SUMMARY:

The Director of Science Communication will assist the museum in bridging the gap between the science and the public. This position will be tasked with explaining fundamental science topics in a variety of communication mediums, including, but not limited to, print materials, digital/web, video, onsite exhibition content, etc. You will use your subject matter passion and expertise, creativity, dynamic personality and diverse skill set to engage the public in relevant science topics, timely science news and museum research through the creation of high-quality, scientifically accurate multimedia and written communications, including educational science curriculum and programs, grants, public-facing programs, media participation, exhibition content, educational video scripts, science blogs, website copy (science/education focused) and marketing assets.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Marketing/ Strategic Communication

• Produce scientifically accurate, creative writing for educational and marketing purposes, providing a consistent “voice” of the museum for specific target audiences
• Serve as the voice of the museum for news media
• Develop and appear in museum videos that translate complex science topics for the general public, including short social videos (Instagram, TikTok), longer-form educational “how-to/DIY” videos, etc.
• Serve as project manager for the Frost Science blog, contributing 2 articles per month and proofreading and fact checking other submissions
• Identify newsworthy happenings and effective storytelling angles and help identify media relations opportunities with the marketing department
• Work collaboratively with the marketing department to develop content that may include museum publications and speeches for various museum executives with distinct constituents/audiences
• Work collaboratively with the husbandry department on marine science and conservation content
• Proofread, research/fact check, write and edit copy conforming to the museum’s mission, message and brand

Education

• Lead development of all external facing education material, including fee-for-service curriculum and education guides
• Serve as project manager for special event days
• Review all internal education material for scientific accuracy, validity of educational approach, and copyediting errors
• Create new and innovative ways to deliver accessible science to audiences beyond physical museum visitors
• Identify opportunities to deliver science content within the museum through innovative activations, mediums, and methods of communications
• Develop and implement evaluation plans for all educational programs, including data analysis and strategic communication of results
• Provide ongoing professional development training for staff in relevant science topics and educational techniques
• Develop scientifically accurate floor activations for public programs and supervise education staff in training staff to present these programs
• Implement education research and evaluation from federal grants
• Share research findings at national conferences and in relevant scientific journals

Advancement

• Serve as PI on all federal and research focused grants submitted by Frost Science, including IMLS, NSF, and DOE (UBMS)
• Lead collaborative federal grants, serving as Co-PI
• Work collaboratively with the advancement department on science/education-focused grants and relevant assets

Other

• Develop exhibition content for permanent and travelling exhibitions
• Create standards for external institutions wishing to conduct research at Frost Science and oversee such projects
• Cultivate collaborative relationships with scientists across Florida, through special event days, research at Frost, and collaborative research proposals
• Work collaboratively with the husbandry department on marine science and conservation content

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in science communication or related scientific field and a minimum of five (5) years of experience in scientific communications/marketing/media role or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Master’s degree highly preferred
• Genuine interest in and strong commitment to Frost Science’s vision, mission, value and objectives and the ability to professionally advocate our positions from a solid scientific base
• Experience with writing about science-related topics, with samples available upon request
• Evidence of strong ability to digest, critically analyze and present complex scientific information clearly and concisely in a wide variety of formats for non-scientific audiences
• Experience with and a strong understanding of how print and digital media work, including omni-channel marketing approaches to place and promote science in newspapers, TV, radio, podcasts, targeted e-marketing, social and digital media promotion (YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Flickr, Instagram), etc.
• Experience with and strong level of comfort serving as an external spokesperson for the museum on scientific topics and museum content

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. It is critical that the candidate absorb the mission, language and brand of the organization to successfully represent its identity across a multitude of platforms
2. Demonstrated excellence in communication, including writing and speaking skills
3. Demonstrated ability to communicate science clearly and accurately
4. Knowledge and strong interest in science required
5. Experienced in AP Style Guide
6. Ability to manage quick-turn around and long-term projects, handle multiple projects simultaneously, and think strategically and creatively
7. Must be able to work in a team as well as be able to work independently and be self-motivated
8. Ability to prioritize, and manage multiple projects and timelines
9. Excellence in English language (oral and written) required; preference for bilingual (Eng/Span)
10. Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office and Excel; some experience in Adobe Creative Suite a plus

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands and fingers to feel, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds on select occasions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those as employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Work time will primarily be in an open office setting. Weekend and evening work in alignment with programs is sometimes required.

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Level 2 background clearance as defined by the Florida Statutes/law 
• Drug screening as part of the Drug Free Workplace Program.
• Must have received or be willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine(s) by date of hire to be considered for employment unless the applicant is eligible for an exemption pursuant to all applicable laws with the Human Resources Department.