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Outreach Coordinator – Long Island Sound Study
Extension Associate
Cornell Cooperative Extension/NY Sea Grant
Stony Brook, NY

General Position Description
Provides major leadership for the outreach program of the Long Island Sound Study in New York. Works to increase appreciation, awareness and understanding of Long Island Sound and efforts to restore and protect it. Special emphasis is on educational programs that lead to behavior change related to the protection and restoration of Long Island Sound’s natural resources. Works with teams of people to develop innovative programs and materials employing some of the tools of the social and behavioral sciences.
Assists the Long Island Sound Study in meeting National Estuary Program requirements, particularly related to public involvement, education, and outreach. Works under very general supervision from Sea Grant leadership, and receives program guidance from other agencies involved with the Long Island Sound Study including the US EPA, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection. Provides leadership to the Citizens Advisory Committee of the Long Island Sound Study. Works closely with other NY Sea Grant staff to incorporate the research and educational resources of Sea Grant and Cornell Cooperative Extension into the Long Island Sound Study.

Specific Responsibilities

1. Develop new educational tools and programs designed to bring about behavior change related to protecting and restoring the natural resources of Long Island Sound and its watershed. (20%)
a. Assemble teams of people with a variety of expertise, including graphic design, marketing, social and marine sciences to design new outreach tools.
b. Coordinate the development of such tools and programs.
c. Coordinate the implementation of such programs.
d. Evaluate program effectiveness and make recommendations for program improvement.

2. Coordinate the implementation of traditional LISS outreach programs and tools. (50%)
a. In coordination with other LISS communication and outreach staff, develop
funding priorities and work plans to translate technical information about Long Island Sound, its health status and trends, and efforts to restore it.
b. Works with LISS work groups and teams on high priority initiatives ( e.g. hypoxia management, Stewardship Initiative, Habitat Restoration Initiative) to identify and communicate key issues and topics and involve the public in those initiatives.
c. Prepare and disseminate LISS newsletters.
d. Prepare fact sheets related to LISS science and management.
e. Prepare information and press releases for the media related to LISS.
f. Coordinate workshops for targeted audiences related to LISS.
g. Develop educational displays.
h. Serve as primary contact for the public in New York seeking information about LISS.
i. Develop and provide information for the LISS web page.
j. Conduct technical review of outreach and education proposals.

3. Provide leadership for the LISS Citizens Advisory Committee. (15%)
a. Help set agendas and facilitate meetings.
b. Provide administrative support for the CAC.

4. Professional Development and Sea Grant responsibilities. (15%)
a. Attend LISS meetings and other professional development opportunities to stay current with science, issues, and program development tools needed to perform effectively in this position.
b. Participate in NY Sea Grant staff meetings, review Sea Grant research proposals, and prepare reports needed by NY Sea Grant.

Minimum Qualifications

A master’s degree from accredited university in any of the following fields: marine science, environmental science, environmental education or natural resources management. Three years experience working with an outreach or similar public education program. Good working knowledge of computer skills needed for layout and design of educational materials and newsletters.

Desirable qualifications: Experience working in team settings with staff from numerous agencies to work on mutually agreed upon goals.

Supervision
Direct supervision provided by New York Sea Grant Extension Staff, with considerable program input from staff and agencies working jointly on the Long Island Sound Study.

To Apply: Send resume and cover letter expressing interest in position, and all college transcripts to: Nancy Greenawalt, New York Sea Grant Extension, 112 Rice Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 or e-mail to nag3@cornell.edu. Questions? Call 607-255-2832 and ask for Ms. Greenawalt.

Cornell University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer.