Ocean Career: TBEP Science Communication Coordinator

The Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP) is seeking qualified candidates for a full-time Science Communication Coordinator position. The successful applicant will have demonstrated experience and effectiveness in: 1) distilling complex science for non-technical audiences; 2) applying the principles of storytelling using a variety of media formats; and 3) building authentic, long-lasting relationships within the greater Tampa Bay community. Primary responsibilities will include managing the organization’s website, content creation, branding, marketing, and media presence to enhance science literacy, raise visibility of the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, and build support for protecting and restoring the Tampa Bay watershed. Experience with local, state, and federal government grant programs is a plus.

Responsibilities:

  • Distills scientific research findings and bay health indicators to the interested public. Writes, edits, and oversees the production of e-newsletters, content kits, fact sheets, reports, key messages, web content, social media shareables, infographics, video explainers, and other print/digital materials.
  • Cultivates a unique voice and visual identity consistent with TBEP’s mission, vision and values. Maintains branding guidelines and provides graphic design resources for internal consistency.
  • While TBEP uses artificial intelligence for certain aspects of our work, its application will not drive the distillation, creation or development of a unique science communication presence by the successful applicant.
  • Oversees annual communications budget of ~$50,000 and coordinates with contracted service providers to support various communications initiatives, which may include preparing requests for proposals, reviewing bids, issuing purchase orders, approving invoices, and tracking project expenditures.
  • Manages the organization’s primary website. Collects and analyzes web analytics and similar data; identifies opportunities to improve accessibility, search engine optimization (SEO), time on site, web traffic, and other relevant metrics.
  • Manages the organization’s presence on social media channels, including working with other staff/partners/influencers to generate content and using appropriate software services to plan, schedule, and track performance.
  • Provides formal and informal presentations to community groups, neighborhood. associations, primary and secondary schools and universities, and/or underserved populations. Participates in relevant regional working groups.
  • Manages TBEP’s archive of photographs and video content. Develops relationships with filmmakers, photographers, podcasters, illustrators, and animators to grow TBEP’s science storytelling portfolio.
  • Builds relationships with journalists in the region, responding to requests for interviews, providing on-camera remarks, coordinating staff interactions with media personnel, and maintaining records of published coverage. Prepares and distributes press releases and organizes press conferences, as appropriate.
  • Develops, implements, and reports progress on a five-year strategic communication plan to promote TBEP projects and programs in accordance with the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) and Strategic Plan using a variety of tools and tactics to engage various target audiences.
  • Coordinates promotional marketing campaigns using contractors, Google Ads, local news media advertising, billboards, and/or email marketing/database management software.
  • Coordinates special events and fundraisers, as needed.
  • Provides cross-functional support to the TBEP Community Advisory Committee, Give-A-Day for the Bay volunteer program, experiential education, participatory science, behavior change, and other grantmaking initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSAs):

  • Demonstrated excellence in writing, proofreading, and editing.
  • Knowledge of Tampa Bay-specific environmental, restoration, and conservation issues and the ability to distill complex science topics into public-friendly campaigns that span multiple mediums.
  • Knowledge of the principles of graphic design and visual storytelling.
  • Knowledge of website management, analytics, design, and best practices.
  • Knowledge of current trends and best practices across a variety of social media channels.
  • Ability to facilitate consensus and comfort engaging with diverse stakeholders and partners, including community groups and associations, primary and secondary schools and universities, and/or underserved populations.
  • Ability to manage projects, including coordinating with administrative staff on procurement, financial accounting, and reporting.
  • A self-motivated, entrepreneurial individual with the ability to work independently, efficiently, and with limited oversight.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and ability to multitask across topical issues.
  • A valid U.S. driver’s license.


Preferred:

  • Basic knowledge of the TBEP; our mission and strategic plan; and the TBEP governance structure.
  • Experience with content management systems, such as WordPress and Divi Builder.
  • Experience with Google Workspace, Google Tag Manager, and ConstantContact.
  • Familiarity with project management software, such as SmartSheet.
  • Familiarity with open science principles and willingness to learn open source tools for media production, such as GIMP, Scribus, Inkscape and/or GitHub.

Qualifications:

Degree from an accredited university or college in one of the arts, humanities, natural or social sciences, including but not limited to journalism, public interest communications, marketing, environmental policy, English, or a related field; and

  • Bachelor’s (as described above) and at least seven years experience; or
  • Master’s (as described above) and at least five years experience; or
  • An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.


Salary range: $65,000-$75,000

Application review begins September 17, 2025

Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply.

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