Communications Specialist I

Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $44,200 - Midpoint: $55,300 (Salaried E6)

Department/Organization: 750501 - Alabama Water Institute (AWI)

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

Job Summary: The Communications Specialist I writes and edits communications for a department, college, and/or division under general supervision. Develops and implements plans, activities, and tactics to support the goals of assigned areas. Coordinates the production of materials and resources through a variety of platforms, including digital and physical mediums.

Additional Department Summary: Advances CIROH’s mission to improve water prediction and decision support nationwide by expanding the institute’s communication and research dissemination capacity. Supports strategic communication priorities across research, education, and engagement initiatives, including development of scientific communication materials, proposal-related support, consortium collaboration, and media and outreach coordination. Works closely with CIROH leadership, the Science Team, researchers across the consortium, and external partners to translate technical work into accessible, compelling narratives for stakeholders ranging from scientific audiences to general public and decision-makers. Contributes to communication-focused workshops and training programs, strengthening CIROH’s national workforce development and education efforts. Ensures CIROH research and programs are visible, impactful, and aligned with federal and national water prediction priorities through content development, research support, and communication skill-building activities,

Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and some journalism, public relations, marketing, or communications experience.

Skills and Knowledge: Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills for scientific and general audiences. Ability to translate complex research into accessible, compelling narratives. Familiarity with scientific communication practices, research environments, and proposal development processes. Basic multimedia and graphic support skills (e.g., Canva, Adobe, or similar tools). Strong organizational, project management, and coordination skills. Ability to work collaboratively with researchers, leadership, and multi-institution partners.

Preferred Qualifications: Knowledge of hydrology, climate science, or Earth sciences. Experience developing content for web, email, and social media platforms. Experience in science communication, journalism, public relations, or related fields. Experience supporting academic or federal research projects, including proposal development, reporting, and technical content dissemination. Experience delivering communication workshops or training programs. Familiarity with hydrology, climate science, or related technical subjects. Experience creating digital content for web, social media, newsletters, and multimedia. Proficiency with content management systems, email marketing tools, and basic graphic/multimedia software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva).

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to any legally protected basis and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. More information is available in the EEOC’s poster.

The University of Alabama affirms its longstanding commitment to institutional neutrality, free speech, and academic freedom.