Location: San Luis Obispo, CA 

Status: Full-time, exempt, 13-month position. No direct reports. 

What We Need 

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is a leading voice for U.S. protected waters, is seeking an Communications and Outreach Support Specialist, a position responsible for operating as a key member of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary (CHNMS) staff and working under the general guidance of the sanctuary’s Acting Superintendent.  

The position is needed to assist all staff in a wide variety of communication and outreach program support functions, which will aid the CHNMS team, particularly with; preparing for communication and outreach programs, helping to establish and cultivate cooperative relationships with institutions, organizations, businesses, Indigenous governments, user groups, providing support to the Sanctuary Advisory Council Coordinator, and other administrative duties, as required. The person will work directly with the Acting Superintendent and sanctuary staff to define a specific work plan based on the following general task. This work plan will be updated as needed. 

What You’ll Do 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Develop appropriate communications, outreach, communication materials, programs, and tools for CHNMS, using Adobe creative cloud.
• Support National and Regional Communications Efforts: Represent CHNMS at National ONMS and Regional WCR ONMS meetings, as appropriate. 
• Help develop and sustain strategic partnerships to enhance sanctuary’s ability to inspire ocean conservation, ocean literacy, and cultural heritage through sharing of communications materials. 
• Assist with identifying communities and users within CHNMS and information needs (i.e., whale disentanglement).
• Lead and collaborate with other staff members in developing 13 signs to be placed within the CHNMS.
• Lead all social media content and quarterly newsletter development. 
• Lead and collaborate with other staff members in planning and execution of outreach events.
• Represent CHNMS at local festivals and special events.
• Lead in formulating a training guide for interns and volunteers.
• Support At-Sea Experiences: Participate in communication and/or outreach activities aboard sanctuary vessels, as needed.
• Provide oversight and guidance to interns and fellows.
• Assist the Sanctuary Advisory Council coordinator in providing logistical support for the Sanctuary Advisory Councils, related panels, and working groups - including organizing meetings, meeting agenda, meeting minutes as well as maintaining council charters and relationships with council members.
• Oversee CHNMS webpage working in coordination with the ONMS communications team.
• Develop metrics to assist in the evaluation of the effectiveness of communication and outreach activities and connections to all CHNMS work.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications: 

• A bachelor’s degree or higher in communications, education, and/or natural sciences or related fields. Or at least five years of relevant experience.
• At least two years of professional experience in communications and outreach activities.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills - specifically in writing and public speaking with audiences from different cultures and backgrounds.
• Demonstrated organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment and carry out assignments independently.
• Knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and governments associated with the CHNMS.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to perform under tight deadlines and juggle multiple tasks and projects.

The sanctuary will provide a workstation at the CHNMS office, located in San Luis Obispo, including access to a computer and other IT equipment for the position. This position will be monitored and managed through frequent verbal and email contact by the Acting Superintendent. 

Why You Will Love Us

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (“Foundation”) is a leading voice for U.S. protected waters, working with communities to conserve and expand those special places for a healthy ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes. The Foundation works in close partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to increase stewardship of our ocean and Great Lakes through on-the-water conservation projects, and education and public outreach activities, and by support for research. Together, we safeguard species and the places they call home, and support coastal communities and economies.  

• Dedicated and passionate staff committed to marine and Great Lakes Conservation
• Generous leave policy, plus paid time off the week between December 25 and January 1; and 12 paid holidays
• Health benefits: Medical with an FSA option; dental, and vision
• Foundation paid Life and Disability Insurance
• Preparing for the Future: 403(B) with employer contribution after one year of service
• Commuter Benefits

Compensation and Benefits: $70,000 to $75,000 annually, based on experience. The Foundation offers a competitive benefits package.  

Applications must include a cover letter, resume, and at least three professional references. Applications received by December 22, 2025 will be preferred. 

Location: San Luis Obispo, CA 

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This commitment applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, and training. The Foundation makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.