Public Relations Specialist jobs in Akron, AL

Pay Grade/Pay Range: Non Classified - Grade NA

Department/Organization: 750502 - Global Water Security Center

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:45pm

Note to Applicants: This position is eligible for remote work.

Job Summary: The Associate Research Professional should show a high level of achievement and impact as appropriate for the position’s duties. Oversees research projects and assumes responsibility for the day-to-day activity supporting the project. Contributes significantly to the planning and design of research and creative projects. May assist in both short-term and long-term planning and project goals, as well as in research and creative proposals and dissemination of project findings. This is only a representation of possible duties and is not an all-inclusive listing.

Additional Department Summary: Works with the Director to be the Center’s Washington D.C. representative to facilitate the interactions with DoD, other national security federal agencies, academia and think tanks to ensure GWSC meets stakeholder water and environmental security requirements.

Raises awareness of GWSC’s brand with external audiences and research, identify and manage new partner leads, events and opportunities within the water supply, food, energy and health aspects of the center’s mission. Applicant should be a self-starter, strategic thinker, and have a highly successful experience with interactions and networking within the user communities, at national and international levels.

This is a leadership position, and the candidate will work closely with the GWSC Director and other team leads to identify what products and analyses are needed by our stakeholders and how best to meet their needs.

The applicant should be a self-starter, proactive problem solver and a detail-oriented team player. They should be committed to providing superior service, and have a relentlessly positive, flexible, ‘whatever it takes’ attitude.

GWSC is an applied research and operational center commissioned to respond to our nation’s need for water and environmental security insights. GWSC will inform national security partners and others with global interests in water and environmental security. Our partners will include the Department of Defense (DoD), other US Government agencies, private companies, and data producers from federal agencies and academia.

Continuation in this position is contingent upon availability of external funding derived from research programs or specific projects. To best execute its mission, the Office for Research & Economic Development (ORED) prefers that all ORED employees work on the campus of The University of Alabama. However, ORED will consider, on a case by case basis, remote work for an employee if such work makes strong business sense for ORED based on the scope of work and expectations for that employee. Prior to any remote work, the employee and their direct supervisor(s) and the Vice President will execute a remote work agreement.

Required Department Minimum Qualifications: Master’s degree with at least fifteen (15) years of experience. Work experience in or with the US federal government. Team management experience

Skills and Knowledge: Expert knowledge of at least one areas, such as meteorological, hydrological, climate, environmental science, economics, geography, psychology, environmental security or disaster risk reduction with an ability to effectively resolve complex, difficult, and controversial problems and issues. Proficient understanding of federal agency processes, including budget and appropriations processes. Experience in a position requiring the use of analytical skills, including the ability to organize, interpret, integrate and present data in a clear and concise fashion. Ability to interact with diverse communities and constituents of diverse backgrounds. Experience in successfully developing, leading, and supervising complex initiatives and high-performing teams through applicant’s knowledge and thorough understanding of science, innovation and program design and planning. Experience in strategic research leadership, including the ability to drive innovative, collaborative, and interdisciplinary programs and partnerships with multiple stakeholders. Excellent analytical, synthesis, and written and verbal communications skills.

Preferred Qualifications: Candidates with a Ph.D. in in a field related to the subject areas identified above. Experience in multiple environmental subject areas, such as water resources, food, energy, or health. Ability to collaborate closely with colleagues doing budget, grants, GIS, data analysis, and integrated modelling and contribute to work in those areas. U.S. citizen capable of receiving a security clearance.

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 race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, genetic or family medical history information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other 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.