Engagement Specialist

NC State University; Asheville, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare benefits

Wellness & recreation membership

Wellness programs

Job summary

NC State University’s North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies seeks a Climate Engagement Specialist to lead engagement initiatives across environmental research projects. You will craft dynamic engagement strategies, translate climate science for diverse stakeholders, and collaborate with project teams to develop interactive resources.

The role requires strong communication skills, experience with climate data, and travel to support local, regional, and national engagement efforts.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in communications, atmospheric sciences, or a related field with 3+ years of relevant experience, or a bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience translating climate science for diverse audiences.
• Ability to translate complex ideas into engaging content.
• Willingness to travel locally, regionally, and nationally.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive engagement plans aligned with Institute-wide goals and projects across areas.
• Translate complex scientific research into actionable ideas for diverse audiences.
• Maintain knowledge of climate information and its applications for targeted audiences.
• Create science-based engagement content in newsletters, web content, workshops, reports, social media, and podcasts.
• Collaborate with project teams using tools like Python, Jupyter Notebooks, GitLab, AWS to develop interactive resources.

Skills

Climate communications

Stakeholder engagement

Public speaking

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree in communications, atmospheric sciences, or related field

Tools

Python

Jupyter Notebooks

GitLab

AWS

Job description

About the Department

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.

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.

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.

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.
• 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

Valid NC Driver's License required Yes

Commercial Driver's License required No

Position Details

Work Schedule 8am-5pm M-F

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

Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate with education and experience ($65,000 - 75,000)

Recruitment Dates

Job Open Date 10/09/2026

Anticipated Close Date 10/22/2026

EEO Statement

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.

NC STATE UNIVERSITY RALEIGH, NC 27695 PHONE: [phone]