Communications and Engagement Specialist

CSS is seeking a full-time Communications and Engagement Specialist to support the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) RESTORE Science Program. The position will begin as remote telework from a U.S. Gulf Coast state (Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, or Texas) with the possibility of a transition to a combination of remote telework and office work in the future. The Science Program is an applied ecosystem science program focused on supporting research and its application to resource management challenges in the Gulf of Mexico region.

The Communications and Engagement Specialist will be responsible for the development of all communication and engagement materials and activities with the goal of increasing the impact and visibility of the RESTORE Science Program and the projects it funds. The applicant MUST have prior work experience developing and implementing a communications and engagement strategy, preferably for a coastal and ocean research or management organization. The applicant should also have experience communicating scientific information to diverse audiences.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a communications and engagement strategy for the Science Program. It should include metrics for gauging impact among target audiences
• Support the application of science to natural resource management decisions in the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem by organizing and conducting workshops, trainings, seminar series, and other activities to promote and facilitate the co-production of science and foster a community of people committed to this type of work
• Develop compelling ways to tell the story of the Science Program and its funded projects to different audiences (g., academic; local, state, federal, and tribal government; private sector; non-governmental organizations) through a variety of media (e.g., print, web, social media, video)
• Develop, organize, write, and revise web content for the Science Program website using WordPress (or other similar content management system). Track website and social media analytics
• Lead the development of roll out plans, press releases, and other communication materials as needed
• Manage the collection, use, and archiving of images, video, and audio resources from Science Program funded projects and other activities.
• Stay aware of current and emerging communication and engagement tools and approaches and advise the Science Program on the most effective ways to reach identified audiences
• Support the collection of information on resource management challenges and emerging science needs in the Gulf of Mexico by arranging and facilitating meetings with researchers and resource managers
• Work with others to support the general operation of the Science Program including the execution of funding competitions, management of funded projects, and assessment of program performance

Qualifications

• Master’s degree and at least one year of experience in communications or engagement
• OR a Bachelor’s degree with at least four years of experience in communications or engagement
• Education or experience in the disciplines of natural resource management; marine ecology; physical, chemical, or biological oceanography; environmental sciences; social, behavioral, and economic sciences; or related disciplines is preferred

Experience

• The applicant MUST have prior work experience in developing a communication and engagement strategy as well as planning, implementing, and evaluating communications and engagement projects, preferably from a coastal and ocean research or management organization. The applicant should also have experience in communicating scientific information to diverse audiences. Work samples such as web pages, program announcements or reports, press releases, or similar communications or engagement work products will be requested. 
• Demonstrable public speaking skills
• Writing skills for the development of web content and other types of written communications
• Experience demonstrating effective coordination and the building of positive relationships with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders
• Experience in storytelling is preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent speaking, writing, editing, organizational, communication, and collaboration skills
• Demonstrated ability to work on several projects simultaneously, to shift priorities as needed, and to work productively in a fast-paced, team environment
• Demonstrated attention to detail. Self-starter with timely responsiveness and a service attitude
• Facilitation training and skills preferred
• Knowledge of and experience with the suite of Google collaborative tools, MS Word, PowerPoint, Adobe InDesign, WordPress, social media apps, and website and social media analytics are preferred
• Video and audio production and editing skills preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem and its surrounding communities is preferred
• Ability to coordinate with a diversity of partners and constituents including partners internal to NOAA, State and Federal agencies, academic institutions, not-for-profit organizations, and other entities

Travel

• Occasional travel (~10%) within the Gulf coast region

CSS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer who provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or genetic information. In addition to federal law requirements, CSS complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.