Science Communicator

Science Communicator - Modesto/San Francisco/Sacramento 

Job Type: Exempt, full time with benefits 

Experience Level:  Mid-Level (3-5 Years)

To Apply: Please send your cover letter and resume, 3-4 writing examples including any visual content to JOBS@suscon.org and include “Science Communicator” in the subject line. 

Sustainable Conservation (a leading non-profit in its field) advances the collaborative stewardship of California’s land, air, and water for the benefit of nature and people. Every day, we bring together businesses, landowners, and government in some of the most productive yet economically disadvantaged parts of California to steward the resources on which we all depend in ways that are just and make economic sense. Please visit www.suscon.org to learn more about our work. 

Sustainable Conservation is committed to addressing policies and practices that have historically prioritized economic benefits to some at the ecological, health, and/or economic expense of others. We engage with diverse entities like businesses, non-profits, agricultural communities, government, etc. to partner in co-creating solutions to catalyze more substantial improvements in areas of California where the stakes are highest for getting it right. Centering diversity, equity, and inclusion in our mission and vision is the fullest expression of how we aim to support California. Only by weaving these values through everything we do – both within individual programs and the organization, both in the field and at the office – can we help shape a California where all can truly thrive. 

POSITION SUMMARY: 

As a Science Communicator, this role will collaborate with staff across the organization to identify, gather, analyze, and present data from and related to our work in compelling and clear written, visual, and digital collateral. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, this position will support the Development and Communications team and all our programs: Accelerating Restoration, Solutions in our Soil, Waste Not (dairies and water quality,) and Water for the Future. This position will also identify new storytelling opportunities to help the organization advance our mission. A passion for translating and communicating complex, science-based information, data, and concepts to various audiences, a keen interest in learning about our work, and an exceptional ability to present visual stories from data are key skills needed for success in this role. 

Location: This position will ideally be based at our San Francisco office, but we are open to working from our Modesto or Sacramento offices. Our teams work in a hybrid work environment with an option to work remotely a few days a week. Periodic travel throughout the state will be required. 

Primary Responsibilities

Data Analysis & Organization

• Collaborate with the Development and Communications team to identify necessary data and program info to advance our communication efforts
• Work with program teams to pull, organize, analyze and synthesize available project data for storytelling purposes and collateral
• Identify new storytelling opportunities using our historical data
• Research new metrics, datasets, and outside expert sources for additional data and context relevant to our work
• Create and maintain data and stats dashboards for Development and Communications team, including sourcing, permissions, and context for specific audience use as needed 

Written & Visual Storytelling

• Collaborate with the Development and Communications team to create written, visual, and digital communications for diverse audiences, including: farmers, water managers, community members, restorationists, industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, non-profit organizations, and fellow conservation advocates
• Create clean, compelling visuals for use in reports, publications, grant deliverables, general audience materials, and for digital placement
• Update existing publications for the organization’s website
• Explore multimedia storytelling for our digital platforms, including animation, illustration, and video
• Assist programs with specific tasks and responsibilities, as needed

Audience & Strategy

• Collaborate with the Development and Communications team to understand key audiences and program needs
• Assist in contextualizing the value and impact of our programs 
• Coordinate, prioritize, and execute relevant strategies for our published materials

Degree/Education and Years of Experience  

Bachelor's degree in environmental sciences or natural resources management or a related field, with 3-5 years of demonstrated experience in outreach and/or communication. 

Experience and Skills Required 

• Extremely strong writing and visual communication skills 
• Proven ability to communicate complex, nuanced scientific information to broad and/or varied audiences in an accessible way 
• Proven ability to gather and use facts, statistics, and social drivers to make key points to advance environmental programs 
• Strong interpersonal skills, with an ability to work across several different programs, track and document conversations and concepts, and make common linkages in messaging 
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently, and in cross-functional team settings 
• Keen interest/aptitude in learning with a curiosity about science, and ability and desire to articulate our work in a larger environmental, policy, and/or relevant context 
• Strong understanding of a variety of scientific disciplines with ability to communicate scientific processes to a general audience. 
• Ability to adapt to and manage simultaneous workflows and agreed-upon deadlines, with strong problem-solving and independent thinking skills 
• Commitment to principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion; desire to work in collaboration with a broad range of staff and partners 
• Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.), BioRender or comparable scientific image and illustration software, visual communication tools, and GIS 
• Excellent computer skills, including knowledge of MS applications such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint 
• Valid CA Driver’s License and a willingness to travel as required 
• Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (including booster) required 

Also Desirable

• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously 
• Multi-lingual skills and/or training 

Compensation: The compensation for this position will be in the range of $69,660-$76,950 annually. Please note that the exact offered pay will be determined by factors including but not limited to education, experience, the external labor market, and internal equity. 

What we offer: A competitive compensation package based on experience, fully paid health insurance benefits, generous match on 401k, FSA, EAP, vacation, floating days, sick leave, plus the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day as holiday leave. Our greatest benefit is our culture. Our staff is collaborative, dedicated, and caring. We believe in articulating and practicing our values (Collaboration, Respect, Results, Honesty, Learning, Well-Being) at work and have a strong commitment to bringing a DEI lens to our work and workplace culture. 

At Sustainable Conservation we value culture and diversity and as an equal opportunity employer we encourage qualified individuals from all backgrounds to apply to our job openings.