Education and Outreach Assistant

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits Eligible

Job summary

University of Georgia’s Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary seeks an Education and Outreach Assistant to support the Ocean Discovery Center in Savannah, GA. The role focuses on education programs, social media content, and volunteer coordination as part of the GRNMS Education & Outreach team.

The ideal candidate will have strong communication, planning, and community engagement skills, plus experience with public outreach, events, and working in educational settings.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in interpretive-based visitor centers or public/educational environments.
• Experience managing social media accounts with content development, engagement strategies, and analytics reviews.
• Experience supporting federally funded programs and/or events.
• Science, education, outreach or social media background preferred.
• AAUS diving qualification or ability to obtain desired but not required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking.
• Ability to communicate effectively as part of a team.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Experience executing educational programs.
• Ability to innovate practical solutions to problems.
• Ability to use computer software programs provided.
• Occasionally work irregular hours; prepare reports; exert up to 50 pounds of force.
• Driving government vehicles as needed to perform job duties.
• Background check required.

Responsibilities

• Support daily operations of the GRNMS Ocean Discovery Center including developing, planning and implementing marine education and interpretive programs.
• Assist in developing social media strategy, content/digital media development, and campaigns across platforms; forward media inquiries.
• Recruit, train, schedule and coordinate Gray's Reef volunteer activities; training and appreciation.
• Plan large-scale sanctuary outreach events, including the Southeast Regional MATE ROV Competition; support annual outreach plan and budget.
• Support external funding opportunities that back GRNMS education and outreach programs.

Skills

Public speaking

Verbal & written communication

Team collaboration

Organizational skills

Time management

Problem solving

Adaptability

IT literacy

Social media management

Event planning

Volunteer coordination

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Content management systems

Social media platforms

Job description

Working Title

Education and Outreach Assistant

Location

Savannah Area

Employment Type

Employee, Full Time

Salary

Commensurate with experience

Additional Schedule Information

Some weekend and evening work will be required

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications

• Education or Experience working in interpretive-based visitor centers or similar public or educational environments.
• Education or Background managing social media accounts, including developing content, engagement strategies, and analytics reviews.
• Education or Experience supporting federally funded programs and/or events.
• Science, education, outreach or social media background, combination preferred.
• AAUS scientific diver qualification or ability to obtain qualification desired but not required
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability and willingness to speak before a variety of learners and stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate effectively as part of a team.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Education or Experience in executing educational programs.
• Ability to innovate practical solutions to problems as they arise.
• Ability to use computer software programs provided.
• Ability to: occasionally work irregular hours; prepare reports and records; exert up to 50 pounds of force
• Driving government vehicles as needed to perform job duties.
• Successful completion of a background check is required.

Position Summary

This full time Education and Outreach Assistant will be a part of the Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary (GRNMS) Education and Outreach team, supporting programs and activities in Savannah, GA. The primary responsibilities of the Education & Outreach Specialists will include supporting operations of the GRNMS Ocean Discover Center, supporting social media content creation and strategy, assisting with the planning and implementation of large-scale outreach events, facilitating education and interpretive programs at the Ocean Discovery Center, and volunteer coordination.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Knowledge of educational outreach, public engagement, and communication principles.
• Skill in verbal and written communication, including public speaking and presentations to various audiences.
• Skill in planning, organizing, and coordinating multiple projects, programs, and activities.
• Skill in using computer software and technology applications to support outreach and administrative functions.
• Ability to develop and deliver educational and outreach programs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with team members, partners, and the public.
• Ability to identify problems, exercise sound judgment, and implement effective solutions while adapting to changing needs.

Physical Demands

Ability to lift 50lb, work in inclement weather conditions as well as an office setting. Occasional evening and weekend work and in-state travel.

Driving Responsibility

Yes

Position of Trust

Yes

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Credit and P-Card Policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Duties / Responsibilities

• Support daily operations of the GRNMS Ocean Discovery Center including developing, planning and implementing formal and informal marine education and interpretive programs and activities. (40%)
• Assist in developing social media strategy, content/digital media development, and implementation as well as individual social media campaigns across multiple social media platforms and content management systems. Assist in developing media outreach and forwarding media inquiries to the correct office. (20%)
• Recruit, train, schedule and coordinate Gray's Reef volunteer activities. This includes identifying training needs, developing and implementing training, scheduling, and volunteer appreciation. (15%)
• Assist in planning large-scale sanctuary outreach events, including the Southeast Regional MATE ROV Competition. Support public outreach events. Ensure program objectives and milestones are accomplished and appropriately reported; and support development and implementation of the annual outreach operating plan, volunteer effort, and budget. (20%)
• Support other GRNMS activities as necessary, including assisting with and supporting external funding opportunities that support the GRNMS education and outreach programs. (5%)

EEO Policy Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

About the University of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department

For more than 50 years, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant has served the state through integrated research, education, and extension programs that promote the responsible use and stewardship of Georgia's coastal resources.

By serving as a bridge between scientists, local governments, and marine industries, we help communities protect coastal resources through sustainable, science-based solutions. Our extension specialists connect university expertise with local needs to strengthen the economic vitality and resilience of coastal communities. Education staff enhance environmental literacy and inspire stewardship by engaging the public, teachers, and students in programs that highlight the importance of Georgia's coastal ecosystems. We also prepare the next generation of educators and marine scientists through workforce development opportunities for college students. Meanwhile, our research program supports applied studies across Georgia that expand understanding of coastal and estuarine systems and address pressing environmental challenges.

Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant is managed through a federal-state partnership between the University of Georgia (UGA) and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Sea Grant College Program, a network of 34 Sea Grant programs located in coastal and Great Lakes states and territories.