Communications and Outreach Officer, Global Coral Reef Conservation

Bronx Zoo

GLOBAL CONSERVATION


Job Description

Wildlife Conservation Society
Communications and Outreach Officer, Global Coral Reef Conservation

Job Description

Background
Coral reefs support nearly one quarter of the ocean’s biodiversity, provide for the livelihoods and protection of hundreds of millions of people and support numerous local and national economies through tourism, fisheries and other ecosystem services. The world’s reefs are severely threatened: half are estimated to be already lost in the last fifty years due to human activities, and scientists predict that climate change, overfishing,habitat loss, and poor water quality threaten up to 90 percent of the world’s remaining reefs. Ensuring a future for coral reefs is a high priority for the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). Our global strategy has identified a climate resilient portfolio of coral reef strongholds where site-based protection
strategies are essential. Supporting this work, WCS leads global strategies on coral reef science, monitoring and analysis, policy and conservation finance.

A core partnership to deliver on WCS’ global coral reef conservation is the Vibrant Oceans Initiative—a partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies – focused on countries within the Coral Triangle, Melanesia, and the Western Indian Ocean. A robust communications and programmatic outreach strategy is a key component to the success of this initiative and the broader coral conservation efforts. Typically, there is a lack of awareness of the coral reef crisis among the public,
policy makers and key partners; its connection to the ocean is not well recognized; and efforts to address the climate crisis are largely unknown. Traditional and social media are increasing their coverage and public attitudes are slowly shifting, however this must occur faster.

Position Description
This position will provide strategic communications and programmatic outreach support for WCS’ global coral reef conservation efforts, with a specific focus on the Vibrant Oceans Initiative. The primary objective is to develop and promote strategic communications and programmatic outreach across all platforms, highlighting the threats to, and hope for, the world’s coral reefs, through \ WCS’ multifaceted global coral reef conservation work, including research, monitoring, conservation
interventions, community engagement, policy and finance.

The position is based in the WCS headquarters within the Bronx Zoo, and reports to the Senior Program Manager, Global Coral Conservation. The position will coordinate closely with global coral reef staff, relevant WCS regional and country programs and the WCS communications team.

Major Responsibilities
● Solicit, coordinate, curate and promote content on coral conservation from all relevant WCS global, regional and
country programs, with a focus on research,activities, results and impacts, and accomplishments.
● Ensure dissemination and distribution of content through various internal and external platforms using traditional and

social media.
● Support the web-based and social media presence and public face of Global Coral Conservation.
● Prepare and edit reports, brochures, presentations, and other collateral, on WCS coral conservation efforts, for specific
external audiences such as partners,donors, etc.
● Coordinate and prepare regular communications for internal WCS audiences.
● Manage the digital file system and image library for the coral conservation.
● Support the Senior Program Manager in maintaining active and frequent communications between WCS programs and
external partners, including regular calls, briefings,and updates with donors.


Qualification Requirements


Experience and Qualifications
● Bachelor's Degree, preferably in communications or public affairs.
● 2 or more years of relevant work experience, including communications and outreach.
● Demonstrated portfolio of cutting-edge communications coordinated across multiple partners.
● Relevant subject-matter expertise and experience.;
● Strong writing skills required, with an ability to produce clear and concise communications.
● Commitment to follow through and quality control; excellent attention to detail.
● Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including an ability to work with a wide variety of people from
different backgrounds and cultures and within a dispersed team that includes both WCS and non-WCS staff.
● Effective at both collaborative and independent work.
● Ability to both take initiative and work as part of a global team.

Compensation and Benefits
Salary commensurate with experience. WCS offers a competitive compensation package including medical/dental insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, pension plan, life insurance,
disability insurance, paid sick leave and generous vacation.

Work Environment and Physical Demands
The physical demands and work environment described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

To Apply
To apply, email CV and cover letter to marineprogram@wcs.org and apply online at http://www.wcs.org/about-us/careers.aspx/. Preference will be given to applications received by October 11, but the position will remain open until filled. WCS is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from diversity candidates.