Engagement and Outreach Manager, Science & Strategy

Oceana Inc • Washington, DC

1d • $72,000 - $85,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Engagement and Outreach Manager serves to build and promote Oceana’s science credibility and profile. They manage policy engagement and science outreach to stakeholders including decision makers, advocacy organizations, and research institutions for the Science & Strategy department. They manage the department’s engagement strategy with stakeholders on key issues including international fisheries management, transparency, climate resilience, and food security; and facilitate opportunities for our experts to speak at private and public events and to the media. They produce and manage content development for outreach products such as policy briefs, factsheets, presentations, newsletters, and blogs for both external and internal audiences. They support Oceana’s Global Marketing & Communications department (MarComm) on Science & Strategy-related media outreach and engagement and on the design and branding of products such as reports and social media assets. They manage two of our external-facing affinity groups, the Oceana Science Advisors and Friends of the Transparent Oceans Initiative (TOI). They monitor the science and related outreach activities of Oceana board members and provide them with support as needed.

The position reports to Science & Strategy’s Senior Director and is based in Washington, D.C but requires flexibility to work with staff and partners across time zones and national borders. Some international travel is anticipated. This is a full-time, exempt position.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in international affairs, public policy, public relations, science communication, or related field and a minimum of five years of on-the-job related experience.
• Experience developing and implementing high-impact outreach and engagement strategies for advocacy campaigns and science-policy research groups.
• Ability to think creatively and produce communications materials, events, workshops, and other outputs, ideally for diverse international groups.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work internationally, cross-culturally, and collaboratively as a team player to coordinate projects 
• Superb writing, editing, and verbal communication skills adaptable to a variety of audiences, but especially the synthesis of technical policy content for lay audiences
• Ability to translate technical science/policy information for target audiences and stakeholders (e.g., news media, government officials, donors, etc.) and the public
• Journalistic writing skills and command of style guidelines 
• Ability to meet strict deadlines and work under pressure while maintaining attention to detail
• Ability to approach problems with a sense of ownership, enthusiasm, and innovation, as well as to spot opportunities in times of ambiguity and change 
• Ability to take initiative in suggesting ways to expand work and responsibilities of the position to help Science & Strategy achieve its goals  
• Full fluency in written and spoken English; additional language(s) competency, such as French, Chinese and Spanish are a plus
• High-level organizational skills and technological proficiency with MS Office suite, cloud collaborative workspace platforms, and contact management systems, all required
• Instills Trust: Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Effective Communication: Understands the value of effective communication. Can deliver messages in a clear, compelling, and concise manner. Actively listens, checks for understanding, and adjusts content and style to meet the needs of different stakeholders.  
• Action Oriented: Makes things happen. Takes on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Plans & Aligns: Skilled at creating plans that are aligned with Oceana’s priorities and that enable individuals and teams to get organized, remain focused, and proceed with confidence.
• Situational Adaptability: Recognizes the need to be flexible and act differently in different situations – bring empathy in times of stress and change, firm direction in times of uncertainty, or diplomacy in times of conflict.  
• Ensures Accountability: Follows through on commitments and makes sure others do the same. Has a reputation for taking ownership and responsibility for decisions, actions, and failures.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in the field of science communications highly desired.
• Familiarity with ocean conservation, fisheries and marine policy, accountability & transparency in governance, equity and justice, international relations, or related field highly desired.
• Knowledge of marine policy issues, especially at the intersection of food security, health & nutrition, and national and international fisheries including distant-water fishing is an asset

Responsibilities

• Stakeholder Engagement: In consultation with Chief Scientist, Senior Director, and other members of the Science & Strategy department, develop and manage dissemination plans for Science & Strategy report launches, publications, videos, and other public-facing assets to engage key stakeholders, partners and funders. Manage high visibility events for Science & Strategy spokespersons. Manage two of our external-facing affinity groups, the Oceana Science Advisors and Friends of the Transparent Oceans Initiative (TOI).
• Content Development and Management: Produce and manage a variety of content for Science & Strategy, including fact sheets, presentations, website content, social media and press materials, and more. Provide editorial and design support to ensure high-quality publications, development materials and internal communications assets.
• Strategy Development and Execution: Manage overall outreach and engagement strategy for Science & Strategy including developing yearly goals and activities including tracking major research-related activities of our scientists and board members. 
• Media, Funder and External Relations: Support Oceana’s global MarComm department in securing interviews and other profile-building opportunities for Oceana experts under our key areas of focus such as distant-water fishing impacts, fish and food security/nutrition, climate adaption and resilience, etc.  Collaborate with Development department to create funding narratives, impact summaries and other materials to support fundraising efforts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees