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Job title Director of Communications and External Affairs. Company Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (SECOORA). Description of the job SECOORA is seeking to fill the full-time role of Director of Communications and External Affairs. This role will serve as the organization’s strategic lead for engagement, communications, and external relations. The Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (SECOORA) is a regional nonprofit based in Charleston, SC, supporting healthy coastal ecosystems and thriving coastal communities through robust ocean observing. As one of 11 regional associations under the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS), SECOORA delivers actionable data and science-based tools to stakeholders across North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. The Director of Communications and External Affairs will serve as the organization's strategic lead for engagement, communication, and external relations. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this role is responsible for enhancing SECOORA's visibility, influence, and partnerships through high-quality content, strategic outreach, and effective stakeholder engagement. This position includes responsibility for board and media relations, website management, and congressional outreach support. Tasks to be carried out: Strategic communications and media relations: • Lead development and implementation of an annual communications strategy aligned with SECOORA's strategic plan. • Act as SECOORA's primary media liaison; draft press releases, news stories, and human-interest features that elevate the impact of SECOORA's work. • Coordinate with media outlets and partners to disseminate key messages. • Monitor news cycles and recommend proactive communication opportunities. Website and digital presence: • Maintain, update, and optimize SECOORA's websites (WordPress, Wix); ensure accessibility, usability, and alignment with the brand. • Use analytics (e.g., Google Analytics) to evaluate website and campaign performance; adjust strategy accordingly. • Curate and design dynamic web content, including data dashboards, hurricane response pages, and project highlights. Visual and graphic content development: • Produce and edit compelling graphics, infographics, presentations, and branded collateral that support SECOORA initiatives and partner programs. • Use tools like Adobe Creative Suite and Canva to translate technical data into engaging visual formats. • Maintain consistency in visual identity and support staff with design templates. Stakeholder and member engagement: • Develop and lead strategies that increase member engagement, including relationship-building visits, communications, and retention planning. • Serve as primary liaison to SECOORA-supported networks, incubator and collaborative programs. • Lead SECOORA's Education and Outreach Committee; manage program budget (e.g., $20,000), student awards, and curriculum RFP processes. Congressional outreach and advocacy support: • Support SECOORA's government relations efforts by developing legislative briefing materials, drafting appropriation justifications, and coordinating with congressional staff and lobbyists. • Organize and attend meetings with policymakers as needed to support the Executive Director. Board liaison and organizational leadership: • Serve as staff liaison to the SECOORA Board of Directors; prepare board communications, meeting materials, and follow-up documentation. • Coordinate with board committees as needed on outreach, fundraising, education, and other strategic initiatives. Events and program support: • Lead promotion and logistics for SECOORA events and the "Coastal Observing in Your Community" webinar series. • Develop annual reports and special publications that highlight SECOORA's impact. • Support grant proposal development through editing, formatting, and visualization of technical information. Requirements Required: • Bachelor's degree in communications, public affairs, science communication, environmental studies, or related field. • Minimum 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, stakeholder engagement, or nonprofit/public sector relations. • Demonstrated experience in media relations and strategic messaging. • Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with ability to translate science for diverse audiences. • High-level proficiency in WordPress or Wix, Constant Contact (or similar), Google Suite, Canva, and Adobe Creative Suite. • Experience with congressional outreach or working with policymakers. • Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines independently. Preferred: • Master's degree in a relevant field. • Familiarity with ocean science, climate issues, or coastal resilience. • Prior experience supporting or liaising with nonprofit boards. • Background in graphic design or visual storytelling. • Knowledge of federal appropriations or legislative processes. • Location in Florida preferred to balance regional coverage and work locations of the team. Location Remote (based in Charleston, SC, USA). Florida location preferred. Salary $65,000 – $80,000 USD. How to apply Submit a cover letter, résumé (maximum 2 pages), and at least one design or writing sample in PDF format to jobs@secoora.org. References will be requested following initial interviews. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Deadline 31/01/2026. Disclaimer This job post has been published by Blue-jobs based on information that is publicly available on the internet through official company websites or third-party job boards. 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