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.

University of Southern Mississippi

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VORTEX-SE Community Engagement Specialist