Science Policy Outreach Associate

COMPASS (Communication Partnership for Science and the Sea) seeks motivated and well-organized candidates for the position of Science Policy Outreach Associate.

COMPASS works to advance marine conservation science and communicate that science to policymakers, practitioners, the media and the public. Please visit our website for more information.

Position Overview:

The Associate will work with COMPASS' Director of Science Policy Outreach to support and continue growing a program to connect marine conservation science and scientists to federal policy and decision makers. The Associate will support the communication of peerreviewed science related to the role and importance of ocean ecosystems, the threats those ecosystems face, and policy solutions to address those threats. These efforts to connect the science and policy communities are designed to help to inform, frame, and catalyze policy discussions.

The Associate will also work with COMPASS' Directors of Science and Communications and other COMPASS staff in Oregon, California, and New England to support a broad range of activities.

Responsibilities: 

In support of COMPASS' policy outreach program the Associate will:

• Work closely with scientists and key partners (governmental and nongovernmental) to stay current on new and emerging marine science and policy developments;
• Support and connect scientists as spokespeople of their own work;
• Build and/or strengthen relationships between COMPASS and key staff and decision makers in federal agencies and/or Congress, and other relevant groups.
• Deploy resources such as consultants, COMPASS staff and principals, and other materials as necessary to maintain COMPASS' high level of access, influence, and credibility on key issues;
• Develop and implement strategies to effectively connect marine conservation science and scientists to policymakers and other relevant nonscientific audiences, including identifying and creating venues to connect scientists and their science directly to agency, Congressional and other policymakers;
• Support COMPASS' policy communication training workshops for scientists;
• Provide policy input, strategic and other support to COMPASS (Principals, staff, and Scientific Advisors) its programs and initiatives.

Qualifications:

COMPASS welcomes applications from candidates with strong communications skills, exceptional organizational skills, experience in marine policy and/or ocean conservation issues, and a background in relevant science.

The candidate must have:

• An undergraduate degree (or equivalent experience) in marine science or a relevant field is necessary; a graduate degree is strongly preferred.
• Experience working in or with federal agencies and/or Congress, preferably on marine science and/or ocean issues.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.

In addition, the candidate will preferably have:

• A detailed understanding of federal policy processes.
• Ability to communicate and coordinate with diverse audiences.
• Ability to effectively and succinctly communicate scientific information to nonscientific audiences.
• Demonstrated initiative.
• 3 - 5 years experience.

Compensation: Competitive benefits package, salary commensurate with experience. This position is located in Silver Spring, MD, at COMPASS affiliate, SeaWeb.

Application Deadline: Priority will be given to applications received by Friday, February 12th, 2010.

To Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV or resume, contact information for three professional references, and a brief writing sample (no more than three pages) to Dr. Chad English, COMPASS Director of Science Policy Outreach.