Job Information
Alaska SeaLife Center Director of Community Engagement in Seward, Alaska
Summary:
Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is seeking a Director of Community Engagement to build awareness, engagement, and positive impact in our home community and beyond. This is a new position focused on building community goodwill and trust that are critical to our sustainability and our goal of expanding participation in scientific endeavor to accelerate learning about Alaska’s rapidly changing ecology.
The Director of Community Engagement will be responsible for developing and executing strategies that strengthen Alaska SeaLife Center’s relationships within the Seward community and affiliated regional, demographic, and interest groups. This role requires a strong commitment to inclusive and equitable engagement practices and an understanding of Alaska’s unique environmental and political assets.
The Director of Community Engagement reports to the Chief Executive Officer, serves on ASLC’s senior management team, and manages the Community Engagement Liaison.
Education/Training Requirements:
Passionate about how nonprofit organizations can enrich and support local communities and how communities can advance nonprofit missions.
Proven experience (7+ years) in community engagement, preferably in the scientific or nonprofit sector. Expertise in community organizing or action preferred.
Strong understanding of community engagement principles, nonprofit operations, and partnership dynamics.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust with diverse groups of people. Adept at navigating complicated community and organizational politics.
Some management experience highly desirable.
Ability to connect and collaborate effectively both in person and virtually.
Essential Duties:
Architect a vision for community engagement that encompasses Alaska SeaLife Center’s impact in Seward and influence throughout Alaska.
Develop and execute a comprehensive community engagement strategy, working with the CEO and other key leaders to identify program scope, goals, and priorities.
Oversee the CORaL (Community Organized Restoration and Learning) Project and project support to partners in the network
Identify, initiate, and cultivate relationships with community organizations, nonprofits, educational institutions, and others.
Engage the ASLC Board, leveraging their experience and connections to enhance the reach and impact of our engagement strategy.
Design and manage key community partnerships, creating models, MOUs, and cadence for engagement and interaction.
Cultivate a deep understanding of local, regional, and statewide community needs and opportunities.
Serve as a spokesperson and champion for ASLC and key issues in community forums, events, and meetings.
Ensure transparent and two-way communication between ASLC and the communities affected by our work.
Advocate for public funding; identify and develop funding streams (e.g., grants) to support the impact and growth of the community engagement program.
Evaluate the impact and outcomes of the engagement strategy through listening and direct community engagement. Use insights to continuously adapt and respond to new needs and contexts.
Develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and reports related to community engagement activities.
Fosters good relations with visitors, volunteers, community leaders, contractors, and fellow staff members by promoting positive attitudes, good will, cooperation, and providing high standards of service.
Complies with all Alaska SeaLife Center policies, procedures, and programs.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Other Skills and Abilities:
Skill in written and verbal communication, experience giving public presentations and/or working with various age groups in an educational setting, ability to understand and interpret research in progress and marine science topics, follow instructions, and work independently. Experience with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability to communicate in virtual and in-person settings; operate a computer; sit for extended periods of time; and move between the ASCL office and other local destinations. This position is physically located in Seward, Alaska.
Work Environment:
Work environment characteristics represent those employees encounter while performing the job’s essential functions. The employee works primarily in an office environment, with frequent local travel. Some in-state travel may be required.
Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums
APPLICATION DEADLINE: OPEN UNTIL FILLED. Applicant reviews will begin September 10, 2024
START DATE: ASAP
PAY RATE: $89,440 - $101,920
Full-Time Position with Benefits
Please upload your resume, cover letter and list of references when you apply.
Must be able to pass a background check.