
  • Ability to understand and synthesize environmental science across a diversity of topics, from high-level to highly detailed and translate this information to a variety of audiences, including the non scientists;
  • Ability to organize information in a way that is both aesthetically pleasing and enhances accessibility and usability;
  • Familiarity with standard document, graphic design, publishing, and web content management software;
  • Familiarity with internet-based communication technologies, including social media, video conferencing, web-based streaming, and web discussion platforms;
  • Experience connecting scientists with diverse audiences
  • Interest or experience in visual design, data visualization and infographics. Experience working with modern design software (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Canva, etc.)
  • Demonstrate an understanding and acceptance of diversity, equity, and inclusion concepts that are broader than only race, ethnicity, and gender

Application Requirements

Document requirements

Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

Cover Letter - Cover Letter including:

Interest in the position
Qualifications related to position
Experience in supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion

Writing Sample - Writing sample for science communication.

Reference requirements

  • 3 required (contact information only)

Name and contact information for three references. The top candidate's references will be contacted before the final job offer.

Apply link: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF02895

Help contact: ikclark@ucsb.edu

About UC Santa Barbara

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, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20. For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

Job location

Santa Barbara, CA