Community Engagement and Outreach Specialist

Job Posting Title:

Community Engagement and Outreach Specialist

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Hiring Department:

Marine Science Institute

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Aug 01, 2024

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue Until Aug 01, 2025

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Location:

PORT ARANSAS, TX

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Job Details:

General Notes

POSITION IS LOCATED AT THE UT MARINE SCIENCE INSTITUTE IN PORT ARANSAS, TEXAS. Position is expected to renew annually if funding is available. Only individuals authorized to work in the United States will be considered.

Purpose of Position

The Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve (MAR) at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute (MSI) seeks a Community Engagement and Outreach Specialist to further the reserve’s mission of brings together scientists, landowners, policy-makers, and the public to ensure that coastal management decisions benefit flora and fauna, water quality, and people. The Community Engagement and Outreach Specialist is responsible for planning, preparing, coordinating, and disseminating information, through various formats and mediums, to the program’s partners and the public and for managing related projects. The Community Engagement and Outreach Specialist works directly with the Reserve’s Manager and other reserve staff to design and implement communications strategies and effective messaging for organizational and project-specific goals that ultimately support the reserve’s mission. This position works under limited supervision and has extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

The Marine Science Institute welcomes and respects all individuals and communities by valuing and consciously maintaining awareness of diverse perspectives and experiences. We believe inclusivity is critical to fostering excellence in all of our endeavors, and we promote STEM diversity in our recruiting, hiring, and retention practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategy and generation of engaging digital content for MAR’s website, social media and email channels, as well as monitor and respond to social media and email inquiries.
• Work closely with reserve staff to design and implement communications and outreach strategies and effective messaging for organizational and project-specific goals and public information opportunities.
• Oversee the development, design, distribution, and maintenance of high-quality print and electronic collateral including, but not limited to brochures, presentations, newsletters, and reports.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate a public communications and outreach action plan that includes social media, print and digital content, and email communications.
• Prepare and make presentations to community and professional groups to coordinate, improve, and stimulate interest in the reserve.
• Identify trends and monitor current events to anticipate opportunities for MAR to engage in and/or lead conversations regarding conservation and protection of coastal resources.
• Guide the strategy on press outreach, including distribution of press releases, creation of press kits and materials, interview preparation, and responses to media requests.
• Work with the Education and Coastal Training Programs, other MAR staff, MSI staff, and partners to plan, coordinate, and attend public information and outreach programs, presentations, meetings, and workshops.
• Perform related work as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with degree in a field of science including biology, geology, environmental science, engineering, or another related field OR major coursework in environmental education, communications, marketing, or a related field. Experience and education may be substituted for one another.
• Demonstrated skills, knowledge and experience in the successful development and execution of education and outreach activities, communications, and public relations activities.
• Experience overseeing the design and production of online and print collateral and publications.
• Experience developing and implementing successful social marketing strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively to diverse audiences.
• Experience in video editing and photography.
• Environmental experience and general knowledge of regional natural resource conservation issues.
• Strong creative, strategic, analytical, organizational, and personal skills, with the experience of managing multiple projects at a time.
• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills, including public speaking skills.
• Excellent people skills, with experience collaboratin