Job Opportunity: Outreach and Communications Specialist, New England

Outreach & Communications Specialist: Northeastern Regional Association for Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (NERACOOS)

The Northeastern Regional Association for Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (NERACOOS) is a non-profit organization that is one of eleven regional associations comprising the coastal component of the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing Systems (IOOS). NERACOOS’s mission is (1) to lead the development, implementation, operation, and evaluation of a sustained, regional coastal ocean observing system for the northeast United States and Canadian Maritime provinces, as part of the United States IOOS; (2) to promote the development and dissemination of data and data products that meet the needs of end users; and, (3) to advocate for the regional, national, and global ocean observing system through education and outreach.

Job Description: The Outreach & Communications Specialist will work with the Executive Director and other NERACOOS staff and partners to implement a range of processes and products to improve NERACOOS’ internal and external communications.

Examples of task to be performed include:

• Engage with individuals and groups who use ocean observing system information to define the scope of information required and appropriate framing of its delivery.

• Create a NERACOOS “internal communication strategy” to coordinate and leverage the efforts of NERACOOS partners and to help them engage with target audiences.

• Craft a set of targeted “key messages” and incorporate these into the NERACOOS website design and other outreach products.

• Establish collaborations with other regional experts to leverage common goals and activities to help promote stewardship of the Northeast’s watersheds and coastal waters.

• Produce a short monthly newsletter for distribution via an email contact list.

• Develop one-pagers, web content, newsletter items, and press releases that improve NERACOOS’ visibility to our members, stakeholders, key decision-makers and other interested parties.

• Support the NERACOOS Education and Outreach (E & O) Working Group and work closely with the New England Ocean Sciences Education Collaborative (NEOSEC).

• Prepare and maintain project plans, records and reports.

Position Location: The Outreach & Communications Specialist will be located offsite from the NERACOOS office on the coast at the Seacoast Science Center in Rye, NH.

Required Expertise and Skills: The successful contractor must:

• Be able to work within the framework of a diverse, region-wide organization.

• Be able to work effectively with NERACOOS’ Executive Director, professional staff, and organizational committees to develop a range of informational materials.

• Have successful experience in a relevant, technical discipline that permits understanding of ocean observing system elements and the ability to work across diverse sectors.

• Demonstrate excellent technical writing skills; print layout and graphics skills are a plus.

• Possess excellent speaking, writing, editing, computer, and presentation skills.

• Demonstrate knowledge of regional media outlets and methods for establishing effective working relationships with key media contacts.

• Have a willingness and ability to travel within the NERACOOS region to attend and support stakeholder workshops and organizational meetings.

Qualifications: The successful candidate must have:

• At least a Bachelors degree in a relevant discipline, and/or equivalent professional experience.

• (Preferably) A strong understanding of ocean or coastal issues, science, and policy.

• Ability to work closely with a small, regional staff.

Compensation: Commensurate with experience. It is anticipated that this will be a half-time position with the initial timeframe of one year and may be extended depending on funding availability.

Application Date: By August 15, 2010 or until individual is identified.

To apply: Please submit cover letter addressing skills and qualifications, a formal resume (not exceeding two pages), examples of technical writing, and a list of three professional references (name, title, address, and phone number). Printed or emailed proposals and supporting information are acceptable. Emailed applications must be in PDF file format. FAXED proposals will notbe accepted.

Cassie Durette

Attn: NERACOOS Outreach & Communications Specialist Position

Northeastern Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (NERACOOS)

Seacoast Science Center

570 Ocean Blvd.

Rye, NH 03870, USA.

Prefer email applications to Cassie.Durette@neracoos.org ; put NERACOOS Communication and Outreach Specialist in subject line.

For additional details on Regional Associations (RAs) coastal ocean observing programs see the following web sites:

NOAA IOOS http://ioos.gov/

NERACOOS http://www.neracoos.org

National Federation of Regional Associations (NFRA) http://www.usnfra.org

NEOSEC http://www.neosec.org/

The mission of NERACOOS is to make available information to those who use these waters. We provide weather and ocean data to fishers and commercial shippers determining if conditions are safe for passage and to emergency managers issuing storm warnings. We are also advancing efforts to use these data for water quality monitoring, harmful algal bloom predictions and warnings, and coastal flooding and erosion forecasting systems.

NERACOOS

570 Ocean Boulevard

Rye, NH

http://www.neracoos.org