Manager, Science Outreach

LOCATION: Washington, DC or Santa Cruz, CA
DEPARTMENT: Ocean Acidification
REPORTS TO: Director, Ocean Acidification
DURATION: Full-time

Learn More About the Position:
The Science Outreach Manager position is responsible for providing scientific leadership on an effort that includes Ocean Conservancy, the greater ocean conservation and scientific communities, and industry partners to raise visibility about the challenge of ocean acidification and actions at the local, state and national level to address this problem. The incumbent will work with the ocean acidification team to synthesize, translate and deploy the growing ocean acidification scientific knowledge base across a range of efforts to raise awareness and support for action on ocean acidification. This position will support the Director by ensuring the program builds upon its strong relationship with the scientific community, and ensuring that all program materials and strategies are based on the most recent and relevant science. This position will work in close partnership with the ocean acidification program manager, other members of Ocean Conservancy’s science team, and with members of the Government Relations and Marketing and Communications departments.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Track, analyze, and synthesize scientific developments related to ocean acidification and the impacts of climate change on the ocean, with a focus on identifying findings and scientists that can advance awareness, understanding, and support for action on ocean acidification. Keep the ocean acidification team, Ocean Conservancy’s science staff and external partners updated on emerging findings and related opportunities in a timely fashion.
• Develop and maintain a network of ocean acidification scientists who could serve as a resource to the industry and conservation community working on ocean acidification.
• Cultivate scientific voices in support of local and regional action on ocean acidification, including academics, agency leads, and NGO partners. Work with Ocean Conservancy communication staff and external consultants and partners to elevate and showcase relevant research in local, regional, and national media.
• Develop scientific materials for the ocean acidification and other Ocean Conservancy programs, including, but not limited to, white papers, internal memos, factsheets for the public and policy-makers, and other synthesis documents. Items designed for public dissemination should have an emphasis on visually powerful media and utilize digital communication tools.
• Implement long-term strategic work plans designed to further communication, policy and conservation goals of Ocean Conservancy and its partners.
• Develop online materials for Ocean Conservancy and its partners’ work on ocean acidification, including blogs, Face book posts, tweets, and other web materials, all with an eye toward advancing the program’s communication goals.

Required Qualifications:

• Masters or Ph.D. level degree in marine sciences, environmental management, conservation, or other relevant field required. Education, training or experience in science communications strongly preferable.
• Demonstrated experience in the relevant scientific discipline with proven experience in cultivating collaborative efforts and partnerships across a range of organizations, and/or stakeholders.
• Proven ability to understand complex science concepts, including oceanography, ocean chemistry and the impact of carbon on ocean processes.
• Proven ability to synthesize and translate these concepts to non-technical audiences. Superior written and oral communication skills are a must. Exceptionally strong grammar and editing skills required.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively and appropriately to diverse audiences on complex topics.
• Knowledge of or experience with emerging ocean acidification issues, science, and/or policies is needed.
• Ability to work in fast-paced communications environment and produce high quality work in tight time frames. Ability to respond to requests or move a project forward without time for in-depth research.
• Highly collaborative with an appreciation of the benefit of a multi-disciplinary team approach.
• Familiarity with public policy, communications, conservation and the non-profit sector preferred.
• Good relationship-builder capable of making and sustaining credible contacts among scientists, stakeholders, other technical experts and the media.

APPLY FOR THE POSITION:
If you think you have what it takes to join Ocean Conservancy's team, please send a cover letter speaking to your qualifications and abilities along with your resume and salary expectations to: jobs@oceanconservancy.org and note your name and "Manager, Science Outreach #1318" in the subject line.

Ocean Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.