Azura is looking for an experienced communications specialist to assist the NOAA Fisheries Office of Sustainable Fisheries. Applicants must be well-rounded, self-motivated communications specialists who work well in a team environment. The specialist will contribute to communications efforts of the Office of Sustainable Fisheries and liaise with each of the Regional Offices and key Headquarters Offices including the NOAA Fisheries Office of Communications. This position will require attention to detail and the ability to multitask while remaining flexible as deadlines and priorities shift. Potential candidates must also possess the curiosity and ability to find solutions and resolve issues based on available resources. Applicants must be able to operate independently and manage their own work schedule.

Work is anticipated to be full-time, temporary (~6 months), and conducted remotely, but applicant needs to be based in the Silver Spring, Maryland area for occasional visits to the local NOAA office. During workdays, candidates must be able to respond to all communications within 24 hours and conduct calls and meetings as necessary during normal business hours. Beyond the communication requirements, work hours are flexible.

The employee shall

• participate in the weekly NOAA Fisheries Office of Communications HQ Strategic Meeting, weekly Domestic Fisheries and Highly Migratory Species Division staff meetings, and applicable planning and coordination meetings in order to provide or collect information regarding agency policy, programs or regulations; 
• work with the Office of Sustainable Fisheries staff to find compelling ways to tell their story; specifically, the specialist will need to explore ways to explain complex issues and regulatory actions to many different kinds of audiences through a variety of outlets (e.g., print, web, social media);
• coordinate the development and implementation of rollout plans for products and regulatory actions of the Office of Sustainable Fisheries;
• prepare the Director/Deputy for various events including developing talking points and presentations;
• work with current web staff to revise, organize, write/edit web content and maintain websites using a content management system; review current website designs for user friendliness and make recommendations for improvement;
• maintain and update the office Intranet site; and
• assist in the support of applicable NOAA programs, initiatives and activities including those intended to improve safety and security, mission function, communication and overall efficiency.

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 to 10 years of experience helping to create and maintain communications products and communications efforts or campaigns for an organization
• Experience working as a part of a successful team in a professional capacity
• Experience developing relationships with constituents and developing materials to educate external partners (general public, nongovernment organizations, Congress, industry groups, etc.)
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Ability to think creatively in terms of approaches and tactics
• Experience translating technical and scientific writing into plain language

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience providing messaging and outreach on natural resource or environmental issues

This position has significant expectations of independence, self-management, and rapid integration of new information. Pay is competitive, and the overall work environment is very flexible.

The rate of pay will depend on experience and qualifications. The position is eligible for full benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance; and paid time off for vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays. The position is full time for approximately 6 months.

In compliance with federal law, all applicants must be able to prove that they are legally able to work in the United States and pass a security/background check.

Azura Consulting LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal or state law. We strongly encourage all qualified persons to apply for this position.

Qualified candidates may also be considered for future positions.

If you are interested in this position and have all of the required qualifications listed above, please send your resume and cover letter to anna@azuraco.com. In your resume, please describe how you meet all of the required qualifications and list contact information for three references who can attest to your previous work experience. In your cover letter, please describe why you would be a good fit for this position.

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Azura Consulting LLC is an economically disadvantaged woman-owned small business specializing in protected species conservation, management, and research.