The Sierra Nevada Research Institute (SNRI) at UC Merced seeks a full-time Communications & Events Coordinator to support SNRI, the emerging UC Merced Earth Institute, and affiliated centers in delivering communications, events, and outreach around focal research initiatives. SNRI facilitates transdisciplinary research that integrates natural science, engineering, and social sciences and policy, to provide fundamental science and solutions for complex socio-environmental challenges. The Communications and Events Coordinator will support core communications and events related to research and Institute and Center initiatives, including but not limited to: fire resilience, sustainable energy, nature-based climate solutions, water resources, and biodiversity and ecosystems. Under the direction of SNRI leadership (Director, Associate Director), the Communications & Events Coordinator will 1) engage with institute and center faculty and affiliates, students, and other stakeholders to communicate institute research to a wide range of internal and external audiences and 2) serve as primary coordinator of institute events – workshops, guest speakers, and other activities related to institute research, training, outreach, and development. Regular duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Co-create and develop digital content (graphics, video, copy) to support Institute communications, education initiatives and campaigns; design and distribute internal and external communications and publicity for educational programs and events, programs, volunteer opportunities, and campaigns using websites, social media and other methods
- Conduct outreach to institute faculty/researchers and other internal and external stakeholders
- Create communications that convey research activities and advances to academic and general audiences
- Assist with writing and editing press releases, promotional or informational copy
- Update websites, campus communication channels, and other digital properties; create internal and external documentation of processes
- Work collaboratively with institute staff and other with campus units (e.g., hospitality, catering, procurement, etc.) to host on- and off-campus events in support of research and outreach
This role requires a highly motivated, collaborative, organized individual who can operate independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in project coordination, preferably within an academic setting. They must possess strong organizational and time management skills, along with excellent interpersonal and communication abilities suitable for engaging with diverse stakeholders.
Required to hold valid driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.
Qualifications
Basic qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in life or physical sciences, communications, environmental studies, education, or related field.
- Minimum of one year of experience coordinating complex projects, educational programs/events and communications
- Demonstrated success working with dispersed, multi-member teams, with strong interpersonal skills
- Experience organizing and facilitating events and/or educational activities for varied audiences, including K-12, undergraduate, post-graduate, academic, and community
- Excellent communication (writing, editing, speaking) and active listening skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google, Zoom, and cloud storage software products for functioning in a business setting and basic data analysis tools
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel (occasional overnight and weekend work
required)
Preferred qualifications
- MS degree or higher preferred
- Exceptional interpersonal skills, including the ability to meaningfully engage with individuals from disparate educational, cultural, and professional backgrounds
- Capacity to perform in outdoor environments in urban, agricultural, and wildland sites with limited shade and facilities
- Experience with and/or interest in understanding and communicating research on local, regional and global scales and a wide range of subjects - natural and working lands, resource management, climate, and environmental, ecological, and energy sustainability and more
- Strong creative and photography skills
- Technical familiarity with social media principals, video or image editing, and/or website content management systems and data-driven, multimedia interactive maps and visualization (e.g., StoryMaps or similar)
- Bilingual (Spanish/English) communication skills
- Familiarity with Central Valley and regional stakeholders and issues around climate, environment, and sustainability
Application Requirements
Document requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter (Optional)
Authorization to Release Information Form - As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
Required Authorization of Information Release may be found at the linked page . Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application.
Reference requirements
3-5 required (contact information only)
Help contact: [email protected]
About UC Merced
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
“Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application: Required Authorization of Information Release Form .
Candidates must possess valid authorization to work in the United States. UC Merced is not currently able to sponsor individuals residing outside the United States who would require a new H-1B visa for employment. Applicants who do not hold valid U.S. work authorization are presently ineligible for this position.
Additional links: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy , the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy , and APM 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment .
The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system’s 10 campuses. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and recently designated as an R1 institution by Carnegie, UC Merced is committed to innovation and excellence in research. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students (Center of Institutional Effectiveness) , UC Merced provides outstanding, inclusive educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park; is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design; and supports the economic development of Central California.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. This includes the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs .
Job location Merced, CA
