CIRES / Center for Education, Engagement and Evaluation, Engage Climate Science Program Outreach and Communications Specialist
University of Colorado Boulder
Job Summary
The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder seeks to hire an Engage Climate Science Program Outreach and Communications Specialist (Associate Scientist) within our Center for Education, Engagement and Evaluation (CEEE). We are seeking a proactive and entrepreneurial Outreach and Communications Specialist to expand the reach of Engage Climate Science seminars and workshops for professionals in media, business, finance, philanthropy, and policy. Our program equips influential professional audiences with a clear, evidence-based understanding of climate science and its implications for decision-making. This role is responsible for building relationships with organizations, identifying opportunities to deliver seminars and workshops, and proactively scheduling engagements. The specialist will also help to shape our digital presence by creating website and social media content that highlights our work and attracts new audiences. The ideal candidate is highly organized, enjoys and is skilled at outreach and relationship-building, and is motivated by the opportunity to help accelerate informed climate action across key sectors of society.
The role will be filled as an hourly position at the University of Colorado at Boulder with fully remote or hybrid arrangement possible.
Who We Are
CIRES is an internationally recognized leader in innovative environmental science and research and is located at the University of Colorado Boulder. At CIRES, more than 900 environmental science professionals work to understand the dynamic Earth system, including people’s relationship with the planet. CIRES has partnered with NOAA since 1967, and our areas of expertise include weather and climate, changes at Earth’s poles, air quality and atmospheric chemistry, water resources, solid Earth sciences, and more. Our vision is to be instrumental in ensuring a sustainable future environment by advancing scientific and societal understanding of the Earth system.
CIRES Center for Education, Engagement and Evaluation (CEEE) is a team of ~24 outreach, education and evaluation professionals. CIRES CEEE is a well-known and trusted partner for connecting CIRES science with educators, learners and communities. We strive to make research data accessible, inspire environmental action and empower curiosity and scientific engagement. We provide accessible, inclusive, high-quality environmental science curriculum and informal learning experiences, as well as meaningful professional and career development opportunities. Engage Climate Science was launched in 2025 by Dr. Twila Moon and this position will work closely with her to achieve program goals.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
Program Outreach & Scheduling (50%)
- Identify and pursue opportunities to book seminars and workshops with organizations, conferences, and professional groups.
- Create 1-2-week seminar/workshop travel tours.
- Design strategies and activities to increase engagement and undertake successful marketing.
- Provide logistical and technical support for online, hybrid, and in-person seminars and workshops.
Website & Social Media Communication (40%)
- Develop and update website content that clearly communicates the program’s mission, offerings, and impact.
- Social media planning and content creation (currently LinkedIn and Bluesky).
- Assist planning and support a cohesive brand approach and identity.
- Assess needs for and develop other communication products.
- Work with other CEEE staff to integrate with CEEE activities and communication.
Other Activities (10%)
- Support logistics planning (alongside program lead and hourly logistics coordinator).
- Work with CIRES administrators to support smooth contracting and business functions.
What You Should Know
- This hourly position is currently funded via a university gift fund. This is an on-call position with varying hours. We expect that the person hired in this role will work, on average, around 15 hours per week within the schedule of Monday through Friday, between 9 am and 5 pm US Mountain Time. No benefits are offered with this role.
- Given project deliverables, the anticipated start date for this position is June 1, 2026.
- Visa sponsorship is not offered for this position. Candidates working in the United States through a visa or a work permit or needing sponsorship now or in the future are not eligible for hire in this role.
What We Can Offer
- The hourly salary for this role is $25 to $30, determined based on education and experience.
- This position can be offered as hybrid or fully remote. The successful candidate is expected to provide a quiet, professional, and well-equipped work environment for themselves when not located at the University of Colorado Boulder campus. For fully remote, they should be located within +/- 2 hours of US Mountain time zone.
- CIRES and the University of Colorado Boulder offer a robust training curriculum, opportunities for professional development and a Mentorship Program.
Benefits
At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.
Be Statements
What We Require
- Bachelor’s degree in communication, climate, business, or related field.
- Experience creating website and social media content.
- Experience developing client relationships.
What You Will Need
- Strong commitment to climate solutions and advancing evidence-based climate action.
- Outstanding organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks.
- Service oriented attitude.
- Penchant for developing new systems.
- Demonstrated ability to independently initiate outreach and build professional relationships.
- Knowledge and enthusiasm for creating compelling website and social media content.
- Excellent writing, communication, and time management skills.
- Ability to work proactively and creatively in a small, mission-driven team environment.
What We Would Like You to Have
Please note that while the position details both required and preferred skills and experience, we invite applicants to apply even if they do not have the preferred skills and experience outlined in this section. If you meet the requirements and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. We encourage on the job training for any additional skills or knowledge that become relevant to the position.
- Familiarity with climate science, climate policy, or climate solutions.
- Marketing experience.
- Experience providing logistics support.
- Experience working with professional audiences and organizations across business, media, policy, finance, and/or philanthropy.
Special Instructions
To apply please submit the following materials with your application:
- Resume or CV.
- Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.
- Please submit contact information for 3 professional references. If you are identified as a finalist for this position, you will be asked to invite your references to complete a Crosschq questionnaire on your behalf. Crosschq is an online reference check solution. All information is kept confidential and shared only with the members of the search committee.
If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version as an optional attachment.
This posting will close April 21, 2026.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.
