James River Association - Coastal Restoration Engagement and Outreach Coordinator
About The Position
The James River Association (JRA), a nonprofit focused on protecting the James River and connecting people to it, is hiring a full-time Coastal Restoration Engagement and Outreach Coordinator for a two-year position, with potential for extension if funding and alignment permit. The role is based in the Williamsburg region of Virginia and uses a hybrid work arrangement, with work split between field and outreach activities and office work. The employee may telework from home and/or work from JRA’s Williamsburg office. The position supports JRA’s Coastal Restoration program, which advances resilient shoreline protection in the tidal James River watershed through nature-based infrastructure such as living shorelines. The program works with property owners by providing technical assistance and cost-share support, and convenes the Living Shoreline Collaborative to build and share knowledge, increase capacity, and improve acceptance of living shorelines. The coordinator will also support expansion of the River Hero Homes program into the lower James River region in collaboration with JRA’s Community Conservation Team. The role includes creating educational and marketing content, conducting community outreach, coordinating Collaborative meetings and events, and maintaining communications resources. It may involve driving to partner meetings and JRA living shoreline projects across the area from Hampton Roads to Charles City County. JRA provides access to a laptop and supplies needed for shoreline assessments. The position reports to the Assistant Director of Coastal Restoration.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in an environmental or related field, or at least four years of relevant equivalent experience.
- Experience in or strong familiarity with marsh ecosystems, oyster reefs, coastal restoration, and/or green infrastructure.
- Experience presenting scientific information to a non-technical audience.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
- Ability to pass pre-employment background checks and participate in JRA’s random drug testing policy for vehicle operators and attendants.
- Ability to work outdoors in coastal and marsh environments in varying weather, stand for extended periods, walk on uneven terrain, and occasionally lift and carry materials or equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to track multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.
- Ability to work independently, solve problems, and manage time effectively.
- Strong computer skills, particularly with word processing, record-keeping, and file management, including Microsoft Word and Excel and Google Suite.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills for working with community members, volunteers, property owners, government staff, and environmental practitioners.
- Strong public speaking skills and ability to create outreach materials such as flyers and presentations.
Nice To Haves
- One to two or more years of experience in environmental restoration, research, policy, coastal resiliency, or a related discipline.
- Experience working in or studying living shorelines, marshes, or oyster reefs through research, design, permitting, installation, or science communication.
- Experience conducting outreach to support environmental initiatives.
- Experience coordinating events or convening groups.
- Experience building and maintaining relationships with environmental practitioners and/or coastal residents.
- Experience with relevant software or programs such as Canva or similar tools, MailChimp, and Geographic Information System (GIS).
Responsibilities
- Develop and contribute educational content about living shorelines and green infrastructure in formats such as social media, websites, mailings, newsletters, flyers, and videos.
- Lead or support outreach events for living shoreline and green infrastructure projects, including community presentations and event tabling.
- Review outreach efforts, identify gaps, and use findings to inform targeted outreach for living shoreline installation and green infrastructure programs.
- Summarize data and community feedback gathered through outreach programs, events, and mailed surveys.
- Support or co-lead targeted outreach to increase awareness of the River Hero Homes program in the lower James River watershed.
- Support planning and coordination of three annual Living Shoreline Collaborative public meetings, including proposing topics or speakers, communicating with speakers and participants, planning, and event setup.
- Support monthly Living Shoreline Collaborative Steering Committee meetings through planning, facilitation support, and note-taking.
- Help maintain the Living Shoreline Collaborative website, produce its monthly newsletter, and create general event marketing and living shoreline awareness resources.
- Perform other assigned duties, such as water quality monitoring or activities promoting and stewarding living shorelines and green infrastructure.
Benefits
- Fully paid employee-only health and dental coverage.
- Life and long-term disability insurance.
- Paid time off starting at four weeks per year.
- Twelve paid holidays.
- 401(k) matched contributions.
- Professional development and growth opportunities.
- Hybrid and flexible work environment.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
