University of Alaska Southeast Sitka
Science Communications Lead - Alaska Climate Adaptation Science Center
University of Alaska Southeast Sitka, Anchorage, Alaska, United States, 99507
Overview
Science Communications Lead, Alaska Climate Adaptation Science Center (AK CASC). This position guides communication strategies and initiatives across the AK CASC, providing strategic and creative leadership for communications and designing products that reflect the urgency and relevance of adaptation science. You will work daily with researchers, Tribal partners, and resource managers to highlight how AK CASC’s science supports real-world decisions. This position is based in Juneau, Fairbanks, or Anchorage, where you will be co-located with other AK CASC team members as part of a hybrid team distributed across Alaska. In each location you will have opportunities to engage with the landscapes and cultures that shape our work. Periodic travel throughout Alaska and out of state is included. Responsibilities
Guide communication strategies and initiatives across the AK CASC. Provide strategic and creative leadership for AK CASC communications, work with researchers and other staff, and design communication products that reflect the urgency and relevance of adaptation science. Work daily with researchers, Tribal partners, and resource managers to highlight how AK CASC’s science supports real-world decisions. Translate complex climate and ecological science into compelling, accessible, accurate, and culturally respectful stories that connect directly with the needs of Alaska’s diverse audiences. Produce high-quality content across formats — including case studies and reports, web features, podcasts, infographics, social media, and video. Help shape AK CASC’s communications vision and contribute hands-on storytelling that reflects creativity and skill, influencing how climate adaptation science is shared. Collaborate with researchers, Tribal partners, and agencies to ensure messaging aligns with stakeholder needs and decision-making processes. Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
A bachelor’s degree in a physical or natural science, communications, journalism, science communication, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. At least four years of progressively responsible communications experience, with direct involvement in science or research communication. Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with ability to translate technical content for non-specialist audiences. Strong project management abilities: setting priorities, meeting deadlines, and adapting in a fast-paced, evolving environment. Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and across disciplines. Proficiency with digital communication tools, analytics, and content management systems. Valid Alaska Driver’s license and clean driving record per UA Safe Driving Criteria. Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s degree in a physical or natural science, communications, journalism, science communication, or related field. Six or more years of relevant experience, including team leadership; experience in Alaska or climate science communication; background in media relations, strategic communication, and crisis communication; experience managing multi-platform campaigns and creative production workflows. Familiarity with Arctic Indigenous Peoples and cross-cultural collaboration. Position Details
This is a full-time, term-funded, exempt staff position with a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and medical/dental/vision coverage. New hires are placed on the UA Staff Salary Schedule, Grade 80, based on education and experience. In-person work can be based in Anchorage, Juneau, or Fairbanks, Alaska. Application Instructions
Please attach a resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information for three professional references with your application. Submit three work samples demonstrating versatility in communicating scientific topics to policymakers, journalists, or the public. Samples may include articles, fact sheets, multimedia pieces, or other work where you were the lead author or sole contributor. Include 2–3 sentences of context for each sample describing your role, audience, and goal. If available, include a link to your online portfolio in your cover letter. Finalists may be asked to complete a short assignment to demonstrate relevant skills. Review Date & Additional Information
Applications will be accepted for review on October 20, 2025. To ensure full consideration, apply by 11:55pm Alaska Standard Time on the day before the review date (10/19/2025). This is a term-funded position, reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University's discretion. To view the full list of job responsibilities, please click HERE. EEO and Compliance
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Visa sponsorship is not available. The University of Alaska is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution. The University is committed to non-discrimination on the basis of legally protected status. The successful applicant will complete a background check as a condition of employment. All employment applications are subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act. Note:
The original job description included additional references to campus security reports and other university-wide notices. The essential role details, qualifications, and application instructions above reflect the core responsibilities and requirements for the Science Communications Lead position at AK CASC.
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Science Communications Lead, Alaska Climate Adaptation Science Center (AK CASC). This position guides communication strategies and initiatives across the AK CASC, providing strategic and creative leadership for communications and designing products that reflect the urgency and relevance of adaptation science. You will work daily with researchers, Tribal partners, and resource managers to highlight how AK CASC’s science supports real-world decisions. This position is based in Juneau, Fairbanks, or Anchorage, where you will be co-located with other AK CASC team members as part of a hybrid team distributed across Alaska. In each location you will have opportunities to engage with the landscapes and cultures that shape our work. Periodic travel throughout Alaska and out of state is included. Responsibilities
Guide communication strategies and initiatives across the AK CASC. Provide strategic and creative leadership for AK CASC communications, work with researchers and other staff, and design communication products that reflect the urgency and relevance of adaptation science. Work daily with researchers, Tribal partners, and resource managers to highlight how AK CASC’s science supports real-world decisions. Translate complex climate and ecological science into compelling, accessible, accurate, and culturally respectful stories that connect directly with the needs of Alaska’s diverse audiences. Produce high-quality content across formats — including case studies and reports, web features, podcasts, infographics, social media, and video. Help shape AK CASC’s communications vision and contribute hands-on storytelling that reflects creativity and skill, influencing how climate adaptation science is shared. Collaborate with researchers, Tribal partners, and agencies to ensure messaging aligns with stakeholder needs and decision-making processes. Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
A bachelor’s degree in a physical or natural science, communications, journalism, science communication, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. At least four years of progressively responsible communications experience, with direct involvement in science or research communication. Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with ability to translate technical content for non-specialist audiences. Strong project management abilities: setting priorities, meeting deadlines, and adapting in a fast-paced, evolving environment. Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and across disciplines. Proficiency with digital communication tools, analytics, and content management systems. Valid Alaska Driver’s license and clean driving record per UA Safe Driving Criteria. Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s degree in a physical or natural science, communications, journalism, science communication, or related field. Six or more years of relevant experience, including team leadership; experience in Alaska or climate science communication; background in media relations, strategic communication, and crisis communication; experience managing multi-platform campaigns and creative production workflows. Familiarity with Arctic Indigenous Peoples and cross-cultural collaboration. Position Details
This is a full-time, term-funded, exempt staff position with a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and medical/dental/vision coverage. New hires are placed on the UA Staff Salary Schedule, Grade 80, based on education and experience. In-person work can be based in Anchorage, Juneau, or Fairbanks, Alaska. Application Instructions
Please attach a resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information for three professional references with your application. Submit three work samples demonstrating versatility in communicating scientific topics to policymakers, journalists, or the public. Samples may include articles, fact sheets, multimedia pieces, or other work where you were the lead author or sole contributor. Include 2–3 sentences of context for each sample describing your role, audience, and goal. If available, include a link to your online portfolio in your cover letter. Finalists may be asked to complete a short assignment to demonstrate relevant skills. Review Date & Additional Information
Applications will be accepted for review on October 20, 2025. To ensure full consideration, apply by 11:55pm Alaska Standard Time on the day before the review date (10/19/2025). This is a term-funded position, reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University's discretion. To view the full list of job responsibilities, please click HERE. EEO and Compliance
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Visa sponsorship is not available. The University of Alaska is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution. The University is committed to non-discrimination on the basis of legally protected status. The successful applicant will complete a background check as a condition of employment. All employment applications are subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act. Note:
The original job description included additional references to campus security reports and other university-wide notices. The essential role details, qualifications, and application instructions above reflect the core responsibilities and requirements for the Science Communications Lead position at AK CASC.
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