The European Geosciences Union (EGU) is a non-profit geosciences organisation dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in the Earth, planetary, and space sciences for the benefit of humanity, worldwide. The Union has more than 11,000 members, a General Assembly which attracts over 11,000 scientists each year, a diverse portfolio of 16 scientific journals that use an innovative open-access format, a number of thematic meetings, and education and outreach activities.

We are seeking to appoint a Communications Officer to work with the EGU Media and Communications Manager in maintaining and further developing media- and science-related communications between the EGU and its membership, the working media and the public at large. The Communications Officer will also work under the direction of the EGU Executive Secretary on activities related to the promotion of the organisation. The position will be based at the EGU Executive Office in Munich, Germany.

Main tasks

• Manage the official EGU blog, including writing, commissioning and editing posts
• Administer the EGU network of blogs
• Manage the Union’s social media presence year-round
• Assist with writing, editing and proofing activities related to the EGU quarterly newsletter
• Further develop and maintain the young scientists section on the EGU website
• Maintain and further develop EGU’s networking activities, particularly those aimed at young scientists
• Participate in the promotion of the EGU

Requirements

• Academic degree (e.g., MA, MSc, PhD), preferably in the geosciences or communication sciences
• Professional experience of online and social media platforms, including blogging
• Ability to understand and translate complex science into simple concepts and write about scientific research to general audiences in an engaging and accurate manner
• Good writing and editing skills
• Good team player with excellent interpersonal, organisational and communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Expert command of English
• Some knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator would be an advantage

Application materials

• Cover letter and CV, including links to current or past online presence (web pages, blogs, Twitter feeds, Facebook pages, etc.)
• Two writing samples that demonstrate ability to communicate science to a wider audience (blog posts, magazine or newspaper articles, press releases, etc.)
• Contact details of two referees

Please note that only complete applications, with all required materials in English, will be accepted.

Salary and starting date
The position, to start in July 2014, will be for two years initially, with the possibility of further renewal, and will be subject to one year of probation. Remuneration is according to the German public service pay scale and can be up to E13 TV-L, depending on expertise and experience.

Informal enquiries about this position can be made to the Media and Communications Manager, Bárbara Ferreira (media@egu.eu, +49-89-2180-6703). Applications should be addressed to Bárbara Ferreira and Philippe Courtial and be submitted by e-mail in a single file to vacancy@egu.eu by 8 May.

The EGU (www.egu.eu) is a non-profit geosciences organisation dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in the Earth, planetary, and space sciences for the benefit of humanity, worldwide. The Union has more than 11,000 members, a General Assembly which attracts over 11,000 scientists each year, a diverse portfolio of 16 scientific journals that use an innovative open-access format, a number of thematic meetings, and education and outreach activities.