Research Communications Specialist & Media Professional

Job Overview

The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) Office of Research is seeking a Communications & Media Specialist to lead strategic storytelling that elevates UAA’s research excellence, innovation, and real-world impact across Alaska and beyond. This position works closely with UAA leadership and a wide range of interdisciplinary research centers, including AERC, ADAC-ARCTIC, ISER, ICHS, and CBHRS, among others. Many of these centers conduct federally funded research with roots in the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense, making familiarity with federal protocols, compliance environments, and sensitive research communications an important asset.

Are you ready to translate exploration into impact? Apply today and play a key role in advancing research that informs policy, strengthens communities, and supports national priorities.

As the Research Communications & Media Specialist, you will develop and execute strategic communications that elevate the visibility, reputation, and impact of the Office of Research Centers. You create and disseminate high-quality written, visual, audio, and multimedia content across internal and external channels; support executive-level communications for Center leadership; and lead proactive news gathering efforts to highlight research initiatives, partnerships, and outcomes.

You strengthen Center brands, drive engagement and recruitment efforts, manage media relations and earned media opportunities, and collaborate with university and external partners. You also oversee content production and contractors, manage communications workflows and budgets, analyze performance metrics to inform strategy, and ensure alignment with institutional brand standards while supporting live and recorded programs, events, and media engagements.

To thrive in this role, the candidate must possess exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to develop compelling, multi-platform content across a wide range of media and styles. They should demonstrate strong organizational, time-management, and analytical abilities, enabling them to manage multiple high-level priorities while collaborating effectively in complex environments. Success in this role requires a solid understanding of research center programs and their alignment with federal, state, and local missions, as well as expertise in branding, reputation management, and integrated communications.

The ideal candidate is highly service-oriented, experienced in managing websites and social media, and proficient in planning and executing multimedia communications and branding campaigns for military, federal, and private-sector partners, supported by comprehensive knowledge of production workflows, presentation standards, and legal considerations.

• Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Communications, Media, Public Relations or other related field and three years of progressively relevant professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
• An unrestricted Alaska driver’s license and clean driving record in compliance with UA Safe Driving criteria is required.

Applicant should have prior military experience as military protocol and culture will be necessary when interacting with military duty members and members of the federal community. If no prior military experience, should be able to demonstrate that they have an understanding of the military and federal community protocols.

This position is located in Anchorage, Alaska. This is a term-funded, full-time, exempt staff position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. New hires will be placed on the UA Staff Salary Schedule, Grade 79, based on education and experience.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a successful candidate is…