Communications Officer (Marketer II)
Utah Forest Restoration Institute (State)
Details
Application Deadline:
08/31/2025
Published:
07/02/2025
Starting Date:
after 6/17/2025
Hours per Week:
40
Salary:
starting at $52,100 per year
Education Required:
Bachelors
Experience Required:
at least 2 years
Location:
Logan, Utah
Description
Position Overview:
The Utah Forest Restoration Institute (UFRI) in the Department of Wildland Resources (WILD) at Utah State University (USU) is seeking a dynamic full-time (1.0 FTE) Communications Officer (Marketer II) to lead UFRI's strategic communications and public engagement initiatives. The Communications Officer--working individually and as part of a productive team--will provide strategic communication leadership; create and disseminate content for multiple and diverse audiences utilizing advanced communications tools and platforms; and engage across the full spectrum of Utah media and news organizations to share the institute's work and impact across the state.
Responsibilities:
- Strategic Communication Leadership - Develop and implement a comprehensive communication strategy that aligns with UFRI vision, mission, and objectives; supports our objective to establish the institute as a leader in management-focused forest restoration; and integrates cross-program narratives on science-based solutions. - Design and execute a cohesive visual identity across all UFRI products and services. - Conduct stakeholder and audience mapping to inform communication approaches. - Proactively manage communication vis-a-vis perceived risks and opportunities.
- Content Creation - Translate complex scientific research and adaptive management goals, approaches, and results into accessible and engaging content for diverse audiences. - Effectively, productively, and respectfully collaborate with researchers, managers, and other subject matter experts to educate policy and decision makers, the media, and the public. - Utilize advanced communication tools and platforms, including data visualization and infographics.
- Media Engagement - Lead UFRI media engagement efforts by creating media content and press materials and responding to media inquiries; and by proactively developing strategic relationships that promote science-based journalism and inform public opinion and policy.
- Team Work and Training - Plan, develop, and implement media training for UFRI staff.
Qualifications:
- Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism, public relations, environmental science, or other related field
- Minimum of two (2) years experience in communication with focus on education, research, natural resource management, environmental policy, or environmental advocacy
- Bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism, public relations, environmental science, or other related field
- Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in a science or natural resource field
- Experience in data visualization, scientific communication, and/or technical writing
- Familiarity with forest management practices and/or ecological research/monitoring methodologies
- Master’s degree in a science or natural resource field
- Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Exceptional written and oral communication skills
- Exceptional attention to detail, including advanced editing skills
- Intuitive ability to translate technical information into compelling narratives for diverse audiences
- Advanced digital communication and multimedia content creation skills
- Experience working with research teams in an academic or institutional setting
- Adeptness at relationship-building, collaboration, and co-creation/-ideation
- Background in science and natural resource management
- Exceptional written and oral communication skills
Contact
Andy Leidholf
andreas.leidolf@usu.edu (preferred contact method)