Ocean Associates Inc. (OAI) seeks a full-time Outreach Coordinator to support the NOAA Ocean Service Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS) in Silver Spring, MD.
OAI is a Virginia corporation established in 2003 that provides consulting and technical services to the U.S. government, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and the private sector. We specialize in scientific program and project management, strategic planning, professional and technical services and stakeholder engagement, supporting government contracts.
CO-OPS is the authoritative source for accurate, reliable, and timely tides, water levels, currents, and other coastal oceanographic and meteorological information. Offering services that support safe and efficient maritime commerce and transportation, help protect public health and safety, and promote robust, resilient coastal communities. CO-OPS maintains ocean observing infrastructure, including more than 200 permanent water level stations on the U.S. coasts and Great Lakes, an integrated system of real-time sensors concentrated in busy seaports, and temporary meters that collect observations for tidal current predictions. Through these systems, CO-OPS provides the nation with historic and real-time data, forecasts, predictions, and scientific analyses that protect life, the economy, and the environment on the coast.
RESPONSIBILITIES, REQUIREMENTS:
- Provide support for internal and external communications, stakeholder engagement, outreach, and technical assistance.
- Communications, engagement, and outreach support requires identifying stakeholders (e.g., end users, partners, and other audiences), developing focused and strategic engagement plans, including key messages and questions, executing those plans, and using input gained to inform product or service delivery improvements.
- Stakeholder engagement responsibilities may include developing partnerships, designing, and implementing engagement tactics (e.g., surveys, focus groups, and interviews), developing and facilitating engagement workshops, and communicating findings.
- Specific outreach and engagement responsibilities include developing and disseminating the CO-OPS News and Updates information product, writing website content, designing and producing graphics, photos, videography, and social media outreach material, developing written communication products, assisting with digital newsletters and stakeholder outreach, managing CO-OPS’ inventory of hardcopy outreach materials (e.g., one-pagers and rack cards), developing and coordinating the CO-OPS exhibiting plan, maintaining an inventory of exhibit displays, identifying audiences and targeted messaging, developing communications plans, and providing risk-based communication and messaging regarding oceanographic products.
- Technical assistance responsibilities include serving as a liaison between external partners and CO-OPS subject-matter experts for technical support and training regarding observing system installation and maintenance, oceanographic data processing and analysis, datum computation, coastal decision-support applications, and NOS standards, specifications, and processes.
- Technical assistance also may include responding to users’ data and product requests, creating training materials, and providing outreach on CO-OPS products and services to users and partners.
Required Qualifications/Skills
- Master's degree in oceanography, marine science, social science, communications, or related discipline, plus 4 years of experience
- Candidates with a degree in social science or communications must have demonstrated understanding of coastal and ocean science.
- Superior interpersonal skills, particularly with respect to engaging stakeholders and building professional networks.
- Strong oral and written communication skills, as well as a demonstrated ability to work well independently and as part of a team, are required.
- Demonstrated ability to organize and self-manage workload, collaborate with others, and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work effectively both individually and collaboratively in a team/group setting.
- Ability to receive constructive feedback and implement appropriate action.
Location: Silver Spring, MD
Salary and Benefits: Full time. Salary commensurate with experience. Generous employee benefits
