The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium, a state agency established to manage the Sea Grant College Program for South Carolina, optimizes the environmental, social, and economic potential of coastal and marine resources of the state and region through the support and dissemination of high-quality research, extension, education, and communications programming.
The Consortium is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and seeks to create a culture of belonging where all people are treated with dignity and respect and have equitable access to resources, opportunities, and outcomes. We acknowledge that our activities, programs, services, and everyday interactions are enriched by building a diverse team of staff and partners who engage in open, respectful, and meaningful exchange. We also strive to achieve our agency’s mission by engaging individuals from a broad diversity of backgrounds who bring a range of experiences, values, and expertise to bear on the region’s major environmental and socioeconomic issues.
We strongly encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, and from those who identify as members of historically underrepresented communities.
Responsibilities
The Science Writer/Editor will address the coastal information needs of a variety of stakeholders by extending science-based information to targeted audiences and residents of South Carolina. The Science Writer/Editor will produce the quarterly Coastal Heritage magazine, coordinate the agency’s annual report, and provide editing and content development for other platforms.
Job Duties
- Write and edit accurate and balanced feature articles for Coastal Heritage, the Consortium’s award-winning quarterly magazine.
- Collect information through interviews and research, assemble tables and graphs to illustrate the periodical, and proofread material to ensure consistency of writing style and grammatical accuracy.
- Conduct research to verify reliability of material.
- Schedule meetings with the Coastal Heritage editorial team to solicit input and comments on current and future issues.
- Coordinate photoshoots with contract photographer.
- Interface with the contract graphic artist and coordinate mailing of Coastal Heritage.
- Assist the Consortium’s web developer with the web-based version of Coastal Heritage, including specifying photos to be used and proofreading the issue for correctness.
- Co-lead with the director of Communications and Education Services editorial services, including writing news releases, proofreading technical reports, and copy editing and proofreading impact and accomplishment statements required for the National Sea Grant College Program and the State of South Carolina. Provide editorial services for other products as needed.
- Lead the production of the Consortium’s annual report, other specialty or technical reports, summaries, and briefing publications in collaboration with the public information coordinator and web developer/graphic artist.
- Assist with production management, including soliciting bids from vendors, writing requisitions for services, and off-site press checks.
- Participate in communications program planning.
- Maintain effective working relationships with representatives of the media; co-coordinate Consortium and media interactions.
- Assist director of Communications and Education Services with other duties as needed.
Required Qualifications
B.A. or B.S. in Journalism, English, or Communications from an accredited higher education institution and at least five years of science writing experience with successful publication. Proficiency with translating science into articles for a non-technical audience. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Strong interpersonal communication skills. Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize projects. Exceptional research, writing, editing, proofreading, and product development capabilities. Meticulous attention to detail. Fluency with Microsoft Office applications.
Preferred Qualifications
M.A. or M.S. in Journalism, English, or Communications from an accredited higher education institution and at least ten years of science writing experience. Experience and keen interest in writing about coastal and ocean topics with science-based accuracy and balance. Demonstrated ability to write in long- and short-form for various media including print, web, enewsletters, and digital media. Extensive knowledge of current coastal and ocean issues and stakeholder needs in South Carolina and the Southeast region. Demonstrated skill and ease interacting with a variety of audiences, including government, academia, non-governmental organizations, media, and the private sector. Photography, videography, video editing, and digital media development experience a plus.
Position Type
Regular, full-time position. South Carolina State Band 5. Agency hiring range: $38,360 to $50,394. The finalist for this position must successfully complete an E-verify and driver’s license background check.
Work Location and Hours
This position is based in Charleston, South Carolina. Normal Consortium business hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. However, work beyond regular business hours may be necessary in order to complete the requirements of the position. Occasional travel throughout the state and region is expected; a valid driver’s license is required.
This position is available immediately. Review of applications will begin on July 22, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled.
