Position Summary:

Are you a creative person who also loves science? Would you like to oversee outreach and communications at one of the most dynamic colleges at the University of Alaska? The College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences is hiring a Communications Manager who will also serve as the science liaison for R/V Sikuliaq, a world-class research vessel that supports science throughout Alaska, the Arctic and the Pacific Ocean.

Duties:

Primary public voice for R/V Sikuliaq operations: ● Works with CFOS leadership, the National Science Foundation, ship personnel, UAF and non-UAF researchers, local communities and interest groups to communicate research supported by R/V Sikuliaq. Specifically, the Science Liaison manages communication with Indigenous coastal communities in the Arctic to help prevent conflict between the ship’s activities and seasonal subsistence hunting activities, such as whaling. ● Attends Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission (AEWC) and other meetings as a representative of UAF and Sikuliaq. Serves as the main logistical coordinator for Sikuliaq scientists who present proposed research to hunter groups and other local interest groups. Reviews and edits presentations to best communicate the science to the general public. Works to expand outreach and communication with local stakeholders. ● Writes and edits press releases and other documents, such as the Community and Environmental Compliance Operating Procedures (CECSOP), for R/V Sikuliaq. ● Creates content for three official R/V Sikuliaq social media pages, which requires coordinating with researchers and crew members. ● Manages the Sikuliaq photo archive. ● Updates content on the R/V Sikuliaq webpage.

Operates as the principal communications liaison between CFOS/UAF and the media, and between CFOS/UAF and the public: ● Writes and distributes press releases, feature stories, a bi-weekly newsletter and annual reports. Responds to media inquiries, manages media-UAF relationships and serves as a liaison to the central UAF communications officer. ● Creates content for four official CFOS social media accounts that are updated regularly. Explores methods for keeping social media exciting and informative, such as through creating short gifs, videos and advertisements to increase engagement. ● Works in conjunction with students, staff, faculty, CFOS leadership and external constituencies to develop and improve communication processes. Shapes how CFOS is portrayed to the public, media and other institutions.

Oversees, designs and edits major college communications materials: ● Requests, collects, organizes and edits materials for UAF/CFOS publications, including brochures, flyers, posters, development materials, newsletters, reports and advertising materials. Provides final oversight on all CFOS marketing materials. ● Ensures that all CFOS marketing materials follow UAF and CFOS branding guidelines, and that CFOS faculty, staff and students know and implement appropriate CFOS and UAF branding rules on personal posters, presentations and publications. ● Maintains a thorough photo and video database to serve as the building blocks to create vibrant publications. Edits photos for publications and ensures that required photo releases are completed.

Supervises the CFOS Web Manager: ● Oversees website content updates. Coordinates with faculty and staff to maintain web pages, and keep the website up-to-date with news and publications. Works with OIT on large web projects.

Performs other duties as assigned, such as managing CFOS’s participation in university-wide events, attending conferences and overseeing the CFOS store.

THE PROJECT

  • Demonstrated experience in writing and creation of multimedia materials in support of public relations and communications goals.
  • Knowledge of communications best practices, including cross-cultural communication.
  • Knowledge of techniques and industry standards relevant to writing, editing and formatting written, web, graphic, photographic and audio-visual materials for news, public outreach and advertising.
  • Ability to give public presentations to diverse audiences and to work collaboratively on presentation preparations.
  • Knowledge of desktop publishing software, such as the Adobe Creative Suite. Advanced computer skills in one or more of the following: graphic design, photography, and/or video editing.
  • Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet software. Ability to use Google applications.
  • Knowledge of current social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
  • Ability to conduct research for writing and other communications.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals and groups and to work successfully as a member of a team. Ability to work independently when needed.
  • Ability to write clearly and accurately, spell and punctuate properly, and follow applicable
  • policies, rules, regulations and ethical practices.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment, analyze situations and make decisions. Ability to maintain confidentiality.
  • Ability to supervise.

Required Experience

Bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, communications; related field and four years relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants will need to upload the following required documents to their online application:

  • A brief cover letter
  • Comprehensive resume
  • 1-2 writing samples (2 pages or less)
  • Contact information for at least three (3) professional references (address, email and phone number)

The review process for applications will be begin on Monday, August 29, 2022. Applications must be received prior to 11:55 PM Alaska Standard Time on Sunday, August 28, to ensure full consideration. Applications received after this date and time may not be considered for this position. This recruitment is Open Until Filled.

Term-Funded: This position is a term-funded position and is reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University’s discretion.

Note: To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement: The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907-450-8200.

Affirmative Action Statement: UA is an AA/EO employer and educational institution and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination

Background Check: The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Public Disclosure Statement: Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact University of Alaska HR at 907-450-8200

For more information, please click here.