Community Engagement Coordinator

Pontchartrain Conservancy—New Orleans, LA The Pontchartrain Conservancy (PC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that seeks research based practical solutions for preserving and restoring the Lake Pontchartrain Basin. Our strengths are our depth of scientific knowledge and understanding of the pertinent challenges affecting the basin region, as well as our proven-track record in finding practical solutions. 

POSITION THIS JOB REPORTS TO: Community Engagement Director 

POSITION SUMMARY: The Community Engagement Coordinator will oversee the organization’s public engagement in efforts to expand Pontchartrain Conservancy’s (PC’s) network, inform about issues related to the mission, and bolster support for solutions that address the environmental challenges faced by residents in the 16-parish region served. The coordinator will seek opportunities and manage requests for public outreach including: tabling, speaking engagements, volunteer opportunities, etc. This position will work in close collaboration with PC’s partner organizations and specifically, the Restore the Mississippi River Delta Coalition (MRD). The MRD is a coalition of national and regional partners, including PC, working to advance an equitable, safer, and flourishing coast for Louisiana’s communities, ecosystems, and economy. 

A successful candidate will help to plan, coordinate and execute education, outreach and engagement opportunities in coordination with PC’s Community Engagement Director. They will also be responsible for tracking and reporting on metrics related to outreach events, including: numbers engaged, volunteer hours served, etc. The coordinator will work collaboratively with PC’s various programs and managers to ensure that the public is informed about the work that PC does and opportunities to engage in programming. The coordinator will manage the Serve Louisiana AmeriCorps Outreach Coordinator who works to add capacity to PC’s Community Engagement program and the number of residents engaged. This position will be full-time at 40 hours weekly. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Oversee external facing outreach and engagement- by seeking opportunities and managing requests for PC’s presence 

• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with partners, community members, community leaders, community organizations, and other stakeholders and utilize that network by connecting stakeholders to PC’s and MRD’s engagement and advocacy opportunities to support coastal restoration efforts 

• Understand and effectively communicate PC’s mission, vision, core values and strategic direction to external groups, including key stakeholders and community groups 

• Participate in regular planning on coordination calls and meetings with the MRD partners, particularly the Outreach Committee to collaborate and help execute on shared grant deliverables and MRD’s outreach workplan. 

• Coordinate volunteer clean ups and other activities, tracking efforts though online systems • Build the organization public profile through networking and speaking engagements 

• Develop a strategy that strengthens and grows the relationship with volunteers and grassroots stakeholders through regular communications and other outreach efforts. 

• Track progress of outreach goals and work with the PC and MRD staff to prepare required performance reporting. 

• Develop outreach materials including presentations, flyers, social media, infographics, etc. that communicate scientific information to a wide range of audiences 

• Learn and use PC’s various STEM activities and teaching tools to engage groups • Work with communications staff to develop messages and stories that build awareness, engagement, and support of PC 

• As needed, assist other PC programs (Coastal, Lighthouse, Education, Communications, etc) in activities and efforts that support outreach 

• Manage the Serve Louisiana AmeriCorps Outreach Coordinator in support of outreach activities 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED 

• The ability to communicate effectively, both internally and externally, in person and in written form 

• Creative skills to transform technical concepts into entertaining and interactive educational materials and activities 

• Ability to think strategically and prioritize activities to achieve maximum effectiveness in a fast-paced environment 

• Demonstrated experience in problem solving and being proactive in the face of challenges 

• Excellent organizational skills with attentiveness to details & results, including ability to research environmental programs and topics 

• Direct experience in organizing successful meetings and events, with a proven ability to coordinate, organize and foster effective communication among large teams 

• Strong computer literacy to include use of MS Office Suite especially Word and PowerPoint, Google Suite and other online platforms 

• Demonstrated ability to work well in a collaborative environment 

• Demonstrated competency or proficiency in the application of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice principles 

WORK SCHEDULE, CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT 

• Typical work days can consist of a combination of fieldwork, remote and office work and may include a variety of environments: the LA Legislature, office, festivals, field etc. 

• Must have flexible schedule & be available as needed outside of typical business hours 

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be willing to travel including occasional overnights 

• Field work requires physical exertion and occurs year-round 

• The expected work location is Pontchartrain Conservancy’s New Canal Lighthouse with office located up two flights of stairs 

• Ability to lift 50lbs is essential 

Qualified applicants seeking consideration should forward a cover letter expressing their interest, qualifications and experience and a resume to frank@scienceforourcoast.org. 

Applications accepted through October 6th, 2023. 

No inquiries please—candidates will be notified of follow-up interviews. 

PC provides equal employment and advancement opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, gender, disability, national origin, ethnic background, citizenship, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.