Communications & Outreach Coordinator (Academic Coordinator 1)

Position Overview
Communications & Outreach Coordinator – Full time, 100% of the time. Estimated salary $64,228 annually. Anticipated start: June 2026. Position duration: until June 30, 2028.

Responsibilities

Engage with institute and center faculty, affiliates, students, and stakeholders to communicate research to a wide range of audiences.

Serve as primary coordinator of institute events – workshops, guest speakers, and other activities related to research, training, outreach, and development.

Co‑create and develop digital content (graphics, video, copy) to support institute communications, education initiatives, and campaigns.

Design and distribute internal and external communications and publicity for educational programs and events, volunteer opportunities, and campaigns using websites, social media, and other methods.

Conduct outreach to institute faculty/researchers and other internal and external stakeholders.

Create communications that convey research activities and advances to academic and general audiences.

Assist with writing and editing press releases, promotional or informational copy.

Update websites, campus communication channels, and other digital properties; create internal and external documentation of processes.

Work collaboratively with institute staff and campus units (e.g., hospitality, catering, procurement) to host on‑ and off‑campus events in support of research and outreach.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in life or physical sciences, communications, environmental studies, education, or related field.

Minimum one year of experience coordinating complex projects, educational programs/events, and communications.

Demonstrated success working with dispersed, multi‑member teams, with strong interpersonal skills.

Experience organizing and facilitating events and/or educational activities for varied audiences, including K‑12, undergraduate, post‑graduate, academic, and community.

Excellent communication (writing, editing, speaking) and active listening skills.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google, Zoom, and cloud storage software products; basic data analysis tools.

Excellent organizational and time‑management skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel (occasional overnight and weekend work). Driver’s license required and either active driving record or enrollment in California Employer Pull Notice Program.

Must possess valid authorization to work in the United States. UC Merced does not sponsor work visas for foreign nationals requiring a new H‑1B visa.

Preferred Qualifications

MS degree or higher.

Exceptional interpersonal skills, with ability to engage individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Capacity to work in outdoor environments with limited shade and facilities.

Experience or interest in communicating research on local, regional, global scales across natural and working lands, resource management, climate, environmental, ecological, and energy sustainability.

Strong creative and photography skills.

Technical familiarity with social media principals, video or image editing, website content management systems, and data‑driven multimedia interactive maps and visualizations.

Bilingual (Spanish/English) communication skills.

Familiarity with Central Valley and regional stakeholders and climate/ environmental issues.

Location
Merced, CA.

EEO Statement
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.

Contact
shernandez52@ucmerced.edu

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