Job Summary

You will serve as the Communication Specialist for the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG) College Program. In this role, you will create new and modify existing science-related content, ensuring that the material integrates with IISG marketing and branding efforts while also remaining in line with Purdue University’s master brand. You will manage communication strategies, share communication expertise with topic specialists to plan and develop communication products, prioritize and develop a variety of written and multimedia content and provide oversight and content on various social media platforms. Additionally, you will ensure that writing for online and print promotional pieces are concise, accurate, and convey key points about the programs.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Manage the IISG communication program and provide communication support to IISG staff; This involves planning, implementing, and maintaining processes and procedures for managing a high-throughput communications program involving multiple staff with partial communication responsibilities and several contractors
• Oversee the intake of new work, do or delegate the work where appropriate, and manage the delivery of final communications products in a timely manner
• Work with researchers, educators, and outreach professionals in Indiana and Illinois to develop and disseminate unbiased, science-based communication products and programs
• Represent IISG in the Sea Grant Communications Network and work within the network to develop, refine, and implement best practices for Sea Grant communication as necessary
• Lead efforts to develop and maintain programs to promote and highlight IISG’s work; This will include using various approaches to recruit students and faculty to apply to IISG funding opportunities and to keep alumni and other interested parties apprised of news
• Research and incorporate emerging technologies for communication with key audiences, provide guidance of communication strategies to drive users to websites, and assess the impact of such strategies
• Use analytical skills to determine the appropriate design and message to best reach targeted audiences
• Write grant applications and reports to promote IISG programs
• Represent IISG on other committees as required
• Manage scientific communication projects, including writing, proofreading, and editing
• Create and design various materials that communicate education and outreach messages including press releases, newsletter articles, websites, brochures, reports, videos, photography, etc.
• Collaborate with IISG specialists in the development of communication and outreach products

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Marketing, Journalism, English, Graphic Design, Communication Planning, Natural Resources or related field
• 4 years of experience including:
  • 2 or more years' managing a team of communicators to produce written and/or audiovisual communications project or similar project coordination experience
  • 2 or more years’ experience with science communication, writing, proofreading, and editing
• Experience designing or implementing workflows in a high throughput environment to ensure that teams complete work tasks in a timely manner to maintain accountability to internal and external partner
• Knowledge of or demonstrated interest in wise use of natural resources such as the Great Lakes
• Science communication, project coordination, and team management
• Ability to work independently yet serve as part of a team
• Ability to provide regular reports of activities and achievements
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work irregular hours, including weekends, and to participate in overnight travel, when needed

Nice to Have:

• Masters degree
• Audiovisual and digital media skills

What We'd Like You to Know:

• This position provides a hybrid schedule
• Learn more about Purdue’s benefits summary, https://bit.ly/3sHGbls
• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A Background Check is required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contributions Waiting Period
• Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply

What You'll Get in Return:

All university employees are afforded a generous benefits package, https://www.purdue.edu/hr/benewell/index.php, including medical/dental/vision insurance, paid time off, and retirement contributions. As part of Purdue University’s expansive employee benefit package, the University is proud to offer its employees the opportunity to grow, learn, and advance by offering a tuition remission opportunity at both Purdue University and Purdue Global.

Take Your Next Giant Leap

We never stop, we keep going, because Discovery is in our DNA, and we want you to discover a Career at Purdue University! Come work alongside a family of diverse culture with faculty, students, and staff who come together to become one, Boilermakers! Our greatest adventures are yet to come, and we want to include you.

Come take your Next Giant Leap and Discover your next career!