Dear Colleagues, COMPASS is seeking candidates for two new positions: Assistant Director of Science and Assistant Director of Science Policy Outreach.
(1) Assistant Director of Science: Seeking candidates with a recent PhD (within last 5 yrs) in marine related sciences. This individual will support and continue to grow a program to capture and advance the state of the science of ocean ecosystems and connect that science to decision-making audiences. Applications due July 19. Contact: Dr. Karen McLeod, [email protected] (2) Assistant Director of Science Policy Outreach: Seeking candidates with solid grounding in both marine related science and federal ocean policy. This individual will support and help shape a growing program to connect peer-reviewed science to federal and state policymakers. Position is open until filled. Contact: Dr. Chad English, [email protected] COMPASS works to advance marine conservation science and communicate that science to policymakers, practitioners, the media and the public. We seek to raise awareness of ocean issues and inform ocean policy discussions with credible, peer-reviewed science. Staff are based at locations throughout the country including academic institutions (Oregon State University; the University of Washington; the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis / University of California, Santa Barbara; Stanford Universitys Hopkins Marine Lab; and Clark University) and other organizations (Monterey Bay Aquarium and SeaWeb in Washington DC). See www.compassonline.org for more details. MORE DETAILS (1) Assistant Director of Science Position Description The Assistant Director will work with COMPASS Director of Science to support and continue growing a program to capture and advance the state of the science of ocean ecosystems and strategically connect that science to decision-makers. The Assistant Director will support the synthesis, development, and communication of peer-reviewed science related to the role and importance of ocean ecosystems, the threats those ecosystems face, and policy solutions to address those threats. These efforts are designed to ensure that the latest science informs, frames, and catalyzes policy discussions and that the scientific community is well-positioned to address key gaps that arise in those discussions. The Assistant Director will also work with the broader COMPASS team to support a broad range of activities. In support of COMPASS science development and synthesis program, the Assistant Director will: Build relationships and synergies within the ocean science community Stay current on new and emerging marine science Support the synthesis of emerging marine science and the strategic communication of that science to decision-makers Support the implementation of ongoing initiatives to advance salient ocean science through policy-relevant scientific working groups, workshops, and larger meetings Create opportunities to advance the state of the science by seeding and supporting symposia at key scientific meetings, catalyzing new research, and seeding new collaborations Develop and lead the implementation of new strategies to capture and advance the state of ocean science Stay current on regional and national ocean policies Work with COMPASS communications and policy teams to ensure science is better communicated and used Provide scientific content and strategic input to COMPASS staff, programs, and initiatives Qualifications COMPASS welcomes applications from candidates with strong communications skills, exceptional organizational skills, strong backgrounds in relevant marine science, and experience in marine policy and/or ocean conservation issues. The candidate must have: A recent PhD (within last 5 years) in marine sciences (marine ecology, fisheries science, oceanography, or related social sciences with a marine emphasis) A detailed understanding and appreciation for marine sciences beyond her specific area of expertise Ability to evaluate and synthesize diverse marine scientific concepts Ability to effectively and succinctly communicate scientific information to broad audiences, especially managers and policymakers Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment, and manage multiple projects simultaneously Excellent written and oral communications skills Excellent organizational skills In addition, the candidate will preferably have: Ability to understand and evaluate national, regional and state-level marine policy and management issues, particularly science needs related to these issues Experience with science-policy communications Ability to communicate and coordinate with diverse audiences (government, non-governmental organizations, academia and/or the private sector) Demonstrated initiative Familiarity with social media and online communications Application Deadline: For full consideration, application materials must be received by July 19, 2010. Compensation and Location Salary is commensurate with experience, including a generous benefits package. The preferred location for this position is at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon (co-located with the Director of Science). However, locations in other university settings, particularly those proximate to other COMPASS staff (e.g., University of Washington, Stanford University, University of California Santa Barbara or Clark University) may be possible and negotiable. How to apply Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, writing sample, and contact information for three professional references to Dr. Karen McLeod, COMPASS Director of Science, at [email protected]. (2) Assistant Director of Science Policy Outreach Position Description The Assistant Director will work with COMPASS Director of Science Policy Outreach to support and further develop a growing program to connect marine conservation science and scientists to federal policy and decision makers. The Assistant Director will help shape and implement a program to support the communication of peer-reviewed science related to the role and importance of ocean ecosystems, the threats those ecosystems face, and policy solutions to address those threats. These efforts to connect the science and policy communities are designed to help to inform, frame, and catalyze policy discussions. The Assistant Director will also work with COMPASS Directors of Science and Communications and other COMPASS staff in Oregon, California, and New England to support a broad range of activities. In support of COMPASS policy outreach program the Assistant Director will: Work closely with scientists and key partners (governmental and nongovernmental) to stay current on marine science and policy developments; Support and connect scientists as spokespeople of their own work; Build and/or strengthen relationships between COMPASS and key staff and decision makers in federal agencies and/or Congress, and other relevant groups. Deploy resources such as consultants, COMPASS staff and principals, and other materials as necessary to maintain COMPASS high level of access, influence, and credibility on key issues; Develop and implement strategies to effectively connect marine conservation science and scientists to policymakers and other relevant non-scientific audiences, including identifying and creating venues to connect scientists and their science directly to agency, Congressional and other policymakers; Further develop COMPASS policy communication training workshops for scientists. These workshops improve scientists skills in communicating to policymakers, and are based on experience and direct knowledge of the federal policymaking community. Provide policy input, strategic and other support to COMPASS (Principals, staff, and Scientific Advisors) its programs and initiatives. Qualifications COMPASS welcomes applications from candidates with a background in relevant science, strong communications skills, exceptional organizational skills, and experience in or with federal policymaking bodies. The candidate must have: A strong marine science background, including at a minimum an undergraduate degree (or equivalent experience) in marine science or a relevant field; a graduate degree is strongly preferred. On-the-ground experience working in or closely with federal agencies and/or Congress, preferably on marine science and/or ocean issues. A detailed understanding of federal policymaking processes related to use and management of ocean resources. Excellent written and oral communications skills. Excellent organizational skills, ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. In addition, the ideal candidate will have: Ability to communicate and coordinate with diverse audiences. Ability to effectively and succinctly communicate scientific information to nonscientific audiences. Ability to support programs from conception through strategic planning to execution / implementation. Demonstrated initiative. 3 5 years experience. Compensation and Location Competitive benefits package, salary commensurate with experience. This position is located in Silver Spring, MD, at COMPASS affiliate, SeaWeb. How to apply Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV or resume, contact information for three professional references, and a brief writing sample (no more than three pages) to Dr. Chad English, COMPASS Director of Science Policy Outreach, at [email protected].
