Under the direction of the Associate Director of Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute (OECI), plan and execute the biannual NOAA Ocean Exploration Forum.

Responsible for innovating new ways to engage and bring together the community for the Forum. Surrounding the event, lead the outreach within the community and with the public to ensure the results of the Forum are spread widely. At the conclusion of the event, lead the writing of the report which is the written legacy of the event and a community reference for future ocean exploration strategic planning.

Assist in the Forum’s bringing together the ocean exploration community to develop strategic recommendations for NOAA’s Office of Ocean Exploration and Research. Lead the writing, compilation, and construction of a comprehensive report post event. Track and quantify the impact of the Forum’s recommendations on policy and funding decisions across the community. Plan additional ocean exploration outreach and events such as the monthly OECI Colloquium, advise on official protocol, coordinate support for OECI Interns at URI, and assist the Executive Office with travel administration.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan, coordinate, and implement highly visible ocean exploration events both on and off campus, virtual and in person. These may include, but are not limited to, the biannual NOAA Ocean Exploration Forum, Outreach and Engagement activities, Congressional visits, programmatic reviews, proposal planning meetings, conferences, OECI Colloquium, ship visits, and other events/programs as assigned.
• Lead the writing of a comprehensive report following the biannual Ocean Exploration Forum. This report is akin to a NOAA Strategic Document.
• Track the impact of report recommendations across the ocean science community. Through active community engagement, identify and take advantage of opportunities to reference the forum report to influence community decision making.
• Coordinate meetings with clients, stakeholders, and committees to strategize and define event, program, and objectives including, but not limited to, budget, program messaging, logistics, target audience, and speaking programs.
• Advise on protocol for events hosted by the OECI or attended by OECI personnel and liaise with URI Legislative Affairs. Understand the rules of behavior and norms one should follow when hosting or interacting with government officials or other organizational leaders/representatives; this also may comprise matters of cultural etiquette.
• Identify potential venues for events and provide recommendations based on a thorough understanding of the event’s objectives, budget, parking, and proximity to lodging/dining/government facilities. Prior to the event, lead a site visit to verify existing conditions and participate in negotiations with the vendors to secure the location and services.
• Develop and implement event marketing strategies through electronic, web, social media, and print. Build and manage targeted invitation lists for each event and program. Ensure any content shared elevates the goals of the event and NOAA, URI, the OECI and our partners. Review and coordinate final approval for any content not under the authority of the OECI.
• Identify goals and objectives for all support personnel associated with any event. Ensure support staff have the resources required to put on the event safely and efficiently.
• Manage all OECI staff travel.
• Coordinate the logistics and financial support for any OECI interns at URI. Coordinate with the GSO mentors to whom the interns are assigned to cover any academic needs. Coordinate with the mentors and interns to ensure everything else related to the student experience (beyond academics) is also coordinated.
• Plan and execute a monthly OECI Colloquium, which is a monthly virtual event consisting of short presentations from OECI performers.
• Organize who presents when and ensure the presenter provides their presentation, a short write up, and imagery if applicable.
• Develop and publish a monthly digital newsletter for OECI, which is a synopsis of the Colloquium plus any additional news items as determined by NOAA OER and the OECI.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Licenses, Tools, and Equipment:

• Personal computers, printers, word processing, database management and spreadsheet software. Google Suite. Adobe.

Required Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science or Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) related field with a minimum five years of experience in a Marine Science or STEM related field, OR, advanced degree in a STEM related field with a minimum two years of experience in a Marine Science or STEM related field.
2. Demonstrated experience in STEM engagement, science communication activities (written and verbal skills) and/or event planning.
3. Demonstrated experience planning, organizing, and implementing multi-faceted events and programs.
4. Demonstrated experience creating marketing strategies (including electronic, print, and social media).
5. Demonstrated strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
6. Demonstrated proficiency in written communication skills.
7. Demonstrated ability to engage and build professional relationships with colleagues, students, volunteers, and constituents.
8. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
9. Demonstrated attention to detail.
10. Demonstrated experience with Google Suite of web-based applications and Adobe tools.
11. Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.
12. Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups/populations.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Advanced degree in Marine Science or other STEM-related field.
2. Minimum five years of experience as a science communication lead and/or lead planner for high profile or large-scale events, especially in a higher education or non-profit setting.
3. Demonstrated ability to represent the OECI with both internal and external stakeholders.
4. Demonstrated experience planning higher education or non-profit organization special events.

Salary: $60,008–$90,497

Closing date: First consideration will be given to applications received by October 23, 2023. Applications received after October 23, 2023, may not be given full consideration.

Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply.