Overview

The University of Hawai’i Sea Grant College Program (Hawai’i Sea Grant) conducts an integrated program of research, outreach and education in support of the wise stewardship of marine resources and sustainable coastal communities. This Program is one of thirty-four (34) Sea Grant College Programs in the United States. Federal funding in partial support is provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This unit is a federal/state partnership programs with significant investment from the state of Hawai’i and the University. This Specialist position will serve as a faculty member and be responsible for supporting the development of a communication program in support of all facets of Hawai’i Sea Grant, developing relationships with external stakeholders, understanding community’s needs, informing Sea Grant’s competitive research activities and providing science-based information to stakeholders, communities and decision-makers. The position will be based at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa and have state-wide responsibilities.

Sea Grant embraces individuals of all ages, races, ethnicities, national origins, gender identities, sexual orientations, disabilities, cultures, religions, citizenship types, marital statuses, education levels, job classifications, veteran status types, and income, and socioeconomic status types. Sea Grant is committed to increasing the diversity of the Sea Grant workforce and of the communities we serve.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Works as a team member to develop a statewide communication and outreach program.
• Conducts a comprehensive statewide study of communication needs and barriers in understanding and applying information and best available science to issues related to sustainability and resilience of coastal resources and communities.
• Seeks and prepares extramural grant opportunities aimed at expanding communications and outreach activities.
• Serves as a science writer in the development of independent projects as well as in support of ongoing communications products and efforts.
• Creates layout, design, and print preparation of communications projects including hardcopy and electronic publications.
• Participate in the development, management, editing, and design of Hawai‘i Sea Grant’s biannual magazine Ka Pili Kai
• Research, write, edit, and proofread a wide range of materials including print media, web-based and electronic media, transferring science-based knowledge to public, private, and government organizations.
• Maintain effective communications with the University of Hawai‘i community including UH system public relations staff.
• Produce annual work plans and performance reports that satisfy Hawai‘i Sea Grant and the National Sea Grant College Program reporting requirements.
• Provides necessary data and information for completion of annual reporting to fulfill university, state and federal institutional requirements for Sea Grant
• Attend quarterly Hawai‘i Sea Grant faculty/staff meetings and other trainings or conferences as may benefit the position.
• Other duties as assigned

Judgment Exercised

• Judgments are recognized as sound, accurate, and knowledgeable and are generally accepted and followed after general review.

Originality

• Develops, defines, or applies new or improved techniques, methods, practices, or strategies.
• Recommends constructive ideas to increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and productivity within a specialty area.

Controls Over Position

• The incumbent may recommend or establish policy and procedures applicable to an assignment.
• The incumbent works independently without close supervision and performs most assignments with instructions as to the general results expected.
• Guidance is given on unusual or complex problems and procedures as needed.
• The incumbent’s supervisor is kept informed of general plans and progress of work.

Supervision Exercised

• Coordinates, directs, reviews, and/or monitors the work of others in accomplishment of a specific task.
• Monitors, coordinates, or directs the work of lower level personnel, clerical assistants and/or student assistants.
• Reviews the work of others and/or provides training to others in area of expertise. Refers matters of policy to supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Professional Work Experience

• A Master’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing, with work in communications, physical or natural sciences, marine sciences, marine policy, or related field.
• One (1) year of demonstrated practical experience in science writing and multimedia communication, public relations or desktop publishing.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of the problems and the resolution of the problems in an effective, innovative and timely manner.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.
• Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer and apply word processing software.
• For supervisory work, demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.