Communications Coordinator

~ A department of UC San Diego, Scripps Institution of Oceanography is one of the oldest, largest, and most important centers for ocean, earth and atmospheric science research, education, and public service in the world. ~

Research at Scripps encompasses physical, chemical, biological, geological, and geophysical studies of the oceans, Earth, and planets. Scripps undergraduate and graduate programs provide transformative educational and research opportunities in ocean, earth, and atmospheric sciences, as well as degrees in climate science and policy and marine biodiversity and conservation.

Position Overview

As part of a team, the Communications Coordinator will contribute to communication and dissemination of efforts from ongoing scientific research projects within a marine ecology laboratory at Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO; Sandin Lab). Incumbent is required to have a strong background in scientific communication, and will be expected to contribute to work conducted in a group setting. As a scientific liaison, the incumbent will perform a variety of tasks related to the dissemination and interpretation of ecological and oceanographic data collected from a variety of coral reef environments.

Responsibilities

• Incumbent must be able to collaborate with project leadership in conducting a number of technical assignments including: drafting trip reports, providing monthly newsletters or scientific digests for regional partners, maintaining communications with a broad and international community of academic and resource management professionals.
• Must be proficient in the use of computer software for written and online communication and the creation of visual images to display data using graphical design and GIS software.
• Must be able to assist with the creation and completion of expedition reports including researching and summarizing biological and geopolitical information specific to focal islands and regions.
• Perform basic management in support of a marine ecological laboratory at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
• Incumbent will be responsible for coordinating communication activities of laboratory assistants and students working on associated projects.
• Much of this will be done as part of a team effort, and hence requires excellent oral and written communication skills. Incumbent will be expected to prepare written reports of lab and/or field experimental methods/findings and is expected to have strong oral and written communication skills.
• Incumbent must be able to coordinate activities of laboratory assistants and students working on associated projects.

Qualifications

• B.S. (or higher) in environmental science, ecology, communications, or comparable field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience with concepts and principles of news, media communications and media relations.
• General knowledge of the usage and applications of electronic communication tools and skill in using same. Thorough knowledge of and some experience with content management systems and relevant web applications used for web production and social media.
• Proficient in the use of computer software for written and online communications. Experience using various computer programs such as Microsoft Office, image analysis software such as Image­J and Adobe products such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and Bridge, as well as GIS software including ArcGIS (ESRI).
• Strong background in scientific communications. Exceptional ability to write and communicate scientific content effectively in a variety of mediums (web, press release, newsletter, brochure, presentations, etc) and in ways appropriate to targeted audiences (academic collaborators, general public, and national, local, and traditional leadership).
• Experience in identifying relevant and timely topics to diverse audiences; proven ability and experience in writing and editing for accuracy and style; working knowledge and application of proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of the location, its achievements, mission, vision, goals, objectives, programs and infrastructure.
• Ability to establish rapport and maintain professional working relationships with individuals at all levels within the organization, collaborators, and the public.
• Ability to use ingenuity, resourcefulness, and adaptability to the special and changing needs of the research team. Must be professional, hardworking, and detail-oriented.outreach.