Junior Extension Agent

Description

Position: Junior Extension Agent

Position Title: Public Information and Outreach Specialist

Position Number: 0085596T

Department: University of Hawai‘i

School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology

Sea Grant College Program

Geographic Location: O‘ahu, Hawai‘i

Date Posted: March 31, 2025

Closing Date: April 14, 2025

Monthly Type: 11 Month

Tenure Track: Non Tenure

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time (100% FTE)

Temporary/Permanent: Temporary

Other Conditions: Renewal contingent upon availability of funds and satisfactory performance of duties.

Critical to the role of extension in the Sea Grant College Program is adept capacity for conducting in-reach to the University of Hawai'i (UH), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and several other federal funding agencies, as well as outreach to an array of stakeholders and the public. The Public Information and Outreach Specialist plays a crucial role in strengthening Sea Grant’s outreach and engagement efforts, ensuring faculty, staff, and community partners are effectively connected through strategic extension, education, and communication initiatives. This role involves developing and disseminating outreach materials, coordinating public events, and enhancing outreach and communication capacity among faculty and partners. Additionally, the selectee will employ skills in graphic design and digital content creation to be applied to outreach and communication efforts programmatically and in support of various initiatives developed.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The responsibilities and primary functions of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Develop and coordinate extension and communication campaigns to enhance community awareness of Sea Grant programs and projects.
• Lead and implement multimedia outreach and communication strategies, including graphic design, layout, and digital content creation, to support Sea Grant’s extension and engagement activities.
• Collaborate with other faculty and staff to create outreach materials that effectively communicate research findings and program initiatives to educate diverse audiences.
• Serve as the assistant communications leader and as the primary website designer and administrator for the UH Sea Grant website, ensuring content is engaging, up-to-date, and accessible to stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain relationships with community organizations, government agencies, and local media to promote Sea Grant’s mission and activities.
• Plan and implement public information strategies, including events, social media engagement, and public presentations, to increase community participation in Sea Grant programs.
• Assist in coordinating day-to-day public information efforts, ensuring consistency in messaging and branding across all communication platforms.
• Research, write, edit, and proofread a wide range of communication materials, including reports, press releases, blog posts, and newsletters.
• Provide training and guidance to graduate and undergraduate student assistants supporting outreach and engagement efforts.
• Engage in continued professional development to maintain state of the art knowledge and understanding of the tools and techniques for effective extension, outreach, and communications.
• Serve on university committees and participate in initiatives that enhance public awareness and understanding of Sea Grant’s work.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing, with major work in Communications, Natural Sciences, Marine Sciences, Marine Policy or related field.
• Evidence of ability for successful practice in outreach and communications, or public relations.
• Professionalism in meeting and conferring with others.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of communication principles, media strategies, and public engagement techniques.
• Demonstrated writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible language.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Detail oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Experience with word-processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with Word Press or similar website platforms

Desirable Qualifications:

• Familiarity with environmental and marine science issues, particularly those relevant to Hawai'i.
• Familiarity with the Chicago Manual of Style, Hawaiian language resources, and other editorial standards.
• Knowledge of the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program’s mission and objectives.
• Experience working with environmental or marine programs.
• Expertise in Adobe Software Suite.
• Demonstrated experience in building and maintaining website layout and content.
• Demonstrated experience in graphic design.

To Apply:

Submit the following online through NEOGOV: 1) cover letter indicating how you satisfy the minimum and desirable qualifications; 2) current curriculum vitae; 3) names and contact information (phone and e-mail) of three (3) professional references; and 4) official transcripts (copies acceptable for application, but if selected, originals required at time of hire). All application materials must be submitted by the closing date. Failure to submit all application materials by the closing date shall deem an application incomplete and will not be considered.

Inquiries:

Darren Lerner; 808-956-7031; lerner@hawaii.edu

EEO, Clery Act, ADA