Engagement Specialist

North Carolina State University; Asheville (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision

Retirement Programs

Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs

12 Holidays Each Year

Tuition and Academic Assistance

Job summary

The North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies at NC State University seeks a Climate Engagement Specialist to lead engagement initiatives across environmental research projects, including wildfire prediction, extreme precipitation, air quality, and public health. You will translate complex climate science for diverse audiences and guide engagement strategies to foster two-way information exchange.

Responsibilities include developing comprehensive engagement plans, coordinating with external

Qualifications

• Master's degree in communications, marketing, atmospheric sciences, environmental sciences, or related field with 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Bachelor's degree with five or more years of relevant experience; equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute engagement plans and programs aligned with Institute goals across climate projects.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Public speaking

Education

Master's degree in communications

Bachelor's degree + 5+ years experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Virtual platforms

Engagement software

Python / Jupyter

GitLab

AWS

Job description

Engagement Specialist

The North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies is in need of a Climate Engagement Specialist to lead engagement initiatives across a diverse portfolio of environmental research projects such as machine learning assisted wildfire prediction, extreme precipitation and flooding, air quality, and public health. This position entails crafting and executing dynamic engagement strategies that facilitate an exchange of information, and serving as Institute liaison with external partners and entities. The incumbent must be able to effectively convey complex climate science research to a wide array of stakeholders while collecting crucial insights to guide and enhance the research process.

Salary range: $65,000 - 75,000. Work schedule: 8am-5pm M-F. Location: Asheville, NC.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Essential Job Duties

The North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies Project Climate Engagement Specialist will lead engagement initiatives across a diverse portfolio of environmental research projects such as machine learning assisted wildfire prediction, extreme precipitation and flooding, air quality, and public health. This role entails crafting and executing dynamic engagement strategies that facilitate a two-way exchange of information, and serving as Institute liaison with external partners and entities. The incumbent must be able to effectively convey complex climate science research to a wide array of stakeholders while also collecting crucial insights to guide and enhance the research process.

Key responsibilities for this position include:

Data Analysis and Strategic Planning

• Develop and execute comprehensive engagement plans, strategies, and programs that align with Institute-wide goals and projects across a variety of areas.
• Translate complex scientific research into actionable ideas for diverse audiences.
• Maintain a working knowledge of climate information and its use, potential use, value, and applications for targeted audiences.
• Stay up to date on the latest developments in climate science, policy, and communication strategies, with the goal of refining and improving Institute engagement approaches.
• Develop and share science-based engagement content through a variety of formats (e.g., newsletters, web content, workshops, reports, social media, podcasts).
• Use and promote open data best practices and the principles of Open Science.
• Work with the NCICS Communications team to develop scientifically based messaging materials, newsletters, presentations, web content, etc.
• Collaborate with Institute project teams, utilizing relevant tools (e.g., Python, Jupyter Notebooks, GitLab, AWS) to develop interactive resources that support climate literacy and decision-making.

Engagement

• Engage with a variety of agencies, organizations, partners, and stakeholders, providing timely and relevant information and materials.
• Design and deliver compelling presentations, workshops, training sessions, etc. to enhance the understanding of climate science, its impacts, and adaptation strategies.
• Plan and conduct community engagement activities to raise awareness of climate change challenges and promote resilience and adaptation efforts.
• Research, review, and participate in local, regional, and national climate-related events on behalf of the Institute.
• Investigate, identify, and connect with agencies and groups who could benefit from access to climate data.
• Effectively coordinate engagement event logistics, including venue selection, catering arrangements, scheduling, registration, speaker arrangements, platform management, event promotion, materials development, post-event follow-up, etc.
• Coordinate guest speaker opportunities to enhance engagement efforts.
• Update and develop new engagement strategies to improve environmental literacy.
• Utilize effective communication strategies to engage non-scientific stakeholders across diverse, rural, and underserved communities.
• Serve as the main point of contact for Institute engagement activities, acting as a liaison between the Institute and external constituents.

Partner Collaborations

• Support the Director of Corporate Engagement and Strategic Partnerships in building and nurturing partnerships with relevant organizations to broaden the impact of the Institute's climate information initiatives.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with local, regional, and national partners, policy makers, and the general public regarding the use, application, and awareness of environmental / Earth System science data.
• Engage with a variety of stakeholders, including those from academic, government, industry, and underserved sectors.
• Work cooperatively with Institute staff, partners, and external stakeholders in support of project objectives, including related engagement activities.
• Contribute to the planning, design, and development of events and programs, working with Institute staff to ensure alignment with communications and engagement goals.
• Investigate and pursue opportunities for external collaboration, including grant submissions and new sources of funding.
• Effectively communicate (verbally and in writing) with Institute staff, partners, stakeholders, and the general public.
• Demonstrate professionalism, tact, and diplomacy while representing the Institute in meetings, through written correspondence, and other official roles.

Reporting

• Coordinate and participate in engagement activities' reporting (summaries, annual reports, project reports, etc.).
• Monitor project and event timelines, ensuring deliverables are on time and within budget.
• Survey stakeholders, analyze engagement metrics, and identify trends to improve engagement and collaboration efforts.
• Develop an annual assessment of NCICS' impact through engagement activities.

Other Responsibilities

• Travel to and participate in local, regional, and national events in support of Institute projects and activities.
• Engage in grant writing and proposal development activities.
• Fully participate in unit (NCICS, NCEl, etc.) activities and meetings.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience: A master's degree in communications, marketing, atmospheric sciences, environmental sciences, or a related field of study with three (3) or more years of relevant experience, OR a bachelor's degree with five (5) or more years of relevant experience, an equivalent combination of education and experience in a related field.

Other Required Qualifications

• High-performing team player with strong verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with and strong understanding of climate data information and research.
• Demonstrated experience in effectively communicating scientific information to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to comprehend complex ideas and translate them into engaging content.
• Strong problem-solving and creative thinking skills, with the ability to adapt quickly.
• Experience working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Experience developing innovative content and programming.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite, virtual platforms, engagement software, etc.
• Ability to travel locally, regionally, and nationally.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Ability to attend functions/activities outside normal business hours.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with NOAA data and other climate data providers and information.
• Experience submitting grant applications.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

valid driver’s license

Valid NC Driver’s License required

Yes

Commercial Driver’s License required

No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date: 10/09/2026

Anticipated Close Date: 10/22/2026

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

Position Details

Position Number: 00112323

Position Type: EPS/SAAO

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week): 1.00

Appointment: 12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather: Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events: Non Mandatory - Emergency Event

Department ID: 063001 - NC Institute of Climate Studies

EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail].

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.