Undergraduate Communications Specialist - JCIL
Inside Higher Ed, Athens, GA, United States
Undergraduate Communications Specialist – JCIL
Position Summary
The path to solving global plastic pollution starts locally. At the Jambeck Circularity Informatics Lab (JCIL), we believe communities deserve a role in redesigning the systems that create waste. We partner with cities, nonprofits, and local leaders to reimagine take‑make‑waste economies into circular ones—powered by collaborative science and open‑access data. Our tools, technology, and training catalyze circular solutions from the ground up. The JCIL at the College of Engineering is in search of an Undergraduate Communications Specialist to support strategic communication efforts that amplify the Lab’s research, community partnerships, and data‑driven tools. This role is ideal for a student interested in sustainability, environmental policy, circular economy, science communication, or community engagement.
The incumbent will help translate technical research and data insights into accessible, compelling content for diverse audiences including local decision makers, community leaders, businesses, and academic partners. They will also help promote our community science initiative, Debris Tracker. Debris Tracker is a free, open data mobile app that has been used to log nearly 10 million debris items around the world, helping scientists understand global trends around plastic pollution.
Duties / Responsibilities
Develop and draft content for newsletters, website updates, and social media platforms.
Translate technical research and data outputs into clear, audience‑friendly messaging.
Support promotion of lab initiatives, events, reports, and community partnerships.
Assist with storytelling efforts that highlight local leaders and community data champions.
Contribute to visual communications (graphics, infographics, or short‑form video).
Help maintain consistent messaging aligned with circular economy principles.
Support knowledge‑sharing efforts across communities, government, and business stakeholders.
Track engagement metrics and suggest improvements for outreach strategies.
Relevant / Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification
Current undergraduate student majoring in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Environmental Studies, Journalism, Policy, or a related field.
Interest in sustainability, circular economy, community development, or environmental policy.
Familiarity with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar design tools (preferred).
Experience with social media platforms and digital communication tools.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.
Detail‑oriented, organized, and able to manage multiple projects.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Physical Demands Typical classroom/lab environment.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
Contact Information Dr. Jenna Jambeck – jjambeck@uga.edu
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The path to solving global plastic pollution starts locally. At the Jambeck Circularity Informatics Lab (JCIL), we believe communities deserve a role in redesigning the systems that create waste. We partner with cities, nonprofits, and local leaders to reimagine take‑make‑waste economies into circular ones—powered by collaborative science and open‑access data. Our tools, technology, and training catalyze circular solutions from the ground up. The JCIL at the College of Engineering is in search of an Undergraduate Communications Specialist to support strategic communication efforts that amplify the Lab’s research, community partnerships, and data‑driven tools. This role is ideal for a student interested in sustainability, environmental policy, circular economy, science communication, or community engagement.
The incumbent will help translate technical research and data insights into accessible, compelling content for diverse audiences including local decision makers, community leaders, businesses, and academic partners. They will also help promote our community science initiative, Debris Tracker. Debris Tracker is a free, open data mobile app that has been used to log nearly 10 million debris items around the world, helping scientists understand global trends around plastic pollution.
Duties / Responsibilities
Develop and draft content for newsletters, website updates, and social media platforms.
Translate technical research and data outputs into clear, audience‑friendly messaging.
Support promotion of lab initiatives, events, reports, and community partnerships.
Assist with storytelling efforts that highlight local leaders and community data champions.
Contribute to visual communications (graphics, infographics, or short‑form video).
Help maintain consistent messaging aligned with circular economy principles.
Support knowledge‑sharing efforts across communities, government, and business stakeholders.
Track engagement metrics and suggest improvements for outreach strategies.
Relevant / Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification
Current undergraduate student majoring in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Environmental Studies, Journalism, Policy, or a related field.
Interest in sustainability, circular economy, community development, or environmental policy.
Familiarity with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar design tools (preferred).
Experience with social media platforms and digital communication tools.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.
Detail‑oriented, organized, and able to manage multiple projects.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Physical Demands Typical classroom/lab environment.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
Contact Information Dr. Jenna Jambeck – jjambeck@uga.edu
#J-18808-Ljbffr