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

The position is embedded with Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary (HIHWNMS), based in Kīhei, Hawai‘i.

The Maui Program Associate works collaboratively as part of a team led by the HIHWNMS Program Specialist to develop and coordinate outreach and education programs for the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation in support of the HIHWNMS, primarily at the Visitor Center at Kīhei, Maui. The Maui Program Associate, in coordination with the HIHWNMS Program Specialist, works with government, community, and corporate partners to plan, coordinate, and facilitate volunteer activities, and supports the HIHWNMS Program Specialist in the development, coordination, and implementation of education and outreach programs, partnerships, and events. The Program Associate also leads the annual Whale Count on Maui in partnership with Pacific Whale Foundation, and provides as-needed support to statewide efforts, including with Ocean Count, working with the Hawai‘i Island Program Coordinator.

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 group of employees, we can grow and learn better together and achieve our mission to protect the ocean's health, coasts, and Great Lakes for current and future generations.

Volunteer Program Tasks

• Coordinate outreach events with partners and other agencies, and ensure sufficient volunteer participation
• Recruit volunteers, complete required paperwork (including fingerprinting and security clearances), and keep all volunteer paperwork up to date
• Develop content for volunteer training and conduct training sessions for new and existing volunteers
• Create and distribute a monthly volunteer newsletter
• Schedule volunteers for all activities, including turtle patrol, Team Ocean, and other volunteer activities as needed
• Organize volunteer appreciation events
• Ensure that volunteers have the supplies they need, including t-shirts, brochures, name badges, etc.
• Schedule and support volunteers at outreach events
• Support the HIHWNMS Program Specialist in planning and leading volunteer programs and meetings
• Support the HIHWNMS Program Specialist in planning and leading outreach, education, community, and partner events
• Create and maintain a volunteer “bulletin board” and social/training room for volunteers
• Maintain a comprehensive database of all HIHW volunteers (including Kaua‘i, Oahu, Hawai‘i Island)
• Maintain and report volunteer data, including hours and volunteer numbers

Visitor Center Tasks

• Open and close Visitor Center and Kīhei campus buildings that are used for public and/or volunteer events
• Oversee volunteers in the Visitor Center, and if no volunteers are available, staff the Visitor Center
• Maintain and restock brochures, supplies, etc. in the Visitor Center

Other Duties as assigned including, but not limited to,

• Assist with Ocean Count and lead Maui Whale Count training, including assembling training packets, giving presentations to site leaders, recruiting and securing volunteers, and responding to inquiries
• Update and create new outreach materials as needed for HIHWNMS
• Assist with coordination, set up, and clean-up of Sanctuary events (lectures, movies, Whale Tales, etc.)
• Develop and post social media content, and collect and report analytics
• Serve as the HIHWNMS website point of contact for regional and HQ staff
• Assist with research and/or response efforts as needed
• Support school groups as needed
• Completes other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Education, Hawaiian Studies, Biology, Communications, or related field; or equivalent amount of relevant experience
• Experience running a volunteer program or overseeing/managing multiple staff/volunteers
• Ability to communicates effectively with staff, volunteers, educators, and community partners
• Able to keep calm under pressure and solve problems collaboratively and effectively
• Excellent attention to details, able to effectively prioritize a variety of competing tasks under strict timelines, and meet multiple deadlines and approval processes
• Demonstrates good judgment, takes initiative, and makes recommendations to solve problems
• Possesses excellent written and oral communications skills
• Able to work on a variety of projects in tandem with other ONMS program staff and management partners
• Able to work independently and also with a team to accomplish HIHWNMS objectives
• Available to work nights, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to work outdoors and lift up to 50 pounds
• Knowledge of and proficiency with word processing suites (i.e., Word, Excel, Google Drive, etc.)
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass drivers training course to operate federal vehicles
• Regular attendance required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Hawaiian culture and experience working with local communities on Maui or in Hawai‘i
• Three to five (3-5) years of experience in volunteer management and programs or volunteer coordination
• Experience conducting/facilitating workshops, evaluating programs, and working in communities with diverse cultural and/or socioeconomic backgrounds
• Experience in event planning
• Familiarity working with the government and non-government organizations
• Experience working on boats

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.

• 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

Location: Kihei, HI

Compensation and Benefits: $47-$52K/year based on experience. The Foundation offers a competitive benefits package.

Applications received by February 19, 2024 will be preferred.

Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply.