VORTEX-SE Community Engagement Specialist

VORTEX-SE Community Engagement Specialist

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of VORTEX-SE Community Engagement Specialist.

Location Gulf Coast Research Laboratory

703 East Beach Drive
Ocean Springs, Mississippi, 39564
United States

Division Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium

Position Type Staff

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded Yes

Salary Range 60,000.

Pay Grade

Generic Grade

Posting Close Date Open Until Filled

The VORTEX-SE Community Engagement Specialist serves as a regional liaison between VORTEX-SE scientist sand the communities that rely on accurate and timely severe weather information. This position facilitates the exchange of knowledge by translating scientific research into practical outreach, education, and engagement activities while also communicating community needs and priorities back to researchers. The Specialist develops and delivers educational programs,outreach materials, workshops, and other engagement initiatives to support informed decision-making and strengthen community resilience across the Southeast.

This position works collaboratively with VORTEX-SE scientists, the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL), the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium (MASGC), and regional stakeholders and requires extensive travel throughout the Southeast. This is a grant-funded, limited-term appointment contingent upon continued funding.

• Work with the NSSL VORTEX Program Lead and VORTEX scientists to help synthesize and prioritize research results for transition and knowledge transfer to appropriate communities in the Southeast through the MASGC VORTEX-SE extension project.
• Develop and execute (through focus groups and workshops) extension programming grounded in VORTEX funded science and related research and the needs of target audiences and communities.
• Author 1-3 publications for non-technical audiences each year and participate in planning at least two workshops/trainings each year to share VORTEX research results within the geographic area (e.g. hosting science seminars and/or theme-based workshops).
• Contribute to other outreach activities supported by VORTEX such as social media, website(s), You Tube videos, newsletters, TV and radio segments, and other local, regional and national media reports where appropriate.
• Work with VORTEX Engagement Coordinator for regional consistency, coordination and synthesis of outreach products, conduct program evaluations and submission of annual reports.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with emergency managers, local governments, building officials, extension professionals, community organizations, and other stakeholders throughout the region.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

A Bachelor’sdegree from an accredited college or university in emergency management,building science, disaster management, building construction, or a related field. Such education and/or experience should include three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in community engagement, Extension,outreach, emergency management, science communication, or a related field. An equivalent combination of years of experience and education may be considered for substitution of educational requirements (i.e. military experience).

• Knowledge of community engagement, outreach, extension programming, or adult education principles, with the ability to develop, implement, and evaluate educational programs.
• Ability to interpret complex scientific or technical information and communicate it effectively to technical and non-technical audiences through written, verbal, and…