National Marine Sanctuary Foundation seeks Sanctuary Constituent Engagement Specialist

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is a leading voice for U.S. protected waters, is seeking a Sanctuary Constituent Engagement Specialist, a position responsible for: 1) coordinating the activities of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS) Advisory Council (SAC), which provides input on relevant issues related to the management of the Sanctuary, and 2) coordinating education and outreach activities with various constituencies of FGBNMS, with the goal of building sanctuary awareness and community stewardship of sanctuary resources.

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is committed to a culture of inclusion, equity, and belonging. We are dedicated to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We honor experiences, perspectives, and unique identities, and welcome the contributions that you can bring to the dedicated team. With a diverse team of employees, we can grow and learn better together and achieve our mission to protect the health of the ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes for current and future generations.

 What You’ll Do

• Act as the primary point of contact for the SAC.  Facilitate all aspects of SAC-related activities, including organization and scheduling of meetings, preparation of agendas and meeting materials, publication of meeting announcements, and completion of meeting summaries and minutes.
• Facilitate communication between the SAC, Sanctuary management and the public on behalf of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, in concert and coordination with FGBNMS.
• Maintain information on the Sanctuary website related to SAC activities and issues.  Prepare written evaluation of SAC-related issues.
• Assist in recruitment of representatives of constituent or user groups, and relevant governmental agencies on the SAC as positions become vacant.
• Plan and implement activities, events, and programs that provide opportunities for community engagement with the Sanctuary. Represent the Sanctuary at community events.
• Conduct presentations for various interest groups to build awareness of Sanctuary habitats, wildlife, and management activities. 
• Provide training to educators, naturalists, and other partners to help develop their abilities to share Sanctuary information with additional audiences. 
• Coordinate the Sanctuary’s Ocean Guardian Schools program. Build relationships with participating schools and monitor their progress in implementing program activities and meeting annual requirements. 
• Represent the Sanctuary on national cross-cutting teams such as Recreation and Tourism, Visitor Services, and Volunteers.

Who You Are 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university (preferably in Marine Science, Zoology, Environmental and/or Science Education or a related field). 
• 3-5 years of experience working with volunteer programs. 

• Knowledge and experience managing volunteer programs including planning, recruitment, supervision, and recognition. 
• Ability to communicate effectively with people who have diverse skills/interests and match those with the needs of the sanctuary. 
• Comfortable with public speaking, including the ability to speak fluently and persuasively about the demands and challenges at the Sanctuary.
• Excellent writing skills including editing, technical writing, reports, and social media products.
• Excellent computer skills and proficiency in MS Office components.  Competency in both PC and Macintosh computers with skills in MS Office and other business software.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with a state or federal resource management agency.

Why You Will Love Us

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (“Foundation”) is a leading voice for U.S. protected waters, working with communities to conserve and expand those special places for a healthy ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes. The Foundation works in close partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to increase stewardship of our ocean and Great Lakes through on-the- water conservation projects, and education and public outreach activities, and by support for research. Together, we safeguard species and the places they call home, and support coastal communities and economies. 

• Dedicated and passionate staff committed to marine and Great Lakes Conservation
• Generous leave policy, plus paid time off the week between December 25 and January 1; and 12 paid holidays
• Health benefits: Medical with an FSA option; dental, and vision
• Foundation paid Life and Disability Insurance
• Preparing for the Future: 403(B) with employer contribution after one year of service
• Commuter Benefits

Compensation and Benefits: $35-$40/hour, based on experience.  The Foundation offers a competitive benefits package.

Applications: Apply here.

Applications received by May 31 will be preferred.

 Location: FGBNMS Headquarters, Galveston, TX 

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This commitment applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, and training. The Foundation makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.