Outreach Support Coordinator

INTRODUCTION

Connecticut Sea Grant, at the University of Connecticut, invites applications for an Outreach Support Coordinator. This grant-funded position is annually renewable. We are seeking a candidate with experience in communications and outreach and interest in Long Island Sound. The position will be housed within the Connecticut Sea Grant.

The Outreach Support Coordinator and member of Connecticut Sea Grant will report to the Director/Associate Director of Connecticut Sea Grant. The position will be located at the UConn Avery Point office.

Founded in 1881, UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state’s flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. Record numbers of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become extraordinarily selective.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate will work in collaboration with the Long Island Sound Study Outreach Coordinators and Communications, Outreach, and Education Workgroup, to:

Support regular communication between Long Island Sound Study (LISS) workgroups, community partners, and the public via newsletters

Newsletters will be disseminated digitally and will highlight LISS and LISS partner successes, current events, and engagement opportunities.

Work with the LISS Science Communicator to develop a digital volunteer newsletter highlighting opportunities for stewardship along Long Island Sound.

Manage a database of contact information for LISS partners and the public

Create and manage the online educational resource catalog

Work with the LISS Science Communicator to support LISS social media accounts

Provide general backend updates and maintenance work on the LISS website/manage portal (no programming)

Provide support to CT and NY Outreach Coordinators with project development, including, among others:

Stormwater campaign

Hypoxia communication toolkit

Population story map online tool

Create and manage a current and comprehensive calendar of events and programs from across the NY and CT watershed.

Provide general event support as needed.

Participate in the Communications, Outreach, and Education (COE) Workgroup

Participate in COE core team meetings

Provide meeting support/assistance to the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) and provide general support to other LISS workgroups.

Meeting logistics

Meeting notes

Managing listserv

Provide metric tracking support for LISS program reporting.

Track performance metrics for the new Informed and Engaged Public theme in the Long Island Sound Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP)

Track metrics in COEs five-year strategic plan

Work collaboratively with LISS partner organizations to obtain reporting data.

As a member of the Connecticut Sea Grant, the coordinator will meet regularly with his/her supervisor and attend CTSG staff meetings.

The successful candidate will work with other communications, outreach, and education staff and partner organizations in a multidisciplinary team environment to support the delivery of audience-appropriate programs and related materials, set up program sites and meeting rooms for the presentation of programs that could include transporting, lifting and moving boxes of educational and/or program materials as well as tables, chairs, etc. as needed.

The position will require regular visits to program site locations throughout the Long Island Sound region; periodic out-of-state travel may be necessary.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Earned bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Minimum two years of related experience.

Demonstrated strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a team.

Ability to travel in and out of state as needed.

Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings/weekends, as required to reach target audiences.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Five or more years of related experience.

Strong writing skills.

Strong organizational skills.

Experience with web content management including updates.

Experience with various social media platforms.

Experience with ArcGIS Story Maps, Canva, and other online communication tools.

Ability to communicate scientific information.

Familiarity with Long Island Sound Study.

Experience working with local, state, and/or federal regulatory agencies.

Ability to engage/connect with multi-cultural audiences and communities with environmental justice concerns.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This full-time (12-month appointment) end-dated, grant-funded position is subject to annual renewal, contingent on satisfactory performance and availability of funds. The initial appointment is anticipated to begin on November 1, 2024. The successful candidate will be located at the UConn Avery Point office. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The expected salary range will be $70,000 to $74,756.

The University offers outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/employee-benefits-overview/. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #498682 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

Screening of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.