Hiring: Community Engagement Specialist (Remote)

About the Position

The Community Engagement Specialist works directly with the SECOORA Deputy Director to effectively capitalize on and evolve the SECOORA regional coastal ocean observing system to meet stakeholder needs. SECOORA is expanding observing assets, specifically the water level, web camera, and wave buoy sensors across North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. The incumbent will also work with the SECOORA Executive Director and other staff, the SECOORA Board and committees, the SECOORA Data Management team, Sea Grant offices within the 4-state region, partners, and stakeholders to develop and implement the SECOORA vision and program with regard to community engagement.

Work Location

The SECOORA main office is in Charleston, South Carolina and our staff work remotely within the Southeast. The Community Engagement Specialist will ideally be based North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, or Florida so they can engage in-person with SECOORA staff and project teams, Sea Grant staff within the Southeast U.S., and community stakeholders. SECOORA is not offering relocation expenses for this role.

Primary Responsibilities

The Community Engagement Specialist will perform a variety of activities, including participant recruitment and community-engaged research focused on environmental data collection (e.g. water level, web camera, and wave data) and community stewardship. This includes the following essential responsibilities:

• Fostering relationships with community leaders, policymakers, and the public, using effective communication strategies to engage scientific and non-scientific partners across diverse, rural, and underserved communities.
• Expanding relationships with stakeholder communities across the southeast to help understand their needs for new ocean and environmental data and data products as well as promoting existing SECOORA data and data products.
• Providing stakeholder feedback to SECOORA staff and the data management team to ensure SECOORA is producing ocean and environmental products and resources that meet community needs.
• Facilitating community meetings and workshops with Sea Grant Partners and other regional partners to promote mutual understanding and knowledge of flood risks and the co-production of data products to help communities manage flood risks.
• Translating marine science into understandable language for diverse audiences through outreach materials, presentations, and engagement.
• Traveling overnight for community engagement across North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
• Engaging beyond the southeast region, specifically by participating on the IOOS Association Equitable Service Delivery Team and community engagement teams.
• Presenting at national meetings and conferences.
• Sharing program impacts across the region and nation through SECOORA social media and newsletters.
• Assisting with other aspects of the SECOORA program and duties as needed to support the organization’s overall growth and goals.

Desired Experience and Skills

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in communications, science, or environmental field plus a minimum of 3-5 years relevant experience focused on outreach and engagement, community relationship building, and working with regionally underserved communities.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, think strategically and develop a vision for collaborative partnerships
• Recognized ability to manage projects strategically, prioritize time, and meet multiple deadlines by maintaining a high level of organization.
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills, including ease in communicating complex concepts in a clear, effective manner for a general audience.
• Experience working across culturally diverse groups.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to facilitate groups with diverse opinions.
• Ability to thrive in and contribute to a positive team environment.
• Experience with creative problem solving.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the Google environment.
• Passion for oceans and people!

How to Apply

Submit a 1-page cover letter, resume (2 pages maximum) to jobs@secoora.org. Contact information for three professional references will be requested after interviews with the top candidates. The search committee will review applications beginning January 15, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled.

Equal Opportunity Employer

SECOORA provides equal employment and contractor opportunities. SECOORA prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.