Outreach Specialist, Global Water Futures Observatories

Primary Purpose: As Outreach Specialist, the duties associated with this job will be aligned with the highest standards towards advancing the goals, vision, and mission of the Global Water Futures Observatories (GWFO) through strategic outreach initiatives and engagement.

Nature of Work: Responsible for strategizing, planning, managing, and executing a variety of outreach activities and events. This includes developing outreach materials, organizing workshops and information sessions, engaging with users and the general public, and managing media and social media communications.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

• Promote visibility and ease of access to GWFO facility data for diverse user groups
• Ensure GWFO-generated information is effectively synthesized and shared with users, the public, and global audiences
• Identify engagement opportunities with potential partners and stakeholders by monitoring relevant activities, events, and policy developments
• Support the Operations Specialist in fostering ongoing engagement among networked staff and scientific leaders
• Assist the Director of Operations and Science in preparing annual and ad-hoc reports, highlighting outreach efforts, program milestones, and user satisfaction to meet funding requirements
• Oversee dissemination of GWFO research outcomes through online materials, including Science Features
• Collaborate with partner institutions and users to create accessible content—such as handouts, posters, presentations, videos, digital stories, and articles—based on scientific findings and impacts
• Promote GWFO programs and share data outcomes, activities, and achievements through newsletters, media, websites, conferences, and information sessions
• Create and manage content for GWFO's social platforms (Blue Sky, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube), featuring research highlights, news, and events
• Develop and update web pages related to data dissemination and outreach initiatives
• Organize and communicate public-facing and virtual events to engage diverse audiences
• Work with the Knowledge Mobilization Specialist to ensure scientific data is appropriately translated for user communities
• Provide guidance to ensure GWFO operations align with program outreach objectives

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in environmental science or a related field, with a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience.

Experience: Background in water research, climate science, or environmental communications and outreach is highly desirable.

Skills:

• Ability to simplify complex water science for diverse audiences
• Experience in public engagement, media relations, and educational outreach
• Strong relationship-building skills with Indigenous communities, government agencies, NGOs, and the public
• Skilled in facilitating workshops, consultations, and collaborative initiatives
• Competence in planning, executing, and evaluating outreach campaigns and events
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Proficiency in social media management, website content development, and digital storytelling
• Familiarity with design and editing tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, video editing software)
• Strong writing ability for reports, newsletters, press releases, and grant proposals
• Comfortable presenting to varied audiences, from academic groups to community organizations
• Understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems and respectful engagement practices
• Sensitivity to cultural diversity and environmental justice issues

Personal Suitability: An ideal Outreach Specialist for GWFO would be an energetic, culturally sensitive and empathetic communicator, passionate about environmental stewardship and skilled at building relationships across diverse communities. They should be adaptable, creative, and professional, with a strong ability to listen to and engage with people, to identify and highlight the societal relevance of scientific data, and complex scientific concepts into accessible and meaningful outreach.

Department: Global Water Futures
Status: Term 3 years with the possibility of extension 
Employment Group: ASPA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1

Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $69, ,868.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional

Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2

Posted Date: 1/8/2026

Closing Date: 1/28/2026 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.
We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.
The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources for assistance.