Multimedia Science Communications Specialist (Faculty Assistant) We are searching for a science communications specialist with multimedia and video experience to support SESYNC in improving research on societys most complex environmental problems.
SESYNC is producing a series of informational and training videos on socio-environmental synthesis, a research approach focused on the complex interactions between human and natural systems. The videos will provide 1) an entry point, 2) examples, and 3) training/instruction to answer the questions what is socio-environmental synthesis? and how do you do socio-environmental synthesis? The goal of the videos is to tell stories about socio-environmental science and why it is important, as well as help our audience realize their research goals. The videos will appear on a multimedia website geared toward helping our target audience find resources. In addition to the videos, the website will include complementary text, links to print materials (articles and references), links to other open-access web content, and other educational content developed at SESYNC. We envision a dynamic website with content that will be consistently updated and highlighted through SESYNC communications activities as well as through external channels. We are therefore seeking a multimedia science communications specialist (faculty assistant) with strong video skills to aid our faculty in getting the word out to a largely academic audience. The candidate will provide technical support and research on best practices to manage content, presentation and promotion of these materials and the related website. Primary responsibilities will include identifying content for science videos based on guidance from SESYNC leadership, and working with internal and external collaborators to create multimedia training and storytelling products that build capacity for the socio-environmental research community. The incumbent will collaborate with SESYNC researchers and with a video production company to determine effective educational and communication strategies for video design and structure; generate multimedia content; develop a plan for web presentation; research the current state of socio-environmental synthesis work; and, if necessary, manage a contractor relationship with a web developer. The incumbent will work closely with SESYNCs communications team and senior researchers to ensure the final product meets the Centers goals and requirements. In addition, the incumbent will contribute to the overall SESYNC communications program with particular emphasis on producing research-based multimedia content for web and social media platforms. This is a full-time, term position for a period of one year; continuation of the position will be determined based on SESYNCs needs and incumbent performance. Position will begin in early 2017. Required qualifications: Bachelors degree in science, journalism, or communications and two years professional experience Experience using audio/video editing software (e.g. Final Cut Pro) to produce high quality film segments that include audio, visual and graphic content Experience with and knowledge of best practices in web content design and management (e.g. Wordpress or Drupal) and YouTube content management Demonstrated knowledge of current scientific issues related to socio-environmental systems Excellent written and interpersonal communications abilities Preferred qualifications: Masters degree in science, journalism, or communications Proven ability to research and develop educational, training, or communications materials for academic, scientific, or non-profit organizations Knowledge of and experience with graphic design principles and software (e.g. Adobe Creative Suite) Experience with developing or contributing to communications plans for web-based content Project management experience, especially managing external contractors To Apply: Submit resume, cover letter that includes description of above qualifications names and contact information for three professional references, and 1-3 examples of video, web, or (preferably) multimedia work. If possible, submit a web link to the examples using the fields below. If the examples are not available online, please contact Kristal Jones at kjo...@sesync.org for instructions on submitting a/v or multimedia files. For best consideration, please apply by Feb. 17, 2017. The University of Maryland is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities and Women Are Encouraged to Apply
