Communications Assistant Manager

Location: Ecological Restoration Inst.

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Job ID: 607924

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Workplace Culture

NAU aims to be the nation’s preeminent engine of opportunity, vehicle of economic mobility, and driver of social impact by delivering equitable postsecondary value in Arizona and beyond.

https://nau.edu/president/strategic-plan/ 

Special Information

• This position is subject to the availability of funding. The incumbent is not eligible for Service Professional non-renewal notice, or Classified Staff layoff or recall status.

Job Description

The Ecological Restoration Institute (ERI) is adding to our team of science communicators committed to working with land management practitioners (the primary audience) and diverse but informed stakeholders that include policymakers and public officials, conservationists, environmentalists, business representatives, and the public to increase resiliency of Arizona’s fire-adapted forests. As a member of the communications team, this position will support the ERI’s mission (https://eri.nau.edu/about-us) through knowledge translation and co-production of printed and digital communication products to transfer scientific information to key audiences.

The person who will excel in this position has demonstrated competence in written communication, editing, and visual storytelling. Knowledge of effective communication strategies, innovative delivery mechanisms, and how to track and measure their impact are also core desired competencies. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who can work independently and in collaboration with the ERI communications manager and across ERI program areas to support ERI’s written and digital communications needs. The successful candidate will have experience interpreting scientific research and communicating its findings in clear, engaging, and applicable ways that contribute to informed decision making.

An understanding of public land management policies, practice, and culture and an interest in creating healthy, resilient forests is desired. Preferred candidates have some experience with media relations, marketing, and creative collaboration. The selected candidate will work closely with a team that includes researchers and science delivery staff at the Ecological Restoration Institute and the School of Forestry, NAU communicators and marketing professionals, and diverse audiences including land managers and practitioners, policymakers.

Implementing & Evaluating Communication Strategies – 35%

Coordinate with the communications manager and ERI staff, including research and science delivery staff, to:

• Assist in developing and implementing a range of communication and outreach strategies to engage key stakeholders.
• Utilize digital platforms (website, social media, email marketing) to enhance online presence and audience engagement.
• Assist in developing and implementing multi-media campaigns (videos, infographics, StoryMaps) to create immersive narratives.
• Provide media relations support in the form of press releases and other internal and external media engagement activities.
• Assist in the development of broader marketing strategies and materials.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies and track outcomes.

Content Development & Application – 30%

Collaborate with ERI staff, including researchers and delivery staff to:

• Produce clear, concise, engaging written content and other information products for land managers and diverse stakeholders in an efficient and timely manner.
• Interpret and translate research to make scientific knowledge actionable, relevant, and impactful.
• Identify useful communication mediums and emerging outreach tools and products based on audience needs and knowledge gaps.
• Coordinate with SWERI sister institutes in New Mexico & Colorado, collaborating with their communication staff to develop and align clear and consistent messaging to intended audiences.

Editing & Production Assistance – 25%

• Assists in the production of various ERI products including working with white papers, special and technical reports, and fact sheets.
  • Assists in pre-press activities such as editing, proofreading, formatting and document preparation, graphic design/layout review, print coordination.

Internal Communication – 5%

• Participates in regular meetings to support and coordinate among the ERI program areas and across the Southwest Ecological Restoration Institutes in AZ, CO, and NM.

Other – 5%

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field.
• One to two years of applicable experience.
• A combination of related education, experience and training may be used as an equivalent to the above educational Minimum Requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in appropriate field.
• Four years directly applicable experience.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively across cultural boundaries and work harmoniously with diverse groups.
• Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple work simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to translate, write, edit (copy and substantive), and communicate scientific and technical information clearly.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Well-demonstrated knowledge of science communication methodologies, technologies, and processes.
• Demonstrated strong writing, editing, and production skills.
• Demonstrated experience with multiple communication platforms, tools, and delivery methods, including digital and social media, web and email marketing, data visualization, infographics, audio-visual comms.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret research for a non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated project management experience, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Understanding of natural resource management and knowledge of western forested ecosystems.
• Skilled in software platforms that facilitate different science communication products, including some of but not limited to: Adobe suite, Microsoft suite, Canva, ArcGIS, generative AI tools.
• Facility with press releases and journalism.

Background Information

Northern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the following: a criminal background investigation, an employment history verification and a degree verification (in some cases) prior to employment. You may also be required to complete a fingerprint background check. Additionally, as an employer in the state of Arizona, NAU is required to participate in the federal E-Verify program that assists employers with verifying new employees’ right to work in the United States. Finally, each year Northern Arizona University releases an https://in.nau.edu/police-department/annual-security-and-fire-safety-reports/. The report is a result of a federal law known as the Clery Act. The report includes Clery reportable crime statistics for the three most recent completed calendar years and discloses procedures, practices and programs NAU uses to keep students and employees safe including how to report crimes or other emergencies occurring on campus. In addition, the https://in.nau.edu/police-department/annual-security-and-fire-safety-reports/ is combined with the Annual Security Report for the NAU Flagstaff Mountain Campus as this campus has on-campus student housing. This report discloses fire safety policies and procedures related to on-campus student housing and statistics for fires that occurred in those facilities. If you would like a free paper copy of the report, please contact the NAUPD Records Department at (928) 523-8884 or by visiting the department at 525 E. Pine Knoll Drive in Flagstaff.

Salary

Salary range begins at $54,779. Annual salary commensurate with candidate’s qualifications and related experience.

FLSA Status

This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and therefore will not earn overtime or compensatory time for additional time worked.

Benefits

This is a Classified Staff (CLS) position. NAU offers an excellent benefit package including generous health, dental and vision insurance; participation in the Arizona State Retirement System; paid vacation and 10 holidays per year; and tuition reduction for employees and qualified dependents. More information on benefits at NAU is available on the https://in.nau.edu/Human-Resources/Benefits /. Classified Staff employees are in a probationary status for their first six months at NAU. NAU is a tobacco and smoke-free campus. Employees offered a position will be eligible for state health plans (including NAU’s BCBS Plan). New employees arehttps://in.nau.edu/human-resources/benefits/ on the first day of the pay period following their enrollment, after their employment date. Employees will have 31 days from their start date to enroll in benefits. Additionally, new employees will begin participating in the Arizona State Retirement System, and the long-term disability coverage that accompanies it, on the first of the pay period following 6 months after the new employee’s start date.

Learning and Development

Your career at Northern Arizona University includes the opportunity for professional development. https://in.nau.edu/human-resources/orientation/  includes courses to be completed within the first 30 days.

Immigration Suppt/Sponsorship

NAU will not provide any U.S. immigration support or sponsorship for this position.

Application Deadline

July 15, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please click on the “Apply” button on this page. You must submit your application by clicking on the “Submit” button by midnight of the application deadline. If you need assistance completing your application there are instructions available on the https://in.nau.edu/human-resources /or in person in the Human Resources Department located in Building 91 on the NAU Campus – on the corner of Beaver and DuPont Streets.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process, please contact the Disability Resources Office at 928-523-8773, http://DR@nau.edu, or PO Box 5633, Flagstaff AZ 86011.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Northern Arizona University is a committed Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. NAU is responsive to the needs of dual career couples.

https://in.nau.edu/Human-Resources/Posters-Required-by-Law/ 

NAU is an Employer of National Service. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other National Service alumni are encouraged to apply.

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