Communications Specialist (7455U), Space Sciences Laboratory - #73265

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We are looking for equity-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at Berkeley, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice that requires broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at Berkeley, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, our Principles of Community, and our Strategic Plan.

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Departmental Overview

The Space Sciences Laboratory (SSL) is an Organized Research Unit (ORU) of the Berkeley campus reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Research. SSL's primary goal is to foster research in space-related sciences and to provide education for the next generation of space scientists. Research at SSL, led by Berkeley faculty and SSL Senior Fellows, focuses on experiments and observations carried out in space as well as theoretical and basic research.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: October 10, 2024

Responsibilities

• Write and edit articles, blog posts, newsletters, and social media posts about scientific topics. Develop multimedia content such as videos, infographics, and podcasts.Collaborate with designers and multimedia specialists to produce high-quality content.
• Conduct research to ensure accuracy and credibility of information. Verify scientific data and ensure all content is based on reputable sources. Meets and consults with Principal Investigators on a variety of digital communications projects including moderately complex assignments; develops, presents, and recommends web content, site architecture and visual material.
• Works with IT, administration, and project leads to design posters, banners, and marketing materials for scientific meetings, missions, and events hosted by the lab.
• Maintains currency with emerging and state-of-the-art technical and other web-related equipment, requirements and developments (for example, accessibility issues) and recommends and as directed, takes action to ensure compliance.
• Interact with the public through social media, online forums, and community events. Answer questions and provide explanations to help the audience understand scientific concepts.
• Assist in organizing and promoting science communication events such as webinars, workshops, and public talks. Support the development and distribution of educational resources. Specifically, leading and preparing annual UC Berkeley's Cal Day.
• Work with scientists to translate their research findings into accessible language. Partner with educators to develop science communication materials for schools and educational programs.

Required Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of the fundamentals of design and user experience, including skill to design in an appealing, lively and relevant way.
• Thorough knowledge of content management systems and / or relevant web applications used for web production and organization-specific computer application programs.
• Thorough skills to create clear, easy-to-navigate, informative, accurate, well-designed, and functional web sites that provide web content consistent with the organization's message and in keeping with management directives and client objectives.
• Thorough technical skills in computer applications for web production, image handling, publishing and design, illustration, presentation preparation, animation, web interaction, and / or other state-of-the-art web communication capabilities.

Education / Training Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training

Preferred Qualifications

• Thorough interpersonal communication skills.
• University of California procedures, policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge or technical science writing and communications.
• Research, statistics, analysis methods and techniques, planning programs and processes.
• Knowledge of ADA Compliance.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The full pay scale for this position is $80,400.00-$145,400.00. The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $80,400.00-$110,000.00.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

• This position is 50% FTE (Part-Time).
• Please note that this role does not qualify for relocation benefits.
• This is an on-site position. While remote work is not currently available, there is potential for the position to become hybrid in the future.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please see the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission poster.

The University of California's Affirmative action policy.

The University of California's Anti-Discrimination policy.