Job Description

Application Notes:

Application Deadline: This position will be posted until filled with priority given to applications submitted by Friday, June 9, 2023.

Required application materials (preferably in PDF Format): 

Resume

Cover Letter - Please address how your skills and experience meet the needs of this position (for more information, please refer to the Key Responsibilities and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities sections of this job posting).

Work Sample - Please attach a brief work sample, particularly a creative visual content (design, layout) and a writing sample that demonstrates the communication of a scientific topic to a lay audience. Work samples can be submitted via a link to web-based content (preferred); PDFs; image/video files; and/or MS Office documents as necessary.

Work Authorization: US Residency is a Requirement. You must reside in the U.S. for this position.UCAR/NCAR WILL NOT sponsor a work visa (e.g., J-1, H1-B, etc.) for this position. U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Residency, or another protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) is required for this position.  

Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance IS available for this position.

Pre-employment screenings are conducted for selected candidates; background checks are also conducted for risk-based positions. Learn more.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT AT UCAR

Here is a brief outline of what one would expect to be responsible for in this role. 

Key Responsibilities

Support Heat.gov and other Digital External Content Development and Maintenance

Maintain and enhance the written and visual style and content of Heat.gov, the web portal of the interagency National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS).

Collaborate with the NIHHIS Program staff and Interagency Working Group to co-develop creative new content for Heat.gov and Climate.gov, such as web stories about at-risk groups or solutions to specific aspects of heat risk, as well as regular agency updates and case studies from communities taking action to reduce heat risk.

Prepare and distribute external communications such as the Heat Beat newsletter and Heat.gov Twitter and other social media in coordination with other federal agency communications staff.

Grow and track engagement with NIHHIS stakeholders through email campaigns, webinars, Google Analytics, and other mechanisms.

Develop Written and Visual NIHHIS Communications Products 

Assist in setting style and design standards for NIHHIS, maintaining a consistent and professional aesthetic in all communications products, including style, formatting, fonts, color palettes, imagery, grammar, and tone.

Prepare and maintain NIHHIS Program communication and reporting materials such as congressional briefing sheets, workshop reports, CPO “Hot Items” internal reports, media interview talking points, presentations, and posters in collaboration with NOAA congressional affairs, public affairs, and communications staff.

Provide communications services to the NIHHIS Program and interagency group, including conceptualization, writing, editing, layout, and production of digital and printed materials as well as design and development of visual communications materials such as infographics, charts, and basic digital video and photo editing.

Coordinate the NIHHIS Interagency Communications Working Group

Co-facilitate regular meetings of the NIHHIS Interagency Communications Working Group by maintaining agendas, minutes, and action items.

Coordinate interagency development of shared NIHHIS communications materials, such as new press releases, graphics, and video assets.

Coordinate interagency social media campaigns (ideation, planning, and execution) and collaborate with communications staff across NIHHIS federal partners.

Provide Meeting and Other Engagement Support

Support communications aspects of planning of workshops, meetings, webinars, and other activities, such as media interviews.

Coordinate on communications with partner organizations and initiatives, particularly the Global Heat Health Information Network (GHHIN), the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP), and the Group on Earth Observations (GEO).

Support Climate and Health Program activities and other duties as assigned.

WHO WE’D LOVE TO JOIN OUR TEAM

Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria:

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field;

2 years of experience working in environmental and/or health science;

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired, but not required:

Master’s degree in environmental and/or health science.

2+ years of experience in science communications.

Experience with communication and engagement activities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to work independently, requesting additional information when needed.

Skill in acquiring and synthesizing scientific and programmatic information from a wide range of sources to inform and promote the program for technical and non-technical audiences. 

Ability to build partnerships and develop a network of contacts and resources. 

Ability to manage multiple work responsibilities, dynamically prioritize as new projects and duties are introduced.

Expert proficiency of English, with additional language skills such as in Spanish preferred.

Strong written and oral communication skills when conveying complex scientific ideas to a general audience.

Adept with communications platforms, including for web content management (e.g. WordPress), Microsoft Office, Adobe (e.g. InDesign, Illustrator), Google (e.g. Analytics), webinar technology, video editing (e.g. Canva, Premiere Pro) social media, etc.

Demonstrated ability to plan and organize meetings.

Desired, but not required:

Knowledge of climate and health, as well as in transdisciplinary science and working across the science/user interface.

Knowledge of NOAA organization.

Demonstrated knowledge with light uses of geospatial data such as development of Esri Story Maps.

SOME FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Our organization is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment and fostering a culture where everyone feels welcome and supported. To learn more about these efforts, visit the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategic Plan and our Diversity & Inclusion: A Welcoming Workplace site. 

Research shows that women and people of color are less likely to apply for a position if they do not meet almost 100% of the desired skills and experience. Please note this is not necessary! If you meet the minimum requirements and have a passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. We can provide on-the-job training for the rest!

Inclusive Benefits 

UCAR affirms its commitment to employees through competitive benefits. In addition to medical, dental, vision, retirement, and life insurance,  UCAR offers a variety of programs focused on work-life balance and professional personal development. These include:

Tuition Assistance, time off allowance to attend classes, and other professional development opportunities

UCAR contributes 10% of your eligible pay into your retirement account; 100% fully vested on day one

Starting minimum accrual of 20 days of personal time off each year

10 paid holidays each year

10 days of paid sick leave each year

14 weeks of paid parental leave

Backup childcare

Short-term medical leave paid at 100% of your regular salary

EcoPass for local Colorado residents to use the Denver and Boulder-area transit system at no cost

Flexible Work

At UCAR, we are committed to supporting our mission by giving staff the flexibility to find the schedule and location that works best to maintain their own work-life circumstances and reach their full potential as professionals. Many positions within our organization are eligible for fully on-site, hybrid, fully-remote, and/or flexible work schedules.

Equal Opportunity Employer

UCAR is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy. Whatever your intersection of identities, you are welcome at UCAR.