Northern Social-Environmental Research (NorthernSER) is seeking a Community Engagement Specialist (CES) to join our team. The CES will be required to coordinate and communicate effectively with Alaska Native peoples, scientists, federal agencies, and other relevant organizations to share information, develop partnerships, and build trusted relationships and networks. The position will work closely with the Secretariat of the Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee (IARPC) on communication and engagement efforts. IARPC is a federal interagency working group charged with enhancing scientific monitoring and research in the Arctic, and increasing collaboration between federal agencies, Arctic researchers, and Arctic residents. Work responsibilities related to IARPC will fall into two main areas 1) strategic network development and relationship building; 2) coordination and communication.
- Strategic network development and relationship building
- Understand the research missions of the IARPC principal agencies
- Develop and maintain an engagement strategy to improve communication between Indigenous communities and IARPC research agencies
- Develop and maintain outreach coordination and communications databases to include local points of contact, key leaders in Indigenous communities, and Alaska Indigenous organizations
- Identify well-established and successful communication networks and help the IARPC agencies develop best practices to share information and engage Indigenous partners
- Develop trusted two-way information and educational sharing networks between Indigenous entities and federal agencies with Arctic research missions
- Identify Indigenous communities, Tribes, and Alaska Native organizations that may benefit from engaging with one or more of the IARPC principal agencies
- Attend and participate in organized forums, as appropriate, to provide communication opportunities between Indigenous communities and federal agencies
- Meet with Indigenous communities and offices of the IARPC agencies (in person when possible)
- Coordination and Communication
- Develop, produce and maintain guidance documents for the IARPC agencies about different knowledge systems and principles for conducting research in the Arctic
- Develop and propose to IARPC educational and outreach materials for Indigenous communities, tribes, Alaska Indigenous organizations, and the IARPC research agencies
- Facilitate information sharing and help Indigenous communities find answers to their questions about federal research in Alaska
- Coordinate with the existing network of federal tribal liaisons to facilitate communication and avoid duplication of effort
- Prepare annual reports to IARPC to monitor progress, successes, needs, and potential challenges
- Support the IARPC Participatory Research and Indigenous Leadership in Research Foundational Activity Team and participate in the IARPC Field Operations Community of Practice
- Work with the IARPC Secretariat to support the IARPC Indigenous Leadership Fellows
Experience: Highly desirable candidates will have knowledge, skills, and abilities in these areas
- Knowledge of Indigenous communities, traditions, and ways of communicating in Alaska
- Demonstrated understanding of Alaska’s cultural diversity
- Connections and experiences with Indigenous communities
- Strong cross-cultural communication skills (written and verbal)
- Understanding of Indigenous knowledge, conventional science, and co-production of knowledge
- Experience with qualitative research methods including semi-structured interviews and focus groups
- Understanding of the FAIR and CARE principles (https://www.gida-global.org/care) in research
- Familiarity with the breadth of federal research investment in Alaska
- Ability to organize information for public communication purposes
- Experience using appropriate social media platforms to facilitate communication and information sharing
- Strong project management, facilitation, and organizational skills to facilitate tracking and dissemination of information
- Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
Education/certifications: 5+ years of experience with a master’s degree or equivalent experience (ex: 15+ years experience with a high school diploma, 10+ years experience with a bachelor’s degree) in communications, community engagement, Indigenous science, science policy, or other relevant social, physical or natural sciences.
Other: This is a one-year contract with the expectation of an additional year pending funding. Some travel is expected.
Work Type: Full time, in person
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
Salary: Depending on experience, starting at $68,000 annually
Benefits: Dental and vision, paid holidays, PTO, flextime
Contact: hiring@northernser.com
Application Process
To apply for this position, please provide a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references with your application. We will begin reviewing applications December 10.
About NorthernSER
Northern Social-Environmental Research Inc. (NorthernSER) is a Fairbanks, Alaska-based, woman- and minority-owned small business dedicated to collaborative, place-based research that supports the resilience of Northern communities. We perform qualitative research, project management, outreach, engagement, and administrative services on behalf of communities, organizations, and interdisciplinary research teams throughout Alaska and beyond. Our approach prioritizes local voices, and graphically rich solutions tailored to the specific needs of our clients and their target audience
NorthernSER is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules or regulations.