VORTEX-SE Community Engagement Specialist

VORTEX-SE Community Engagement Specialist

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of VORTEX-SE Community Engagement Specialist.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

The National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes EXperiment-Southeast (VORTEX-SE) program has embedded social and behavioral science research into its program since its inception. Since 2016 VORTEX-SE research has examined societal vulnerability to tornado risk, communication of these risks, and the roles of the National Weather Service (NWS) and its partners in building local resilience to tornadoes. VORTEX-SE has been iterative in its approach so that new findings and knowledge are built into research going forward.

The Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium (MASGC) in collaboration with NOAA’s National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) have partnered to create a model for a regional extension program that will integrate physical and social science research from the VORTEX-SE program to local application for a broader target audience. The goal of this regional effort is to support two-way dialog that contributes to the understanding of on-the-ground needs of audiences that are vulnerable to severe weather events and directly respond to those needs with accurate, trusted information delivered by extension specialists, researchers, and other experts.

Job Summary
The VORTEX-SE Community Engagement Specialist serves as a regional liaison between VORTEX-SE scientists and the communities that rely on accurate and timely severe weather information. This position facilitates the exchange of knowledge by translating scientific research into practical outreach, education, and engagement activities while also communicating community needs and priorities back to researchers. The Specialist develops and delivers educational programs, outreach materials, workshops, and other engagement initiatives to support informed decision-making and strengthen community resilience across the Southeast. This position works collaboratively with VORTEX-SE scientists, the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL), the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium (MASGC), and regional stakeholders and requires extensive travel throughout the Southeast. This is a grant-funded, limited-term appointment contingent upon continued funding.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Work with the NSSL VORTEX Program Lead and VORTEX scientists to help synthesize and prioritize research results for transition and knowledge transfer to appropriate communities in the Southeast through the MASGC VORTEX-SE extension project.
  
• Develop and execute (through focus groups and workshops) extension programming grounded in VORTEX funded science and related research and the needs of target audiences and communities.
  
• Author 1-3 publications for non-technical audiences each year and participate in planning at least two workshops/trainings each year to share VORTEX research results within the geographic area (e.g. hosting science seminars and/or theme-based workshops).
  
• Contribute to other outreach activities supported by VORTEX such as social media, website(s), YouTube videos, newsletters, TV and radio segments, and other local, regional and national media reports where appropriate.
  
• Work with VORTEX Engagement Coordinator for regional consistency, coordination and synthesis of outreach products, conduct program evaluations and submission of annual reports.
  
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with emergency managers, local governments, building officials, extension professionals, community organizations, and other stakeholders throughout the region.
  
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of community engagement, outreach, extension programming, or adult education principles, with the ability to develop, implement, and evaluate educational programs.
  
• Ability to interpret complex scientific or technical information and communicate it effectively to technical and non-technical audiences through written, verbal, and presentation formats.
  
• Strong project management, organizational, analytical, and planning skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and complete projects independently with minimal supervision.
  
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build collaborative relationships and work effectively with diverse stakeholders, partner organizations, and multidisciplinary teams.
  
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other computer, communication, and virtual collaboration technologies.
  
• Ability to facilitate meetings, workshops, and public engagement activities while adapting to changing priorities and effectively managing multiple assignments.
  
• Ability to travel extensively throughout the Southeast region and work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.
  
• Knowledge or experience in one or more relevant subject areas, such as severe weather awareness, disaster resilience, wind mitigation, building science, or related disciplines.

About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.