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NC Space Grant, Sea Grant and WRRI Seek Communications Director

Three statewide federal partnership programs based at NC State University are seeking a communications director. The application process is detailed in the full posting at jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/194665.

“We are seeking an experienced science communicator and manager who will lead our team in expanding audiences for our research, outreach and education programming,” notes Susan White, executive director of North Carolina Space Grant, NC Sea Grant, and the NC Water Resources Research Institute, known as WRRI.

The position will be open in 2024 with the retirement of Katie Mosher, who has served on the combined management team for the three programs. 

“All three of our programs are known within national networks for the strength of our communications products and strategic planning to meet emerging needs,” White adds.

The programs receive funding from a variety of sources, including significant support from federal agencies: North Carolina Space Grant from NASA, North Carolina Sea Grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and WRRI from the U.S. Geological Survey.

The communications director has the primary responsibility for strategic vision, program oversight and delivery of the three program’s diverse communication portfolios. As part of the management team, they will work closely with research, education, administration and outreach colleagues to develop and support the missions and core principles for the three programs, including a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, justice and accessibility. 

On a regular basis, the communications director will interact with diverse groups to understand informational needs of existing and potential audiences and to strengthen partnerships. Activities also would include but are not limited to: developing media relations plans; seeking external funding as appropriate; and supporting delivery of robust federal and state reporting requirements. 

The position is based in Raleigh, NC, with supervisory duties for four full-time science communicators and numerous student interns. 

Applications will require a resume, cover letter and work samples that highlight successful communications programming/content and strategic planning. 

The anticipated hiring range is $90,000 to $100,000, commensurate with experience. The full position description and application process is found online at: jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/194665

Review of applications will begin January 31, 2024.

Please direct any questions to Susan White at snwhite3@ncsu.edu.

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