Communications Specialist

Required Qualifications (as evidenced by an attached resume):

Bachelor's degree (foreign equivalent or higher) in Journalism, Communications, or Science related field. Three (3) years of full-time experience working in a communications or public relations capacity. Experience writing and copy-editing feature stories or other written content that aligns with the strategic objectives of an organization.

Brief Description of Duties:

The Communications Specialist, will report to the New York Sea Grant's Communications Manager. They will communicate research, extension, outreach, and education projects to a variety of audiences that would be reflective of NYSG's coastal stakeholders and partners, and be able to translate that information through a diverse set of communications platforms and products. These include writing, among other things, stories for e-newsletter, press releases for media, social media posts for the general public, deliverables such as fact sheets and website content. The Specialist will also assist with website maintenance, including keeping content fresh and updated, and incorporating the latest technology and other communications techniques. The successful candidate will have knowledge of Sea Grant (can be acquired on the job). They will have the ability to work independently, but within the context of being a member of an integrated and collaborative NYSG team. The Communications Specialist will also be responsive to general program-wide communications requirements as needed and appropriate.

Other Work-Place Skills: High energy and passion for the mission and activities of New York Sea Grant, a federal-state coastal science partnership program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the State University of New York and Cornell University. An ambitious, visionary, and creative approach to communications and advancement strategies. Experience working with a high degree of professionalism, integrity, tact and maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive communications with discretion. Experience interacting with the general public as well as successfully building consensus among a large number of diverse colleagues, senior leadership, donors and outside agencies to address and resolve issues. Ability to be adaptive and nimble to an ever-evolving program as well as the communications landscape. Experience effectively multi-tasking in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment with a high degree of accuracy and organization. Experience managing complex projects.

Demonstrated commitment to a culture of respect, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Experience successfully promoting a working environment that encourages creativity, efficiency, and receptivity to change. ​Experience building long-term relationships based on trust, predictability, and communication. Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail. Outstanding oral, written and interpersonal communication and presentation skills with a service-oriented attitude. Experience in communications or media relations in a higher education or a non-profit organization. Experience with digital communications strategies and other new media for communications. Experience working with researchers or in some kind of science communication capacity (e.g. Biology, Coastal Science, Marine Science, Environmental or Aquatic-related field). Experience using Content Management Systems or similar to assist with the update of existing and development of new web structures, pages and content. Understanding of effective graphic design, branding principles and marketing.

Duties:

• Communications:

• Support overall NYSG communications portfolio needs across all program divisions, strategic plan focus areas, and program geographies through:

• Writing (e.g. science, extension, education):

• Copy editing of content and products developed by staff in all program divisions.

• Graphic design and layout (e.g. for website, infographics, other printed products).

• End-to-end product development (e.g. brochures, one pagers, program synthesis documents, videos, newsletter).

• Program reporting materials (e.g. “Impacts and Accomplishments” for NOAA Sea Grant's - Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation Resources (PIER) system. This data, which could include content related to the program's strategic plan, projects and funding as well as project results, can be rolled up to tell a national story).

• Assist in creation and maintenance of a living communications strategic plan with input from staff, supervision from the Communications Manager and oversight from the Director.

• Serve as a point of contact for and communication support to extension, education, and outreach staff. Coordinate and assist in communication planning (e.g. outreach, products, events, swag etc.) for events/activities.

• Website / Social Media:

• Assist in maintaining timely and relevant NYSG website content, including stories on individual Extension Specialist pages (requires ability to work in Content Management System platforms.

• In consultation with relevant staff, develop content, distribute, and track NYSG social media postings (on Facebook, Twitter, and/ or YouTube).

• Media Relations:

• In consultation with relevant staff, develop, distribute, and track NYSG press releases, stories, and news items; Solicit and facilitate media interviews for specified NYSG projects and activities.

• Administrative Liaison:

• Play an active role in the Sea Grant Communicators Network, working with the Communicators in other state Sea Grant programs on issues/projects of common interest and benefit; Also, collaborate to find synergies between University-wide marketing and communications efforts.

• Participate on University-wide committees and task forces to enhance visibility and reputation throughout the University and beyond.

• Other duties as assigned.