Link to job posting: http://chk.tbe.taleo.net/chk01/ats/careers/requisition.jsp? org=ECS_FEDERAL&cws=1&rid=1983
ECS is seeking a Senior Communications and Outreach Specialist to work in our Silver Spring, MD office. Job Description: ECS Federal, Inc. has an immediate opening for a Senior Communications and Outreach Specialist to provide full-time direction for strategic communications of NOAA Fisheries Office of Science and Technology’s (ST) scientific portfolio with an emphasis on the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP). The individual will work primarily out of the headquarters office in Silver Spring, MD, for the Director of ST, in consultation with the NOAA Fisheries Office of Communications. NOAA Fisheries Office of Science and Technology advocates and ensures the sound scientific basis for NOAA Fisheries science programs and resource conservation and management decisions. MRIP is the new way NOAA Fisheries is collecting, analyzing and reporting recreational fishing data. Effective, strategic communication of the MRIP program, including objectives, changes, advances, and results is a critical need for the agency. MRIP is led by ST with guidance provided by an Executive Steering Committee (ESC). Specific teams have been established to manage different tasks of the program including Operations Team, the Communications and Education Team, the Registry Team, the Information Management Team, and the Transition Team. Effective collaboration with these teams and the ability to work with staff on all levels is an essential function of this job. For more information about the MRIP, please visit http://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/recreational-fisheries/index Responsibilities include: •Implementing and continuing development of a strategic communications plan for NOAA Fisheries’ science, with an emphasis on the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), under the direction of the ST leadership and in consultation with the NOAA Fisheries Office of Communications. This includes developing and leading the internal and external communications, outreach, and educational activities on the national level. •Coordinating effectively with expert consultants who may be brought in on a part-time basis to assist with planning, execution, and/or review of specific MRIP strategic communications and education efforts. •Advising on appropriate communication strategies for various situations and prepares senior leadership for those opportunities. •Promoting regular, effective communications with internal and external decision-makers and influential audiences to encourage broader understanding and support of MRIP goals and objectives. •Providing advice and support to MRIP staff and other ST staff and contractors for execution of MRIP communications. This may include assisting in: •Conceiving and developing in-reach and outreach materials for MRIP including briefing materials, talking points and presentations for leadership; collecting and organizing photos from the field to be used for publications, online, and in response to media organizations as needed; and consulting on video scripts. •Responding to formal and informal requests from governmental and nongovernmental organizations for information on MRIP. •Maintaining MRIP’s online presence, including drafting, clearing, and posting web content in coordination with the Office of Communications and for any social media efforts. •Coordinating with NOAA Fisheries HQ and Regional communications teams. •Coordinating with Public Affairs on media inquiries regarding MRIP at the headquarters level. Also works collaboratively with the agency’s regional communications leads to respond to regional inquiries. •Proactively coordinating, facilitating, and conducting media interviews with leadership (in consultation with public affairs) regarding MRIP. Required Skills: •Bachelor's degree in communications, media relations, public relations, or a related field •10+ years of strategic communications experience. •Media relations and social media experience. •Excellent oral and written communications skills. •Speaks and writes in English fluently. •Proficient in MS-Office software and Google applications. •Organized with a strong attention to detail. Desired Skills: •Experience leading a communications program and/or outreach campaigns for a government agency, business, non-government organization, or a professional organization. •Experience developing briefings, talking points, and messaging around complex or controversial topics. •Experience developing and producing communications products for internal and external audiences. •Ability to write in plain language for diverse audiences. •Experience planning, organizing, and executing challenging and complex work projects. •Experience multi-tasking and responding to shifting priorities. •Ability to collaborate with a wide range of individuals or lead a team to accomplish a goal or complete a specific project. •Some knowledge of regional and/or national natural resources issues and management. •Experience working effectively with scientists to prepare effective communication and education materials that accurately convey technical information in a way that a variety of audiences can easily understand. •Strategic communications with science programs a plus. ECS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable Federal, state and local laws. ECS also maintains a drug-free workplace. ECS is a leading mid-sized provider of technology services to the United States Federal Government. We are focused on people, values and purpose. Every day, our 1400+ employees focus on providing their technical talent to support the Federal Agencies and Departments of the US Government to serve, protect and defend the American People.
