The Texas Tech University Climate Science Center is seeking to hire a Communication and Outreach
Coordinator, based at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX.
The Climate Science Center (CSC) at Texas Tech University conducts interdisciplinary research to address
the interactive effects of climate variability across the full array of landscapes within the South Central
U.S. We provide the science, tools, and information to link current conditions with regional climate
projections, and examine the real-world decision making and planning that can be used to best
anticipate, monitor, and adapt to this projected climate change.
Texas Tech’s CSC is part of the South Central Climate Science Center (SC CSC) consortium, one of eight
regional CSCs managed by the National Climate Change and Wildlife Center of the U.S. Geological Survey
(USGS). The CSCs were created to provide science and tools that managers and other parties interested
in land, water, wildlife, and cultural resources can use to plan for and respond to climate change.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The primary role of the Communication and Outreach Coordinator (COC) is to oversee the development
and implementation of initiatives and projects that increase awareness of the TTU-CSC’s work and raise
awareness of the impacts of climate change on human and natural systems across the South-Central
region. To that end, they will pursue and develop new outreach and engagement opportunities,
facilitate collaborations with faculty and departments across the TTU campus as well as with SC-CSC and
consortium members, and manage communications-related initiatives and projects on behalf of TTUCSC staff and faculty. COC responsibilities encompass a diverse range of activities. Recent examples
include coordinating the creation of a new undergraduate program; overseeing the writing and
placement of a series of articles highlighting CSC research in forums ranging from the American Planning
Association to the Texas Tribune’s TribTalk; managing a competition to design a new logo for the center;
and planning a series of popular “pub science” talks for the local community.
RESPONSIBILITIES
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Manage all social media for the Texas Tech-CSC
Coordinate news announcements with South Central CSC staff and CSC headquarters
Assist in coordinating outreach programs both on campus, including a TTU-CSC seminar series,
and off campus, such as a new science café series
Prepare promotional materials for TTU-CSC-related events
Write monthly newsletters to communicate the activities of the TTU-CSC
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Update and manage website content
Manage the TTU-CSC intern and part-time staff
Seek opportunities to promote the work of the TTU-CSC, targeting local, regional, and national
audiences through various media outlets
Convene and lead a Communications and Outreach Committee
Spearhead new projects as needed
CREDENTIALS/SKILLS
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Excellent oral and written communications skills
Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
A self-starter who enjoys initiating new projects and with strong attention to detail
Ability to communicate and work with people from a variety of fields and backgrounds
Experience using social media
Demonstrated professionalism in dealing with stakeholders, clients, and scientific experts in
their fields and experience in engaging others to participate in new initiatives or events
Website design and development (content management; OmniUpdate)
Some knowledge of climate science and climate change issues, particularly in West Texas and
the South Central U.S.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants should hold at least a Master’s degree, although a PhD is preferred and this position can be
framed as a multi-year postdoctoral research fellowship. Applicants from two types of backgrounds are
invited: either from mass communications, journalism, science writing, or a closely related field with
interest and some experience in climate or environmental science; or from a scientific field related to
climate science (e.g. atmospheric science, geography, hydrology, meteorology, environmental sciences)
with interest and some experience in communications.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Applications will access the position through the TTU-on-line job site: www.texastech.edu/careers and
choose staff positions (Req ID 5196BR). Applicants are asked to upload their CV, 2-3 writing samples,
and the names and contact information of three references for consideration. Application deadline is
October 15. Questions concerning the position can be addressed to either katharine.hayhoe@ttu.edu
or john.zak@ttu.edu.