Outreach and Engagement Manager - UIC Science

Overview

UIC Science is seeking an Outreach and Engagement Manager to lead and grow its established outreach program supporting Arctic research. This role is critical to ensuring science is conducted responsibly, respectfully, and in collaboration with the communities where it takes place.

The Outreach and Engagement Manager will build and lead a team that works closely with researchers and local stakeholders to promote meaningful, two-way communication. A key focus of this role is to ensure scientific findings are shared back with the community through public events, school programs, and other engagement activities.

This position requires a high level of cultural awareness, strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to building lasting relationships between researchers and Arctic communities. Patience, perseverance, and a community-first mindset are essential.

Responsibilities

Essential functions will include:

• Manage the scope, schedule, and budget of outreach and engagement (O&E) projects; submit change requests to clients as necessary.

• Supervise Science Liaison(s), ensuring appropriate task assignments and performance oversight.

• Create content across multiple media platforms, including podcasts, flyers, and event programs.

• Submit required weekly or monthly program deliverables as outlined in contractual agreements.

• Actively engage with the Utqiaġvik community and conduct outreach to other communities to support co-production of knowledge.

• Monitor and report on the progress of O&E projects, maintaining transparency with stakeholders.

• Build and maintain relationships with key institutions and partners, including the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission, Barrow Whaling Captains Association, Arctic Ice Breaker Coordinating Committee, Arctic Domain Awareness Center, and others.

• Develop and deliver presentations at conferences to promote the importance of community co-production in Arctic research.

• Plan and manage local outreach events in collaboration with the Science Liaison.

• Establish and lead a planning committee for the annual BARC Science Fair held in July in Utqiaġvik.

• Represent UIC Science at meetings and events, and deliver presentations as needed.

• Prepare cost estimates and scopes of work for O&E components in new project proposals.

• Travel to Utqiaġvik as needed to support outreach events, if not based locally.

• Design and implement new outreach initiatives to expand the capabilities and impact of the UIC Science O&E department.

• Collaborate with UIC Science Project Managers to integrate outreach activities into project scopes in a culturally appropriate and responsible manner.

Other Duties

• Maintain records of all events attended or hosted on company drive.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Applicant must be familiar or have worked in and around Indigenous Communities in the Arctic.
• Bachelor of Science or similar degree.
• Must have advanced computer skills, MS Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint
• Applicant must be willing to travel.
• Applicant must have experience presenting to large groups.
• Any applicants that have past O&E Experience will be looked upon more favorably.
• Must have prior experience with developing mixed media
• Valid State Driver’s License and be able to drive a company vehicle.
• Must pass pre-employment drug and alcohol testing.
• Candidates must pass a background check in order to fill this position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Science.
• Experience working in a science field.

Physical and Mental Demands:

• Regularly required to sit

• Regularly use hands to handle or operate objects, tools, or controls

• Regularly required to talk and hear

• Occasionally required to stand and walk

• Occasionally reach with hands and arms

• Must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds

Working Conditions:

• Primarily office-based work environment

• Occasional travel to Utqiaġvik and other Arctic or rural communities required

• Fieldwork may involve exposure to extreme cold, high winds, and rapidly changing weather conditions

• Possible exposure to noise from equipment, vehicles, and event activities during community events or field visits

• May require travel by small aircraft, boat, snow machine, or ATV to reach remote locations

• Occasional evening or weekend work to support community events, meetings, or outreach activities