Birds, Not Mosquitoes Communications Specialist

Birds, Not Mosquitoes Communications Specialist

Birds, Not Mosquitoes Communications Specialist 150 150 SaraK2021
American Bird Conservancy
Published
July 20, 2022
Location
Hawai‘i (specific island flexible)
Job Type
Contact Name (not public)
Sara Keith
Main Phone
540-202-2438

Description

American Bird Conservancy

Birds, Not Mosquitoes Communications Specialist

 

Position Summary:

Title: Birds, Not Mosquitoes Communications Specialist

Supervisor: Hawai‘i Program Director

Location: Hawai‘i (specific island flexible)

Employment Type: Full time, 1-year position with possibility of extension. Flexible hours and                 less than 100% time may be considered.

Submission Deadline:  July 24, 2022

Introduction:

We seek a knowledgeable and enthusiastic person to serve as the Communication Specialist for the Hawai‘i Birds, Not Mosquitoes project. The project’s goal is to advance use of the Incompatible Insect Technique to suppress mosquito populations at a landscape-scale and protect native Hawaiian forest birds from avian malaria. The Communications Specialist will work with representatives from a broad coalition of state, federal, and private/NGO entities including communications professionals from across the state to reach a wide diversity of stakeholders including community members, state and federal employees, regulatory and environmental compliance officials, elected officials, and others. The Communications specialist must be able to translate complex and controversial scientific issues into accessible and engaging presentations and conversations. Work will include conducting virtual and in-person outreach, as well as education and engagement involving the public, internal and external stakeholders, and elected officials. The successful applicant will also revise and update the Community Engagement Plan from planning through to implementation as the project progresses through different phases. The Communications Specialist will report to the Hawai‘i Program Director at American Bird Conservancy.

 

Major Duties:

  • Develop and implement effective strategies to deliver key outreach messages. Adapt messaging and approaches based on community and stakeholder input.
  • Revise, update, and implement project’s community engagement plan.
  • Respond to communication crisis, media requests, and public concerns about regulatory, compliance, and implementation activities.
  • Develop and conduct presentations, workshops, and events for scientific and non-scientific audiences, including community members, elected officials, and the general public.
  • Assist with producing outreach and community engagement materials, press releases, and media (e.g., web pages, brochures, and infographics).
  • Assist with maintaining communications, updates, and positive relationships among state, federal, and private/NGO steering committee partners to facilitate inter-agency agreement on, and support for, communications strategies and activities.
  • Assist and support Program Director in advancing goals and objectives of Birds, Not Mosquitoes.
  • Assist and support Program Director in fundraising efforts.

Position Requirements:

  • Skilled in developing positive and productive relationships with a wide diversity of stakeholders including community members, state and federal agency staff, and elected officials.
  • Highly skilled in understanding and translating complex, technical issues through accessible and engaging presentations and conversations.
  • Ability to present potentially controversial issues in a professional, open, and accessible manner. Ability to maintain productive dialogue during tense or difficult situations.
  • Ability to capture and successfully communicate local community concerns to the steering committee.
  • Enthusiastic about achieving project goals and finding solutions to obstacles.
  • Minimum of college degree or 3-5 years of experience in a related outreach or communications field.
  • Willing and able to travel frequently among islands, including occasional overnight stays and some weekends.
  • Ability to effectively communicate (written and orally) with both scientific and non-scientific audiences, both in person and through use of web sites, social media, and other online forums.
  • Understanding and experience with Hawaiian culture, history, institutions, and ecology.
  • Ability to quickly learn and synthesize complicated scientific concepts into understandable presentations for different audiences.
  • Able to work both independently and as a productive, positive member of a team.
  • Experience in community engagement and public outreach, including public speaking.
  • Meeting facilitation and management skills.

Benefits:

  • Benefits include medical, dental, flexible spending accounts, and retirement savings.
  • Paid vacation days (15), holidays (10+), and sick leave (12 annual)

At American Bird Conservancy, we believe that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills makes us more effective. We are committed to creating a respectful and inclusive work environment for all of our employees.

 As an equal opportunity employer, ABC is committed to ensuring that employees and applicants for employment have equal opportunities regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other factor unrelated to the requirements of the position.

How To Apply

To Apply:

Please upload your resume and cover letter to BambooHR: https://abcbirds.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=149