MKI Public Engagement Officer

The MIT Kavli Institute seeks a highly independent professional to lead an experimental initiative in Public Engagement with Science. The successful candidate will define and execute a program to foster connections between our
research/education community and the broader public. Sufficient funding has been allocated for a minimum period
of 5 years for these efforts, in addition to a support budget for execution and structured external evaluation. MKI participates in a number of public outreach programs, currently conducted individually by faculty, staff,
postdocs, and students. We aim to centralize the organization of these programs and professionalize their design
and communication efforts. In parallel, we wish to expand outreach conducted for Institute interests in recruiting,
outreach to professional societies, mentoring, and community interaction.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
• Act as the organizational lead for MKI’s external engagement programs, increasing public contact with
basic science, astrophysics, and space exploration
• Train MKI scientists in effective communication techniques, to become more effective and inclusive
ambassadors of their research
• Cultivate an external network of museums, schools, libraries, maker spaces, or other forums interested in
partnering with MKI scientists to advance common goals
• Develop/execute mentorship programs to satisfy sponsor requirements on associated research programs
• Collect periodic impact metrics on all platforms (digital and face-to-face) and disseminate assessments to
MKI leadership and relevant sponsors
• Engage through Inclusive Science Communication with under-served communities and organizations
• Participate in student and staff recruitment for MKI and the MIT Department of Physics at all levels,
including undergraduate and graduate admissions, and post-graduate hiring
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities to grow or sustain future public engagement activities at MKI.
The successful candidate will have privileges to act as Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator on related
sponsored programs
• Other duties as needed

Requirements: Bachelor's degree in a field of physical sciences, science-focused communication or related field. Minimum 5 years of relevant experience, which may include teaching science in a classroom, museum, or other professional setting.Strong speaking and writing skills. Ability to create and edit web-based and social media content. Experience with creating and/or leading evidence-based public engagement activities. Ability to work independently, formulate programs to advance strategic goals, and initiate collaborations with faculty, research staff, students and postdocs.
Preferred: Masters or PhD in a field relating to Physical Sciences. Training in evidence-based practices to
build an inclusive community through mentoring. Professional experience in Inclusive Science Communication and
diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEIA) work.

Hybrid position with a target of 4 days in the office per week. Travel may be required as a part of recruiting and
engagement efforts.

Full position description can be found on the MKI Job Opportunities page.