Job Information
Colorado State University 23-127: Communications Specialist/Science Writer in Fort Collins, Colorado
Posting Detail Information
Working Title23-127: Communications Specialist/Science Writer
Position LocationFort Collins, CO
Work LocationPosition qualifies for hybrid/in-office work
Research Professional PositionNo
Posting Number202400035AP
Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification TitleProf/Indiv Contrib II
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week40
Proposed Annual Salary Range$70,000- $80,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, commitment todiversity, equity and inclusion (https://inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu/about/) , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
For detailed benefit plan information for eligible employees, visithttps://hr.colostate.edu/hr-community-and-supervisors/benefits/benefits-eligibility/andhttps://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-perks/.
For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, visithttps://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/.
For more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in, visithttps://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/.
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on02/04/2024
Description of Work Unit
The Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University is a large academic and research department in the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering. We currently have twenty three faculty members, ninety graduate students, over seventy full-time researchers and postdoctoral fellows, and an outstanding and dedicated support staff, that comprise one of the most research-active units at the university. The department conducts more than $14M in externally sponsored research each year and is nationally ranked near the top of its field.
The Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere ( CIRA ) at Colorado State University ( CSU ) is a multi-million dollar research organization located on CSU’s Foothills Campus in Fort Collins, Colorado. CIRA is a cooperative institute (CI) that is also a research department within CSU’s College of Engineering, in partnership with the Department of Atmospheric Science. Its vision is to conduct interdisciplinary research in the atmospheric sciences by entraining skills beyond the meteorological disciplines, exploiting advances in engineering and computer science, facilitating transitional activity between pure and applied research, leveraging both national and international resources and partnerships, and assisting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ( NOAA ), CSU , the State of Colorado, and the Nation through the application of our research to areas of societal benefit.
Expanding on this Vision, our Mission is to serve as a nexus for multi-disciplinary cooperation among CI and NOAA research scientists, University faculty, staff and students in the context of NOAA -specified research theme areas in satellite applications for weather/climate forecasting. Important bridging elements of the CI include the communication of research findings to the international scientific community, transition of applications and capabilities to NOAA operational users, education and training programs for operational user proficiency, outreach programs to K-12 education and the general public for environmental literacy, and understanding and quantifying the societal impacts of NOAA research.
Position Summary
The Department of Atmospheric Science ( ATS ) and the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere ( CIRA ), located on the Foothills Campus of Colorado State University ( CSU ), 5 miles northwest of CSU’s main campus, seek to hire a full-time Science Writer to promote ATS /CIRA’s research and academic work to the public, covering a broad spectrum of traditional and social/online media. This position will be split equally between ATS and CIRA , and will entail interviewing scientists, researchers, and students summarizing research and/or significant events within ATS / CIRA , and writing/publishing of articles on ATS / CIRA research in traditional and social media.
The Science Writer will serve a key role within ATS /CIRA’s communications and outreach efforts, and the individual in this position will report to the ATS Department Head and the CIRA Assistant Director for Outreach and Communication. Additionally, the individual in this position will liaise with the Walter Scott Jr. College of Engineering Communications, collaborating on behalf of CIRA and ATS within larger College efforts for communications. This position will allow flexible work arrangements, including hybrid office/telework.
Required Job Qualifications
Note: Please detail each of these items in your cover letter.
Bachelor’s Degree in journalism, public relations, marketing, communications or related field, or equivalent experience.
Minimum of five years researching, reporting, writing, and editing experience in a professional setting in journalism and/or public relations.
Demonstrated ability to write/translate science or research information into fifth grade reading level material.
Demonstrated experience communicating across multiple platforms.
Proven experience writing using AP style.
Preferred Job Qualifications
Note: Please highlight applicable preferred qualifications in your cover letter.
Demonstrated professional experience producing or managing content for online content (web and social media, and newsletters).
Science related research and/or writing experience.
Professional writing, presentation and interpersonal skills.
Familiarity with scientific research into atmospheric science, climate, or other environmental science topics.
Demonstrated ability to interface with senior leaders to achieve strategic organizational goals.
Diversity Statement
Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Essential Duties
Job Duty CategoryWriting & Reporting - ATS
Duty/Responsibility
Science Writing and Reporting – through interviews and independent research, comprehend relevant scientific principles and technical information related to ATS research and programs and distill them into accurate, complete, clear, and compelling reading for lay audiences.
Contribute to ATS and CSU’s website and online newsletter, including SOURCE .
Social media and website communications – Works with ATS staff to provide content for social media platforms and webpages as needed, including science stories, awards, and other ATS news.
Lead development of the annual department newsletter, working with the ATS Department Head, faculty, and staff.
Issues Management – Proactively identify issues of public concern and take appropriate measures to strategically address these issues to position ATS in the best possible light.
Percentage Of Time50
Job Duty CategoryWriting & Reporting - CIRA
Duty/Responsibility
Science Writing and Reporting – through interviews and independent research, comprehend relevant scientific principles and technical information as they relate to CIRA research and programs and distill them into accurate, complete, clear, and compelling reading for lay audiences.
Contribute to CIRA and CSU publications, including SOURCE , CSU Magazine, and other publications. Contribute to external publications including The Conversation, etc.
Partner with CIRA social media team for occasional social media pieces, highlight writing work through social media bits.
Interview and summarize research from across CIRA campuses ( CSU , GSL /Boulder, Kansas City, Silver Spring, MD, and others.) Interviews conducted over email/virtually (no travel required.)
Percentage Of Time50
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
NOTE :
In your list of references, please include at least one editorwith whom you have recently worked.
In your cover letter, please specifically address the required qualifications of this position. A cover letter that fails to address the required and preferred qualifications of this position may not be further considered after review by the search committee.
Please provide two or three articles, pieces, or other writing samplescombinedinto a single PDF (9 MB size limit), or upload a link to your writing portfolio as appropriate into the required “Writing Samples” slot.
CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.
References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.
Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Search Contactlinn.barrett@colostate.edu
EEO Statement
Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. TheOffice of Equal Opportunity (https://oeo.colostate.edu/) is located in 101 Student Services.
The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715,titleix@colostate.edu.
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.
The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.
Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to theOffice of Civil Rights, Department of Education (https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html) .
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
References Requested
References Requested
Minimum Requested3
Maximum Requested3
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Cover Letter
Writing Samples
Resume or CV
Optional Documents
- Portfolio