Department: CAS Earth Sciences
Appointment Type and Duration: Funding Contingent (Faculty, Research OAs), Ongoing
Salary: $65,000 - $77,000 per year
Compensation Band: OS-OA07-Fiscal Year 2025-2026
FTE: 1.0
Application Review Begins
March 24, 2026; position open until filled
Special Instructions to Applicants
A complete application must include:
• A current resume/CV.
• A cover lettering describing how your skills and experience meet the minimum and preferred qualifications for this position. Please explain how your professional experience has prepared you to communicate technically sophisticated information to diverse audiences including public agencies, technical users, policymakers, and the general public. We encourage applicants to include examples of how they have translated complex scientific or technical concepts into clear, effective communications or outreach products.
• Three (3) professional references with contact information.
Department Summary
The Department of Earth Sciences (ERTH) is a member of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) that supports significant research activities in many fields of Earth and Environmental Science. The Oregon Hazards Lab (OHAZ) is a research program within CAS-ERTH. OHAZ uses science, technology, and community engagement to understand, detect, and mitigate multi-hazards within the Pacific Northwest. OHAZ consists of over 20 academic and research faculty, undergraduate student employees, and administrative staff. OHAZ works with a broad consortium of collaborators within the University of Oregon and with external groups across the United States. Support for the program comes from a diverse range of sources that includes the State of Oregon, various Federal agencies (U.S. Geological Survey, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency, National Science Foundation), and Utility providers. Research activities span a variety of disciplines that enable complex field deployments, robust and secure data telecommunications, stakeholder outreach and community engagement, and leadership in regional hazard monitoring initiatives. See ohaz.uoregon.edu for more information.
Position Summary
The Oregon Hazards Lab seeks a skilled communicator and organizer to support our vision of operating a real-time multi-hazards environmental monitoring system. Based in Eugene, OR, this position will manage the lab’s communications program and lead the effort to share the lab’s stories and public safety products with end-users and general public to broaden the reach of the OHAZ products and amplify the work of OHAZ partners. The OHAZ Communications Manager will manage communications from the lab, including its social media accounts, website, and publications. The position will work closely with university media relations and government relations staff to communicate the lab’s goals and accomplishments to the public and government officials. This candidate must have strong communications skills, attention to detail, and political acumen.
As part of the mission of the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network, they will advocate for the use of products arising from the USGS-led Advanced National Seismic System (ANSS) and focus on service as the ShakeAlert Technical Engagement Regional Coordinator in Oregon. They will recruit and support community lifelines, businesses, and critical infrastructure operators in using ShakeAlert earthquake early warning technology. Engagement efforts will include assisting new alert delivery partners through product licensing, testing, and development, as well as connecting prospective end-users with alert delivery products. Efforts will also include public presentations, creating new outreach materials, and organizing workshops and meetings.
The OHAZ Communications Manager will also conduct outreach and communications regarding deployment and utilization of OHAZ fire camera technology. Engaging with the fire professionals and emergency responders, they will communicate success stories and use-case anecdotes. They will also grow public awareness of fire camera availability and support preparedness messaging to members of the public.
This individual will coordinate closely with stakeholders and partners across the United States to solve problems, define and employ best practices, and communicate technological science-driven systems. They must have strong project management, time management, and organization skills, as they will manage multiple projects concurrently.
Minimum Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communication, public relations, earth sciences, environmental sciences, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of professional experience in communications, public relations, or outreach.
Professional Competencies
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking; ability to prioritize audience interest and tailor communications accordingly.
• Ability to manage multiple projects at once in a fast-changing environment.
• Strong project management, time management, and organization skills.
• Ability to learn, research, and apply new approaches and solutions to problems.
• Experience working successfully both autonomously and in a team.
• Experience advocating for program outcomes, ability to successfully interact with public officials and media representatives and use political acumen.
• Ability to communicate complex matters to technical and non-technical audiences. Ability to convey key details to policy makers and key stakeholders.
• Ability to generate and deliver high-quality, high-stakes content about OHAZ program needs and impact within a short turn-around time.
Preferred Qualifications
• Knowledge of journalistic communications, including experience writing press releases and answering interview questions.
• Experience engaging with elected officials and formulation of legislative strategies and policy.
• Professional web design experience, with skills in Wordpress and/or Drupal.
• Experience with Atlassian, Microsoft Office365, and Google Workspace.
• Professional experience with content creation and managing social media accounts, including Facebook, Instagram, and/or X. Ability to implement and utilize a content-management platform preferred (e.g., Hootsuite or Sprout Social).
• Experience with graphic design tools such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite.
FLSA Exempt: Yes
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.
The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-346-5112.
UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here.
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