Earth Futures Institute Assistant

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 03-25-2025

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Earth Futures Institute (EFI) is a center at UCSC designed to focus world attention on the existential question of Earth's future on the time scale of decades to a million years. EFI uses the best science of today to develop "scenarios" for life on Earth on these time scales to launch the first comprehensive, frank, and probing discussion of the ethics of the future. The mission of EFI is to inspire humanity to address the perils and potential for intelligent life on Earth, on timescales of decades to millennia and beyond.

EFI activities include: hosting seminars and podcasts (in person and online), hosting retreats and conferences, supporting interdisciplinary undergraduate research, assisting and supporting other UCSC climate groups and research centers, supporting public appearances and talks by UCSC experts on climate change and related matters, maintaining a website and YouTube channel, grant-writing and fundraising.

More information can be found at: https://earthfutures.sites.ucsc.edu/

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Earth Futures Institute's (EFI) Director, the Communications Specialist carries out administrative support tasks in support of EFI activities. Tasks include: scheduling meetings; taking meeting notes; maintaining the EFI website, database, and email address list; making arrangements for hosting visitors to UCSC; producing and posting podcasts and talks on the EFI YouTube channel and social media pages; and assisting in the planning and execution of EFI workshops and colloquia. The incumbent will also manage and disburse funds from various FOAPALS belonging to EFI, including donor funds and campus funds set up to support particular EFI activities.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $37.30/hour.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Mid-level benefits

Schedule Information:

• Part-time, Variable
• Percentage of Time: 50%, 20 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: Remote

Union Representation: CX Union

Job Code Classification: 004722 (BLANK AST 3)

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

30% - Program and Meeting Support

• Support EFI program activities by scheduling meetings, attending meetings, taking notes, maintaining tasks lists, following up to make sure tasks are accomplished.
• Coordinate meetings, invite guests, handle catering and AV support, make hotel and air reservations, coordinate ancillary public events, provide transportation to and from events including use of personal vehicle, pay vendors and handle reimbursements.
• Respond to information requests concerning EFI programs and activities,
  Manage EFI email account.

25% - EFI Communication Strategy

• Meet and consult with leadership and EFI faculty on a variety of communications projects, including moderately complex assignments; develop, present, and recommend web content, video content, podcast content, and other visual material.

20% - Website Maintenance

• Design and maintain EFI website and social media.
• Produce design and layout for a variety of web applications.
• Design new webpages and develop content, alone and with Director.

20% - Financial Duties

• Manage EFI FOAPAL accounts, disperse funds to cover EFI activities, prepare financial reports for EFI Director.

5% - Website Accessibility and Compliance

• Maintain currency with emerging and state-of-the-art technical and other web-related equipment requirements and developments (i.e., accessibility issues).
• Recommend actions, and as directed, take action to ensure compliance.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Thorough knowledge of the fundamentals of design and user experience, including skill to design in an appealing, lively and relevant way.
• Thorough understanding of technical language and requirements of the assigned work.
• Thorough skills to create clear, easy-to-navigate, informative, accurate, well-designed, and functional web sites that provide web content consistent with the organization's message and in keeping with management directives and client objectives.
• Thorough technical skills in computer applications for web production, image handling, publishing and design, illustration, presentation preparation, animation, web interaction, and / or other state-of-the-art web communication capabilities.
• Thorough knowledge of video and podcast production and editing.
• Demonstrated familiarity with activities at other Earth futures institutions world-wide.
• Thorough skills to develop and implement original ideas and correctly identify and effectively solve problems.
• Ability to establish priorities and manage multiple activities to meet unit, campus, and external deadlines.
• Ability to write clear and concise reports, memoranda, and website entries.
• Strong interpersonal skills including tact, diplomacy, and flexibility to work effectively with senior administration, faculty, staff, and the general public.
• Experience with basic administrative functions such as event hosting, scheduling, note-taking, document archiving, etc.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Thorough understanding of organization's processes, procedures, and applicable rules and regulations for web communications. General knowledge of higher education policies, practices, and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of content management systems and / or relevant web applications used for web production and organization-specific computer application programs.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• Ability to safely perform the physical requirements necessary to move light to moderate objects up to 60 lbs., with or without accommodation.
• The selected candidate will be required to work a hybrid work schedule and must be able to work successfully from a home/remote office and fulfill the requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as directed.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Ability to travel to multiple work locations on and off campus.
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
- Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination