Return ‘Em Right Outreach Coordinator (Project Specialist I)

Texas A&M University System • Galveston, TX

2d • $65,000 - $70,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Texas Sea Grant is seeking a full-time Return ‘Em Right Outreach Coordinator (Project Specialist I) with extensive saltwater recreational fishing experience and a strong knowledge of sustainable fishing practices, including techniques for addressing barotrauma in reef fish. The ideal candidate is an effective communicator who is comfortable engaging with fishing industry members. This role will be responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating outreach and communication campaigns that increase understanding and adoption of best fishing practices that reduce catch-and-release mortality. This position requires strong public speaking and interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with fishing communities throughout the Gulf Coast. Based in Galveston and covering Texas and Louisiana coastal areas, the coordinator will serve as a regional ambassador for the Return ‘Em Right Program and will collaborate closely with Sea Grant programs as part of the project team. Please note: This position is funded from grant and/or contract funding, which is renewed through provisions of the grantor of the contract. Therefore, this position is contingent upon continuation of funding from these grants and/or contracts, as well as satisfactory job performance.

Requirements

• Bachelors degree or any equivalent combination of training and experience.
• No prior experience required.
• Must be willing to obtain saltwater fishing licenses in Texas and Louisiana.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in fisheries, marine science, natural resource management, or relevant field.
• Experience coordinating, developing, and/or delivering outreach, education, or stakeholder engagement programs for recreational fishing communities.
• Experience working with fishing communities in Texas and/or Louisiana, or other Gulf of America areas.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Gulf of America recreational saltwater fisheries.
• Extensive recreational saltwater and reef fish angling experience, including knowledge of target fish species, fishing gear, and handling practices.
• Knowledge of barotrauma and best release practices.
• Experience collaborating with state or federal fisheries management agencies, nonprofit organizations, Sea Grant programs, and/or fishing industry partners.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including public speaking.
• Experience facilitating or coordinating meetings, workshops, trainings, and/or public events involving various stakeholder groups.
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to occasionally work outside of normal working hours and weekends, may require some domestic travel.
• Knowledge of Gulf of America fisheries management.
• Ability to communicate effectively through presentations, trainings, public speaking, and written communications.
• Ability to build and sustain partnerships.
• Skill in facilitating meetings, resolving conflicts, and engaging constructively with varied audiences.
• Ability to organize and conduct outreach and educational programming across Texas and Louisiana coastal communities.
• Experience using social media and communications tools to support outreach and education.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, implement, and evaluate Return ‘Em Right outreach and education programming across Texas and Louisiana in collaboration with Texas Sea Grant, Louisiana Sea Grant, and other project partners.
• Assist in managing project budget and preparing contracts under the direction of the program director.
• Support implementation of strategic outreach and communications plans that advance Return ‘Em Right program objectives in the Western Gulf.
• Serve as an active participant in project-related work groups and committees.
• Participate in project development meetings, collaborating with team members to establish and accomplish program goals and objectives.
• Serve as a regional ambassador for the Return ‘Em Right Program in the Western Gulf of America.
• Develop educational resources, outreach materials, and stakeholder engagement activities related to barotrauma mitigation and fish descending devices (FDDs).
• Develop, conduct, and implement educational workshops, presentations, trainings, and outreach events that promote awareness and adoption of best practices that reduce catch and-release mortality associated with barotrauma and promote the use of FDDs.
• Conduct stakeholder engagement at fishing expos, fishing tournaments, industry meetings, podcasts, and other public engagement opportunities.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with fisheries stakeholders, coastal communities, and partner organizations.
• Represent Sea Grant and Return ‘Em Right at outreach events, conferences, and meetings.
• Develop outreach and promotional content for social media, newsletters, videos, photography, and digital communications platforms.
• Coordinate messaging and outreach materials with project partners.
• Disseminate Return ‘Em Right marketing and educational campaigns to engage fishing industry members in the Western Gulf.
• Assist in monitoring progress toward achievement of project goals.
• Assist with reporting, evaluation, budget tracking, and documentation of project activities and impacts.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums.
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays.
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
• Free exercise programs and release time.
• All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more.
• Employee Tuition Assistance and Educational Release time for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree