JOB: Communications & Engagement Coordinator

Jan. 28th, 2023 - Feb. 28th, 2023

We need a great storyteller and community motivator! 

We do amazing things at TEP:  for the environment, for wildlife, for our community.  So why don’t more people know who we are? 

We fully admit we do science better than storytelling or tooting our own horn – and that is where you could fit in!  We have a goldmine of content – lots of science and metrics – nuggets just waiting to be polished.   We need you to help translate our work into meaningful stories that inspire and welcome people to get to know us better.  We also need help providing opportunities for people to experience first-hand the connection between the recreation they enjoy and the restoration work we do.   Intrigued?  Then scroll down to read more about the job, the type of person we need to fill the position, and find out how to apply. 

Job Description

The C&E Coordinator is an important position within TEP’s team of skilled professionals.    The high-level objectives of this position are:

• Foster lifelong learning and environmental awareness       
• Cultivate community environmental stewardship
• Advance STEM-Related career opportunities                       
• Build capacity for partner organizations

Job-specific responsibilities for the C&E Coordinator include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Work as part of TEP’s team to implement our communications and outreach strategies and, by extension, support TEP’s Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP).
  • Communicate TEP’s achievements through one-pagers, reports, presentations, newsletters, website content, social media postings, and radio clearly and with high impact, reflecting professionally on TEP
  • Co-manage TEP’s website and social media accounts, oversee sub-contractors; monitor analytics
  • Manage video, drone, and photographic support for TEP projects and programs
  • Coordinate restoration project outreach committees (e.g. Southern Flow Corridor)
  • Collaborate with TEP restoration staff on stakeholder engagement (e.g. community meetings, project websites, outreach materials) for large projects such as Tillamook River Wetlands, Sitka Sedge
• Facilitate the Explore Nature program (e.g. partner meetings, seasonal calendars, shared event reservation system, website); develop, lead, and advertise TEP’s Explore Nature events programs that connect restoration and recreation activities
• Coordinate promotional events and be staff-lead for fundraising events:  venue, logistics, tickets sales, raffles, auctions, thank you letters, etc. for tabling events, Estuary Week activities, annual Bounty of the Bays, anniversary celebration, and others
• Work collaboratively with other staff to put into action a formal volunteer management program, including recruitment, training, recognition, retention
• Work with partners to implement internship/citizen science programs with local and regional community colleges, university educators, SeaGrant, etc.
• Grant fundraising efforts to implement communication and engagement programs; including, but not limit to, budget development, grant submittals, award agreements, development of subcontractor scopes of services and requests for proposals, selection criteria, contract management, invoicing and payments, report requirements, tracking mechanisms, and outreach content development.
• Help partners build capacity through shared messaging
• Manage TEP’s branded swag and clothing inventory

In order to contribute to the success of TEP as an organization, the C&E Coordinator will have the following general responsibilities:

• Support TEP staff, Board of Directors, and partners in the development and implementation of the CCMP, 5-year strategies, and annual work plans.  Track accomplishments.
• Maintain close working relationships with local, state, and federal partners, scientists, educators, volunteers, media, and special interest groups
• Represent TEP at meetings, committees, conferences, workshops, and events as needed
• Support TEP- and partner-led water quality, restoration, monitoring, nursery, and education programs as needed
• Any other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications/Requirements (Job Specific)

• Two years’ experience in communication or marketing role PLUS Bachelor’s degree in environmental/biological sciences/related STEM discipline, communications, education, or related discipline  
  OR  
  Five years’ professional/military experience in communication or marketing role without or without a post-high school degree  
• Superior time management and organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines
• Exceptional writing, public speaking, and interpersonal skills (i.e. all verbal and non-verbal communications)
• Creative and self-motivated
• Comfortable working with all age groups and abilities
• Demonstrates a concern for accuracy (e.g. regularly produce accurate, thorough, professional work)
• Ability to prioritize tasks to manage multiple projects, adapting as needed to changing priorities, deadlines, and instructions
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook, and Adobe or other similar software. 
• Reliable transportation to/from TEP’s office (located in the Port of Garibaldi) that does not interfere with the hours required for this position. 
• Proof of valid driver’s license and current auto liability insurance required (i) prior to driving any TEP-owned vehicle and (ii) prior to driving any vehicle, including personal vehicle, for TEP-related business during work hours.

Preferred Experience (Job Specific)

• Familiarity with email marketing software such as Constant Contact or a similar program
• Familiarity with Canva, InDesign, or other graphic design software
• Familiarity with video editing software
• Experience working with diverse populations, rural communities, and private landowners

Preferred Attributes  (General)

• Willing to carry out tasks and respond to situations as they arise with minimal supervision
• Work harmoniously with others and effectively complete tasks in an open office environment
• Interact with staff, Board Members, and public with a high level of professionalism
• Demonstrates a concern for effectiveness (e.g. proactively analyze current procedures and offer suggestions for possible improvements)
• Demonstrates integrity and ethical behavior
• Works in an economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable manner
• Displays a positive attitude toward and enthusiasm for functioning as a part of a high-performance team
• Understands and continuously learns about a broad range of issues related to habitat restoration and living resources and is able to condense that knowledge into forms that are easily understood by partners and the general public

Work Environment

This position is subject to all TEP policies including, but not limited to, those provided in the Employee Handbook, Fiscal Policy, safety protocols, and standard operating procedures (SOPs). This position may be subject to periodic background checks during employment.

TEP’s full-time staff typically work four 10-hour days each week, 7:00am – 5:30pm, Mondays through Thursdays.  Evening and weekend work may be required occasionally to support TEP.  The Communications & Engagement Coordinator position is eligible to work a hybrid schedule in accordance with TEP’s Workplace Policies:  work up to half of the regularly scheduled work hours remotely.  The hybrid option will be discussed with the successful candidate upon hire.

Work shall be performed in office and outdoor environments.   Work assignments may require walking or standing most of a given day, sitting, keyboarding, bending, pulling, reaching, stooping, climbing, crawling, kneeling, lifting up to 30 pounds, and contending with adverse weather conditions requiring special clothing and safety precautions.   Walking/hiking may be on uneven surfaces and through rough terrain.

TEP’s office is located in the Port of Garibaldi.  If you rely on public transportation, note that buses do not come directly into the Port of Garibaldi and that walking to the TEP office from the nearest stop through the Port and over railroad tracks is required.  

Travel during work hours for this position will usually be <100 miles per month.  TEP currently has only one vehicle, which is located at its nursery and is typically reserved for nursery-related transportation.  Employees must use their personal vehicles for most other company-related travel.  TEP reimburses its employees for their personal vehicle usage during company-related travel, excluding commuting to and from work, at the IRS standard mileage rate.

Project work may occasionally be required at TEP’s Native Plant Nursery, which is located adjacent to a minimum-security youth detention facility.  The C&E Coordinator may engage with at-risk, incarcerated youth who are under guarded supervision by the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA).  Background checks and other safety and security protocols may be required by OYA. 

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $37,200 - $53,000 per year.   Actual offer of compensation shall be dependent upon experience.  TEP processes payroll on a monthly basis. 

This position is eligible for enrollment in TEP’s comprehensive benefits package.  Details on benefits can be provided to candidates during the interview process.   An overview of TEP’s current benefits package for full-time employees includes:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Health Insurance (TEP pays 100% for employee, 80% for spouse and dependent children)
• Retirement Program – TEP contributes an additional 7% of the employee’s salary into a 401k, with tiered vesting structure based on years of employment with TEP; employee may also contribute to 401k)
• Holidays – 10 federal holidays plus 2 floating holidays
• Vacation – Approx 10.5 days per year (accrual system to be explained upon hire)
• Professional development/training budget:  $1250 per year

Application Process

To apply, please submit by email:

1. A resume,
2. A statement of qualifications and interest, and
3. Three professional references.

The statement of qualifications should describe the applicant’s relevant experience and interest in the position.  The statement should not exceed two full, single spaced pages.   Applicant contact information must include mailing address, phone number, and email address.   Professional references must include names, email addresses, and phone numbers.

Please email application materials to Claudine Rehn, Deputy Director at claudine@tbnep.org.   Applications will be accepted until 5:00pm (Pacific Time), Tuesday, February 28, 2023.   Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

TEP will review applications in early March.  All applicants will be contacted by email and advised whether or not they are proceeding to the interview phase of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted in person or via Zoom, depending on the applicant’s location.  We hope to make our selection and offer of employment before April 1st.  The preferred start date for this position is May 1, 2023; the exact date shall be agreed upon by the successful candidate and TEP.

Tillamook Estuaries Partnership is an equal opportunity employer.  TEP does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, or sex in administration of its programs or activities, and, TEP does not intimidate or retaliate against any individual or group because they have exercised their rights to participate in actions protected, or oppose action prohibited, by State of Oregon and Federal civil rights and non-discrimination laws, or for the purpose of interfering with such rights.