Science Communications Manager

Science Communications Manager

The Scientific Panel on Sustainable Plant Nutrition (SPRPN, is looking for a dynamic science communicator to expand its reach and impact. The Science Communications Manager will advance SPRPN’s external communications strategy and presence, including managing its website and social media presence and creating audio-visual content. The aim is to better identify and connect with key stakeholders and raise the profile of the panel’s research, which centers on global issues of responsible plant nutrition.

Employment

Part‑time Consultant (about 10‑15 hours per week) with annual contract;

Availability

Immediate or whenever available

Location

Remote (SPRPN’s panel members are based across the globe) or IFA offices in Paris or London

Qualifications

• Preferably, candidates must be enrolled in or have graduated from a program with relevant science communications training, or they must have a scientific background and work experience in communications.
• A track record of engaging content creation such as published blogs, website copy, press releases, audio‑visual content, and social media posts on professional topics.
• Understanding of and experience in measurement and evaluation of communication activities.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, social media channel management, Google data studio or similar analytics package(s).
• Experience in visual content creation desirable.
• Highly organized and self‑motivated with excellent time management skills.
• Works well independently and in teams, knowing how to build consensus and then implement.

Supervisors

Achim Dobermann, IFA Chief Scientist & SPRPN member; Patrick Brown, Professor at UC Davis & SPRPN Chair

Application deadline/contact

31 May 2023. Send a one‑page cover letter and resumé to

Specific responsibilities

• Manage and improve the SPRPN website; Set up and manage social media accounts based on stakeholder mapping and audience definition.
• Create 1‑2 page policy‑oriented summaries of the Panel’s issue briefs for broader release.
• Create blog posts, visual diagrams and other communications content about SPRPN publications, activities or topics for the SPRPN website.
• Create and maintain a database of email contacts in collaboration with panel members, sourced from the panel members’ networks, stakeholders recommended by SPRPN and website visits. Produce emails using an email marketing platform to inform stakeholders about SPRPN publications, news and events and to drive traffic to the SPRPN website.
• Scan social media for content that other organizations are posting which has relevance to SPRPN’s research and can be the basis of a blog or social media posts that draw on SPRPN’s Issue Briefs. Draft the blogs and posts; create graphics adapted from SPRPN materials. Recommend to the panel content to share on the SPRPN channels from other organizations whose work is relevant to SPRPN. Recommend to the panel conversations from other accounts that would be useful to engage in via SPRPN’s channels.
• Create a monthly editorial calendar of social media posts based on SPRPN activity, reports, key messages, existing SPRPN content and topical content, after consulting the panel members and reviewing the annual work programs. Track website and social media metrics and make recommendations for increasing engagement.
• Work closely with the panel members to identify a list of NGOs, intergovernmental organizations, universities, scientists, companies and science writers to follow and engage with on the channels.
• Recommend platforms where panel members can be guest bloggers. Identify and pitch to science writers who may be interested in reporting on SPRPN’s research.
• Support the writing of new issues briefs.