Constituent Outreach Specialist, Louisiana

Baton Rouge or New Orleans, LA

DEPARTMENT: Conservation Programs
REPORTS TO: Deputy Director, Gulf Restoration Program
DURATION: Full-Time

GULF RESTORATION PROGRAM: Ocean Conservancy’s Gulf Restoration program (GRP) is a dynamic initiative focused on the restoration and enhancement of the Gulf of Mexico following the BP Deepwater Horizon oil disaster. Ocean Conservancy has provided strategic leadership in addressing key threats facing the Gulf of Mexico for over two decades. Key accomplishments include successfully promoting the use of fishing gear that reduced incidental taking of endangered Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles, transforming regional fishery management systems to focus on science based management plans that end overfishing and restore depleted fish populations, and launching the largest global volunteer event of its kind—the International Coastal Cleanup. We are now combining our regional expertise with a seasoned team of Exxon Valdez oil spill experts to ensure the effective restoration and enhancement of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem and its dependent communities. The Constituent Outreach Specialist will be based in our Gulf Restoration Center and work in concert with our team of professionals to ensure a science-based and community supported restoration and enhancement effort by building the necessary support amongst decision-makers, fishermen, conservation partners, members of affected communities and others. Ocean Conservancy envisions a healthy and productive Gulf of Mexico that supports resilient ocean ecosystems and coastal communities.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: The Constituent Outreach Specialist is responsible for developing and activating a diverse base of people and organizations in support of a science-based and community supported restoration and enhancement of the Gulf of Mexico following the impacts of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil disaster. The Constituent Outreach Specialist will work with a team of Ocean Conservancy experts to build support amongst regional politicians, business leaders, agency officials, influential commercial and recreational fishermen, along with active ocean/coastal user groups, to advance science-based restoration of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Engaging key external audiences, including a diversity of partners, the conservation community, policy makers, stakeholders and the news media to build urgency and political will to support the full restoration and enhancement of the Gulf, specifically by:
  • Building, cultivating, and mobilizing a regional network of supportive political, business and community leaders, including fishing communities, to ensure they have a strong voice in the restoration and enhancement process.
  • Coordinating efforts with Ocean Conservancy members, activists, partners and ocean/coastal user groups toward science-based restoration of the Gulf
  • Promoting science and solutions-based approaches with key external stakeholders, relevant government agencies and at local community based gatherings.
• Develops innovative and compelling outreach tools, strategies and materials to compel various target audiences to action.
• Builds public support for restoration program goals by developing opportunities for Ocean Conservancy communications specialists to engage local and regional media in support of issues.
• Monitors relevant business, policy and political activity nationally and in Gulf coast states to identify opportunities and challenges to the full restoration of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem.
• Assist in the development of a science-based, community-supported restoration plan and of effective messaging for its full implementation.
• Working collaboratively with other Ocean Conservancy Gulf programs and team members to achieve conservation goals.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in a relevant science or interdisciplinary specialty, management, communications, public policy, or another field closely related to coastal/marine affairs or environmental protection.
• Proven track record of developing effective working relationships with key political, business and community leaders, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico region.
• Two years or more of experience developing effective outreach tools, materials and strategies preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential, as are demonstrated advocacy skills, the ability to mobilize and manage a diverse partner network, and the ability to communicate complex scientific or technical concepts to policy and lay audiences (written samples will be requested).
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in the Gulf of Mexico region.

OTHER/PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• A strategic thinker who can bring the creativity, energy, discipline and commitment needed to help secure restoration and enhancement of the Gulf of Mexico;
• A high-level performer who remains attentive to details and adheres strictly to deadlines and deliverables while keeping a larger vision in mind;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with past success in deepening and leveraging the power of partnerships to affect change and build political will;
• Highly collaborative with an appreciation of the benefit of a multi-disciplinary team approach;
• Personable, passionate, productive, and focused to support accurate, timely, and powerful policy, products, and positions;
• Proven management and fiduciary experience in leveraging available resources effectively to meet program objectives;

BECOMING AN OCEAN CONSERVANCY TEAM MEMBER: The expected start date for this position is ideally September 2010. The Ocean Conservancy offers an excellent benefits package and a competitive salary that is commensurate with experience. We welcome candidates with a dedication to conservation and a commitment to leveraging the power of partnerships for policy change.

Ocean Conservancy staff use and value our resources—time, talent, and money—to achieve powerful gains for the protection of the ocean that sustains all life. We’re dedicated to long-term issues, and we create sustainable solutions based on science, not ideology. We see the big picture and offer realistic solutions to protect the ocean and improve our quality of life. Some things about us you should know:

• Our mission is to inform and inspire. Our strategic communications capacity is prioritized and valued throughout the organization.
• We provide concrete solutions that lead to high-impact results. These include landmark policies like: protecting sea turtles by mandating Turtle Excluder Devices, the establishment of marine protected areas in California, and the protection of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
• We stand on the shoulders of more than 35 years of policy expertise, and we have the longest track record defining priorities and translating science into sound, practical policies that protect our oceans.
• We leverage our strong networks and deep connections. We’ve won the trust of legislators over the years, and our access to key decision-makers in Congress allows us to serve as the voice of the ocean in the halls of power. Our grassroots network helps to amplify our voice across the country.
• We recognize that real leadership means cooperation. We know when to stand firm and when to negotiate on behalf of the ocean to achieve lasting victories.
• We’re committed to creating long-term change. We continue to monitor legislation and policies long after they fall from the front-page headlines to ensure that vital aspects of ocean life are always protected.

APPLY FOR THE POSITION: If you think you have what it takes to fill this critical leadership position on Ocean Conservancy’s team, please send a cover letter speaking to your qualifications and abilities with your resume and salary expectations to: jobs@oceanconservancy.org and note your name and "Constituent Outreach Specialist LA #1018" in the subject line.

Ocean Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.