Job Abstract

Required Qualifications (as evidenced by an attached resume):
Bachelor's degree (foreign equivalent or higher) in Journalism, Communications, or Science-related field. One year 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 the organization.

Preferred Qualifications:
Three years of full time experience working in a communications or public relations capacity. Knowledge of Sea Grant. Experience with technical and/or science writing/editing for paper and electronic publications. Experience using e-newsletter platforms such as Constant Contact or MailChimp. Experience using Adobe Creative Cloud programs (e.g., InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.).

Brief Description of Duties:
The Science Writer, who will be supervised by New York Sea Grant’s Communications Manager, will have a demonstrated ability to 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 the e-newsletter, press releases for media, deliverables such as fact sheets and website content. They will have the ability to work independently, but within the context of being a member of an integrated and collaborative NYSG team. The Science Writer will also be responsive to general program-wide communications requirements as needed and appropriate.

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 in communications or media relations in a higher education or a non-profit organization.
• 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 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.
• Outstanding oral, written, and interpersonal communication and presentation skills with a service-oriented attitude.
• 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.
  

Duties:

• Science and Technical Writing, Editing:
  • Writing (e.g. extension, education).
  • Copy editing of content and products developed by staff in all program divisions.
  • Translation of science and research information: Assist the Communications Manager with the collection and translation of science and research information into user-friendly, non-specialist language for a variety of end users and platforms.
  • Knowledge of and/or ability to learn and apply Associated Press style.
  • Knowledge of and/or ability to learn and apply industry, university, and federal accessibility standards.
  • 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.)
• Communications:
  • Support overall NYSG communications portfolio needs across all program divisions, strategic plan focus areas, and program geographies:
  • 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.
• Media Relations:
  • In consultation with Communications Manager and other 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.
  • 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.

Special Notes:
The Research Foundation of SUNY is a private educational corporation. Employment is subject to the Research Foundation policies and procedures, sponsor guidelines and the availability of funding. FLSA Exempt position, not eligible for the overtime provisions of the FLSA. Minimum salary threshold must be met to maintain FLSA exemption.

For this position, we are unable to sponsor candidates for work visas.

Resume/CV and cover letter should be included with the online application.

Stony Brook University is committed to excellence in diversity and the creation of an inclusive learning, and working environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status and all other protected classes under federal or state laws.

If you need a disability-related accommodation, please call the university Office of Equity and Access (OEA) at (631) 632-6280 or visit OEA.

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The starting salary range (or hiring range) to be offered for this position is noted below, it represents SBU’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.