Communications Specialist 3

Job Title Communications Specialist 3 Department Marine Science Institute – Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory, Marine Science Research Building, 4009, UCSB Campus Work Schedule Full Time, Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (Hybrid – UC & Non‑UC locations) Compensation and Benefits Salary range: $79,200 to $85,000 per year. Full salary range: $79,200 to $143,400 per year. Benefits: Full Benefits Eligibility. Job Summary The Communications Specialist for the Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory will play a critical role in planning and executing the center's external communications, with the goal of advancing meaningful improvements in ocean health through raising awareness and influencing policy. The Communications Specialist will work with the research center's leadership and researchers to develop a unified communications vision and strategy across the center's portfolio of projects, and will oversee and/or advise on all external communications channels, including news media, press releases, social media, website, and reporting. Job Functions and Percentages of Time 30% Project-specific communications – Providing advice to and collaborating with the center's leadership and researchers on developing comprehensive short- and long-term project-specific communications plans. 25% Center-wide external communications – Leads the development, implementation, and management of the Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory's comprehensive external communications strategy. Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of communications strategies and campaigns using media analytics, digital engagement metrics, and stakeholder feedback, and adjusts communications approaches accordingly. 15% Reporting – Drafting press releases, grant reports, and newsletters in collaboration with project researchers and assisting with other general professional writing needs. 15% Public relations – Leads media relations strategy for the center, cultivating relationships with national and international reporters and coordinating media outreach in collaboration with campus communications partners. 10% Event coordination – Coordinating events such as panels, workshops, seminars, and donor visits. 5% Intern supervision – Supervising undergraduate student interns that support the center's social media, website, and newsletters. Required Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in communications, journalism, environmental science, or related field Exceptional written and verbal communication skills 1–3 years relevant professional experience Preferred Qualifications Master's Degree in communications, journalism, environmental science, or related field Special Conditions of Employment Satisfactory criminal history background check Position is dependent on soft funding; funding has been secured through December 31, 2031. UCSB is a Tobacco‑Free environment. Misconduct Disclosure Requirement As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy UC Anti‑Discrimination Policy Abusive Conduct in the Workplace Vaccination Policy As a condition of employment, the employee must comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs. Proof of being up‑to‑date with required vaccines or an exception request must be provided by the Compliance Date. Equal Employment Opportunity The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law. Reasonable Accommodations The University of California endeavors to make our website accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Katherine Abad in Human Resources at 805‑893‑4664 or email katherine.abad@hr.ucsb.edu. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications. #J-18808-Ljbffr