Science Communicator

The Science Communicator works as part of the UAF Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Extension (IANRE) Communications Team communicating, informing and creating awareness about the Institute’s research and extension activities and their impact on Alaska and the Arctic region. The Science Communicator will:
Write, edit and collaborate in the design of publications translating scientific research for multiple audiences including the general public, policy makers and federal agencies. Recommend, develop and carry out messaging campaigns, outreach opportunities and partnerships to educate Alaskans about Alaska’s complex food system and how UAF is working to address this challenge, as well as make recommendations for messaging platforms that are appropriate for the targeted audience and work with IANRE graphic design to implement visual and written elements.

Plan and implement communication messages across diverse platforms, including social media. Design visual and written material that is scientifically accurate. Collaborate with others, including external video producers and photographers, to create video and visual content on scientific topics, the research conducted through IANRE and its impact to be posted on social media and other digital platforms. Work closely with the IANRE Communications Manager to ensure messaging is coordinated with IANRE communication strategies and goals.

Collaborate with the IANRE Communications Team to create synergies and support shared communications initiatives. Develop and write news and feature articles and other appropriate communication vehicles for distribution to the lay and professional media and other targeted audiences on research conducted k closely with IANRE Public Information Officer and/or UAF Communications Director to coordinate releases and ensure they meet IANRE and University of Alaska Fairbanks standards.

Proofread, edit and evaluate messages for scientific accuracy, consistency, grammar and clarity. Assist IANRE researchers in consistent messaging and branding, ADA accessibility and UAF communications regulations to communicate their role as UAF and IANRE researchers to local and statewide audiences. Develop and maintain professional contacts and affiliations with news media editors, reporters and broadcasters to facilitate and promote the dissemination of news and publicity in areas relevant to food systems and food security in Alaska.

Pro-actively reach out to faculty and administrators at IANRE to identify communications opportunities and topics. Work with faculty to integrate IANRE research into campus outreach opportunities and events.

To thrive in this role the applicant should be an excellent writer and communicator with an ability to turn complex scientific topics into compelling, easy-to-understand texts and contents; be able to proactively develop science communications themes, contents, and campaigns; feel comfortable working on various messaging and content creation platforms to create and share communications contents with target audiences, have strong social media skills, have excellent interpersonal skills and strong collaborative skills to work within a team and be able to handle multiple tasks at once.

Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications or related field and two years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

This position is located on the Troth Yeddha' campus in Fairbanks Alaska. This is a full-time, non-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…