Ocean Career: NMSF Education and Outreach Associate

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (NMSF), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is a leading voice for US protected waters, is seeking an Education and Outreach Program Associate, a position responsible for supporting the scope of a federal cooperative agreement award between the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) and Inouye Regional Center that focuses on public engagement.

The position is embedded with Inouye Regional Center and is based in Honolulu, Hawaii.

The IRC (Inouye Regional Center) Education and Outreach Program Associate works collaboratively as part of a team led by the IRC Education and Outreach Specialist to develop and coordinate programs for the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation to support the Inouye Regional Center in Honolulu, HI. The IRC Program Associate, in coordination with the IRC Education and Outreach Specialist, works with government, community, and corporate partners to plan, coordinate, and facilitate volunteer and intern activities, and supports the IRC Education and Outreach Specialist in the development, coordination, and implementation of education programs and events. The IRC Program Associate also provides as-needed support for IRC on-site tour programs, off-site outreach events, and volunteer management. Please view this three-minute introductory video for more background information on the IRC.

What You’ll Do

Volunteer Management

  • Recruit volunteers;
  • Assist with onboarding paperwork (including fingerprinting and security clearances, etc.);
  • Oversee and conduct training sessions for new volunteers, develop content for training when needed, and provide regular training opportunities for volunteers;
  • Support volunteers at off-site outreach events; and
  • On occasions when limited volunteers are available, escort and/or conduct school and/or public tours in the IRC.

Administration and Coordination

  • Coordinate logistics for IRC visits with teachers and other tour groups;
  • Update and maintain a database of all volunteers, teachers, interns, and individuals who have participated in IRC programming.
  • Organize, maintain, and restock educational outreach materials, supplies, etc. which include purchasing through the Foundation;
  • Assist with coordination and set up of IRC events (outreach, onsite morale events, lectures, etc.);
  • Learn and assist with workshops, including but not limited to, assembling teacher kits, presentations, volunteer recruitment, and responding to inquiries; and
  • Support the summer intern activities in the region and integrate volunteers into these activities, where appropriate.

Marketing

  • Assist with taking photos/ videos, and obtaining photo releases at IRC events;
  • Develop and write the monthly education and outreach newsletter;
  • Update and maintain the IRC website with information about IRC tours, resources for students and teachers, and upcoming events; and
  • Develop content and strategy for IRC social media, including postings and analytics.

Who You Are

Required skills and qualifications:

  • Ability to work Tuesdays and Thursdays mornings at the IRC, and occasional nights and weekend events. Potential for other weekday mornings as the program expands;
  • Keen attention to detail;
  • Ability to effectively prioritize a variety of competing tasks under strict deadlines;
  • Possesses good judgment, takes initiative, and makes recommendations when needed;
  • Demonstrates excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with volunteers, educators, and community partners;
  • Able to work with flexibility on a variety of projects in tandem with other cross-line program staff and management partners;
  • Ability to work collaboratively within a team or independently;
  • Proficiency with Google Suite, including Google Docs, Sheets, Forms, and Slides.
  • Experience with social media;
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds;
  • Valid driver’s license; and
  • Base access and security clearance (can be done post-hire).

Preferred skills and qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Education, Hawaiian Studies, Science, Communications, or related field;
  • Experience in managing teams and coordinating programs and volunteers;
  • Experience in conducting workshops and evaluating programs;
  • Experience working in communities with diverse cultural and/or socioeconomic backgrounds;
  • Experience in event planning;
  • Hawaiian cultural competency; and
  • Familiarity working with the government and non-government organizations;

Why You Will Love Us

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (“Foundation”) is a leading voice for US 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.

Applications received before January 12th, 2024, will be preferred.

Compensation and Benefits: $20-$25/hour based on experience.

Location: NOAA Inouye Regional Center in Honolulu, HI, and occasional telework.

Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply.

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