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Science Communication Volunteer Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

... Laboratory Science, or related field. * Laboratory experience preferred; recent graduates ... Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and communication abilities. Preferred ...

... scientific meetings, and technical workshops. Ensures events run efficiently from pre-planning ... Excellent written and oral communications skills are required. * Ability to interact effectively ...

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Science Communication Volunteer information

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$8

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How much do science communication volunteer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for science communication volunteer in Oak Ridge, TN is $18.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.80 and $19.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by science communication volunteers, and how can they be addressed?

Science Communication Volunteers often encounter the challenge of translating complex scientific concepts into accessible language for diverse audiences. Balancing accuracy with simplicity is key, and it may require ongoing collaboration with scientists and educators. Additionally, volunteers may need to adapt their communication style depending on the setting, whether it's a classroom, public event, or online platform. Seeking feedback and participating in relevant training sessions can help improve effectiveness and confidence in delivering clear, engaging science content.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a science communication volunteer?

To thrive as a Science Communication Volunteer, you need a solid understanding of scientific concepts, strong written and verbal communication skills, and often a background in science or education. Familiarity with digital communication tools, social media platforms, and basic graphic design software is typically beneficial. Creativity, enthusiasm, and the ability to engage diverse audiences are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for effectively translating complex scientific information into accessible content that educates and inspires the public.

What is the difference between Science Communication Volunteer vs Science Writer?

AspectScience Communication VolunteerScience Writer
Required CredentialsOften no formal credentials, but background in science or communication helpsTypically requires a degree in science, journalism, or related field
Work EnvironmentVolunteering for museums, science centers, or outreach eventsWriting for magazines, websites, or scientific publications
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, educational institutions, science outreach organizationsMedia outlets, publishing companies, scientific organizations
Search & Comparison IntentFocus on science outreach and public engagementFocus on content creation and scientific communication

Science Communication Volunteers typically engage in outreach and education without formal credentials, often working in nonprofit or educational settings. Science Writers focus on producing written content about science, usually requiring relevant degrees and working in media or publishing. Both roles promote science but differ mainly in scope and professional requirements.

What is a science communication volunteer?

Science Communication Volunteers are individuals who help make scientific information accessible and engaging to the public. They may assist with writing articles, creating educational materials, organizing events, or managing social media for scientific organizations. These volunteers play a key role in bridging the gap between scientists and non-experts by translating complex concepts into understandable language. Their efforts help promote scientific literacy and foster public interest in science.

Assistant Director for Leadership Annual Giving, College of Arts and Sciences

The University of Tennessee

Knoxville, TN โ€ข Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Assistant Director for Leadership Giving for the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Reporting to the Executive Director of Development, the Assistant Director for Leadership Giving plays a key role in growing annual giving leadership and mid-level giving,ย 

strengthening the donor pipeline and supporting college wide fundraising priorities.ย 

This role will contribute to the growth and retention of the College of Arts and Sciences donor pipeline.

Required Education and Experienceย 

The candidate who fills the Assistant Director for Leadership Giving position is required to have:ย 

  • Bachelor's degreeย 

  • 3+ years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, sales, marketing, or related fields with measurable results or 1+ years with a Master'sย 

  • Strong communication skills, analytical ability and capacity to manage a high volume donor portfolioย 

  • Experience with CRM systems and donor data; proficiency in Microsoft 365 toolsย 

  • Ability to travel and participate in occasional evening/weekend activitiesย 

A valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record is required due to travel responsibilities of the position. UTFI reserves the right to consider all appropriate circumstances.ย  In general, any significant driving offense less than 12 months old will eliminate the application from consideration for the position.ย 

Note - Candidates holding a graduate degree must have at least 1 years of experience.ย 

Preferred Education and Experienceย 

In addition to meeting the required qualifications, the preferred candidate will have:ย 

  • Strategy, data savvy relationship builder who thrives in a collaborative environment and is energized by identifying donor and helping them deepen their connection to the collegeย 

  • Ability to manage a robust portfolio, align outreach and academic priorities, and strengthening the pipeline for future major gift opportunitiesย 

Application Process: Applications must include a completed candidate profile, cover letter, and resume. Candidates selected to move forward in the evaluation process will be asked to provide contact information for three professional references.References will not be contacted without explicit permission of the candidate.ย ย 

When determining minimum qualifications, only information entered into the candidate profile can be considered. Please ensure your candidate profile is completed in its entirety as it relates to qualifying education/work experience.ย ย 

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment visa status.ย 

Questions about the search may be directed to hr@utfi.org.ย ย 

Target Start Date: August 2026

Benefits: The Foundation's greatest asset is our team. Foundation employees are eligible for a comprehensive suite of benefits that includes:ย 

  • Generous paid leave, accruing up to 24 days of vacation and 12 days of sick leave annually, plus 14 paid holidays and administrative closing daysย 

  • Flexible work arrangements, offering a hybrid schedule to most team membersย 

  • Education benefits for employees and their dependents at UT System campusesย 

  • Retirement and deferred compensation plans, including 401(k), 403(b), etc.ย ย 

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plansย 

  • Employee discounts to attractions, services, and goodsย 

_________ย 

The Foundation:The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization that serves as the preferred channel for private contributions benefiting students and faculty within the UT System. With a vision of being one of the top-performing advancement organizations in higher education, UTFI is committed to enhancing the educational landscape across the University of Tennessee campuses.ย 

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has been advancing knowledge and enriching lives since its founding in 1794. Tennessee's flagship public research university, UT Knoxville is a diverse community whose shared commitment to discovery, creativity, and education combines with a tradition of service and engagement to carry the Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. UT's campus-home to more than 36,000 students and 9,000 faculty and staff members-is part of the vibrant city of Knoxville, located on the Tennessee River with the Great Smoky Mountains nearby.ย 

The UT System: The University of Tennessee System is comprised of campuses at Knoxville, Chattanooga, Pulaski, Martin and the Health Science Center at Memphis; the Institute of Agriculture; and the Institute for Public Service.ย ย 

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.ย 

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:ย 

Donor Portfolio Management: Manage a portfolio of leadership annual giving and midlevel donors and prospects ($500-$25,000+). Cultivate, solicit, and retain Dean's Circle members. Evaluate SYBUNT and LYBUNT lists to proactively renew and solicit donors.ย 

Donor Engagement: Develop and execute personalized engagement strategies (phone, email, virtual, inperson). Collaborate with Annual Giving, Advancement colleagues, and campus partners on shared appeals and key stewardship initiatives such as Big Orange Give, Big Orange Family Campaign, and Senior Toast.ย 

Stewardship: Record donor interactions in the CRM and use data to measure progress and guide outreach. Maintain and update the A&S campaign gifts spreadsheet and forecast revenue. Conduct donor research and analysis across all 21 A&S departments to build qualified pipelines.ย