Research Communications Specialist & Media Professional

About the Position

The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) Office of Research seeks a Communications & Media Specialist to lead strategic storytelling that elevates UAA’s research excellence, innovation, and real-world impact across Alaska and beyond. The role works closely with UAA leadership and a wide range of interdisciplinary research centers, including AERC, ADAC-ARCTIC, ISER, ICHS, and CBHRS.

• Develop and execute strategic communications that elevate visibility, reputation, and impact of the Office of Research Centers.
• Create and disseminate high‑quality written, visual, audio, and multimedia content across internal and external channels.
• Support executive‑level communications for Center leadership.
• Lead proactive news gathering efforts to highlight research initiatives, partnerships, and outcomes.
• Strengthen Center brands, drive engagement and recruitment efforts, manage media relations and earned media opportunities.
• Collaborate with university and external partners.
• Oversee content production and contractors, manage communications workflows and budgets.
• Analyze performance metrics to inform strategy and ensure alignment with institutional brand standards.
• Support live and recorded programs, events, and media engagements.

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Media, Public Relations or related field plus three years of progressively relevant professional experience (or equivalent combination).
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Strong organizational, time‑management, and analytical abilities.
• Solid understanding of research center programs and alignment with federal, state, and local missions.
• Expertise in branding, reputation management, and integrated communications.
• Highly service‑oriented, experienced in managing websites and social media.
• Proficient in planning and executing multimedia communications and branding campaigns for military, federal, and private‑sector partners.
• Comprehensive knowledge of production workflows, presentation standards, and legal considerations.

• Unrestricted Alaska driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Prior military experience or demonstrated understanding of military and federal community protocols.

Location:

Anchorage, Alaska.

Type:
Term‑funded, full‑time, exempt staff position with competitive salary and full employee benefits package, including retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays, tuition waivers, and medical, dental and vision coverage. New hires will be placed on the UA Staff Salary Schedule, Grade 79.

Work location flexibility:
The University reserves the right to require employees to work on‑site. Hybrid and remote work may be approved for employees based in Alaska; remote work for employees outside Alaska may be approved only in exceptional circumstances.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until a successful candidate is identified. Search and selection procedures will close when a sufficient and viable number of qualified candidates have been identified.

To view the full list of job responsibilities, please contact Kelsie Kingston at kalkingston.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction; those requiring visa sponsorship are not eligible.

The University of Alaska (UA) reserves the right to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process.

The University of Alaska (UA) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution committed to a policy of non‑discrimination against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.

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

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

All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting university business.