Position Summary
Dr. Sue Rhee is seeking a highly motivated, organized, and creative person to coordinate the outreach and stakeholder engagement activities of an interdisciplinary, multi-institutional, international research center called C-SPIRIT (Center for Sustainable Plant Innovation and Resilience through International Teamwork).
C-SPIRIT addresses the critical challenge of stabilizing global food production amid unpredictable weather patterns. It brings together experts from the United States, Canada, Japan, Republic of Korea, and the United Kingdom, to explore sustainable solutions for agriculture. By discovering and harnessing natural products from plants and microbes, it aims at enhancing plant and soil health. The goal is to ensure crop productivity despite increasing environmental stressors. By creating natural solutions to stabilize crop productivity, the Center addresses urgent agricultural problems. It reduces reliance on non-sustainable practices like synthetic fertilizers and extensive irrigation. The international collaboration also fosters multidisciplinary knowledge exchange and skill development across borders. It strengthens global scientific capabilities. It plays a pivotal role in training the next generation of scientists and leaders in sustainable agriculture. This effort contributes to the broad bioeconomy and societal well-being.
One of the primary missions of the Center is to engage industry and agricultural stakeholders, ensuring that the developed solutions are practical, scalable, and adopted widely. A particular focus on public engagement and technology adoption aims to build trust and facilitate the widespread implementation of sustainable agricultural practices. The successful applicant will be primarily responsible for advancing this mission through the responsibilities outlined below.
Responsibilities
Manage Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including industry partners, farmers, commodity groups, and the broader agricultural community, ensuring their input is integrated into the Center’s strategic planning.
Support External Communications: Develop and implement communication strategies to share the Center’s goals, activities, and achievements through newsletters, press releases, social media, annual reports, and a dedicated website, ensuring the Center’s work is accessible to both scientific and public audiences.
Coordinate Educational and Outreach Programs: Organize and manage educational initiatives, workshops, and public engagement events aimed at training the next generation of leaders in bioeconomy and sustainable agriculture. This includes working with Extension educators and other collaborators to create materials for dissemination.
Sustainability and Growth Strategy: Collaborate with the leadership team to identify opportunities for expanding the Center’s reach and impact by recruiting new members, partners, and stakeholders. Develop strategies for long-term sustainability, including fundraising and community-building efforts.
Facilitate Stakeholder Feedback and Input: Conduct surveys and hold regular meetings with stakeholders to gather feedback on the Center’s activities and align its objectives with the needs of the agricultural and scientific communities.
Public Trust Building: Facilitate efforts to strengthen public trust in the Center’s technologies and initiatives by fostering transparent and open communication with external audiences, including addressing concerns related to new technology adoption.
Event Planning and Coordination: Plan and execute the Center’s outreach events, conferences, and workshops in collaboration with international partners, ensuring broad participation from scientists, stakeholders, and the public.
Content Creation and Dissemination: Oversee the development of educational materials, such as brochures, videos, and reports, to share the Center’s research findings and broader impacts with a global audience.
Manage Outreach Budgets and Resources: Monitor the budget allocated to outreach programs, ensuring efficient use of resources and alignment with the Center’s overall goals.
Learn more about our research group at https://www.rheelab.org/
Minimum Requirements
Knowledge equivalent to that which would normally be acquired in a four year college degree in Public Relations, Communications, Business or in an area related to the work being performed; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible and expansive work experience in a field related to the position including planning and managing special events; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. May require experience in word processing, database, spreadsheet, desktop publishing and/or presentation software. Position may require software specific to the operational activities of the employing unit. This position may require special licensing or certification in the field related to the area of employment.
Desired Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree (required) or Master’s degree (preferred) in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, or a related field.
Experience:
- 3-5 years of experience in outreach, communications, or public relations, preferably in a scientific, environmental, or agricultural organization.
- Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including industry, academic institutions, non-profits, and the general public.
- Proven experience in organizing and managing events, workshops, or educational programs.
Communication Skills:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex scientific concepts for a wide range of audiences.
- Experience with content creation for social media, newsletters, and websites.
- Excellent Microsoft Office skills, especially Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
- Strong public speaking and presentation skills.
Stakeholder Management: Experience building and maintaining relationships with external partners, including industry professionals, community groups, and other key stakeholders.
Project Management: Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
Event Coordination: Proven ability to plan, execute, and evaluate successful events, from small workshops to large-scale conferences.
Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in using communication tools such as social media platforms, email marketing software, and content management systems (CMS).
- Experience with graphic design or video production software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) is a plus.
Cultural Competence: Experience working in international or cross-cultural settings, understanding the dynamics of collaborating with partners across different countries and cultures.
Adaptability: Ability to work in a fast-paced, evolving environment, with a proactive approach to identifying new outreach opportunities and adapting to changing needs.
Passion for Science and Sustainability: Demonstrated interest in sustainable agriculture, environmental science, or bioeconomy topics.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Application Materials
Cover letter
CV/resume
names and contact information for 3 professional references
Special Instructions
Work Hours
STANDARD 8-5
Description of End Date
This is an off dated position funded for 1 year with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal renewal.
Website
https://www.rheelab.org/
Bidding eligibility ends November 5, 2024 at 11:55 P.M.
