Science Communications Lead - Alaska Climate Adaptation Science Center

Do you want to use your communication skills to help Alaskans adapt to a changing climate?

At the Alaska Climate Adaptation Science Center (AK CASC), we create and fund science to support adaptation by Alaska’s communities, resource managers, and decision makers. Housed at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, through a consortium with the University of Alaska Southeast and University of Alaska Anchorage, the AK CASC brings together scientists, Tribal partners, and agencies to produce knowledge that helps people prepare for and respond to the rapid changes unfolding across Alaska and the Arctic. We conduct our work through a cooperative agreement with USGS, and are especially focused on serving Department of Interior agencies through our work.

As Science Communication Lead, you’ll guide communication strategies and initiatives across the AK CASC. You’ll provide strategic and creative leadership for AK CASC communications, work with researchers and other staff, and design communication products that reflect the urgency and relevance of adaptation science. You’ll work daily with researchers, Tribal partners, and resource managers to highlight how AK CASC’s science supports real-world decisions.

You’ll also play a central role in translating complex climate and ecological science into compelling, accessible, accurate, and culturally respectful stories that connect directly with the needs of Alaska’s diverse audiences. You’ll produce high-quality content across formats—ranging from case studies and reports to web features, podcasts, infographics, social media, and video.

This position is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of leadership and practice. You’ll have the opportunity to shape AK CASC’s communications vision while also producing content that reflects your own creativity and skill. This rare blend of leadership and hands-on storytelling offers the chance to shape how climate adaptation science is shared and to directly engage in creating content that makes a difference for Alaska’s people and landscapes.

This position is based in Juneau, Fairbanks, or Anchorage, where you will be co-located with other AK CASC team members as part of a hybrid team distributed across Alaska. Each location offers unique opportunities to experience the landscapes and cultures that shape our work. In Fairbanks, you’ll be connected to the University of Alaska Fairbanks—an international hub for Arctic and climate research in a close-knit university setting. In Juneau, you’ll be based at UAS amidst Alaska’s coastal rainforest and marine ecosystems. In Anchorage, you’ll be co-located with USGS employees, in proximity to agencies, decision makers, and UAA. Wherever you are based, you will have opportunities for year-round adventure—from skiing and hiking to fishing and paddling—and be part of a dynamic statewide team. This position also includes periodic travel throughout Alaska and out of state.

If you’re passionate about connecting science and society, thrive in collaborative and cross-cultural settings, and want to use your skills to advance climate adaptation at the frontlines of change, we encourage you to apply.

Minimum Qualifications:

The required qualifications for this position include a bachelor’s degree in a physical or natural science, communications, journalism, science communication, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Applicants must have at least four years of progressively responsible communications experience, with direct involvement in science or research communication.

They should demonstrate exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to translate technical content for non-specialist audiences. Strong project management abilities are essential, including the capacity to set priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt in a fast-paced, evolving environment. Candidates must also show demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to work effectively and respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds and across disciplines. Finally, proficiency with digital communication tools, analytics, and content management systems is required.

A valid Alaska Driver's license and clean driving record in compliance with UA Safe Driving Criteria is required.

Preferred qualifications for this position include a master’s degree in a physical or natural science, communications, journalism, science communication, or a related field. Ideal candidates will have six or more years of relevant professional experience, including team leadership, and bring experience in Alaska or climate science communication. A background in media relations, strategic communication, and crisis communication is highly valued, as is experience managing multi-platform campaigns and creative production workflows. Familiarity with Arctic Indigenous Peoples and the ability to work effectively in cross-cultural settings are also considered important assets.

Position Details:

This position is in-person and can be based in Anchorage, Juneau, or Fairbanks, Alaska. This is a full time, term-funded, exempt staff position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. New hires will be placed on the UA Staff Salary Schedule, Grade 80, based on education and experience.

Applicant instructions:

Please attach a resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information (email and phone number) for three (3) professional references with your application. In addition, submit three work samples showcasing your versatility and ability to communicate scientific topics with various audiences, such as policymakers, journalists, or the public. Samples may include articles, fact sheets, multimedia pieces, or other products where you were the sole contributor or lead author. At least one sample may reflect leadership in developing or managing a larger communication initiative (e.g., a campaign, multi-platform rollout, or strategic communication plan). Provide 2–3 sentences of context with each sample describing your role, the intended audience, and the communication goal. If you have one, please include a link to your online portfolio in your cover letter. Finalists may also be asked to complete a short assignment to further demonstrate relevant skills.

Applications will be accepted for review on October 20, 2025. To ensure full consideration please apply by 11:55pm Alaska Standard Time the DAY BEFORE REVIEW DATE (10/19/2025)

Term Position:

This position is a term-funded position and is reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University's discretion.

📃To view the full list of job responsibilities, please click HERE.

☎️If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Delia Lopez, IARC HR Coordinator, at dketzler@alaska.edu or 907-474-1960.

*To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction.  Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907-450-8200.

The University of Alaska (www.alaska.edu) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution.  The University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination (www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination) against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.

*Each university within the University of Alaska system publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Noncampus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus.  The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.  

Access to the reports is available at:

UAA: (Addresses Anchorage campus, Aviation Technology Complex, JBER - Elmendorf Extension, JBER - Richardson Extension, Kenai Peninsula College - Kachemak Bay campus, Kenai Peninsula College - Kenai River campus, Kodiak College, Kodiak High School Extension, Matanuska-Susitna College, Prince William Sound College, and Prince William Sound College - Cordova Extension) Online: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/safety. Request a paper copy in person: UAA Police Department Office at Room 114 of Eugene Short Hall on the Anchorage campus / UAA Dean of Students Office at Room 122 of Rasmuson Hall on the Anchorage campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-786-1120 or police@uaa.alaska.edu / 907-786-1214 or uaa_deanofstudents@alaska.edu. 

UAF: (Addresses Fairbanks Campus, Bristol Bay Campus, Chukchi Campus, Community and Technical College, Kasitsna Bay Campus, Seward Marine Center, Tok Campus, Kuskokwim Campus, and Northwest Campus) Online: https://www.uaf.edu/orca/files/ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: UAF Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability on the 3rd Floor of Constitution Hall. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-474-7300 or uaf-orca@alaska.edu.

UAS: (Addresses the Juneau Auke Bay Campus, Juneau Technical Education Center, Sitka Campus, & Ketchikan Campus) Online: https://uas.alaska.edu/equity-and-compliance/docs/clery/UAS_ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: Hendrickson Building, Suite 202 on the Juneau campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-796-6371 or emailing uas.clery@alaska.edu.