Shoals Marine Laboratory (SML) is a seasonal field station located on Appledore Island, Maine. In operations for over 50 years, SML is the largest and oldest marine laboratory in the country focused on undergraduate education. The SML mission is to provide outstanding experiential, place-based education and to support innovative research programs focused on understanding and sustaining the marine environment.

The key objective of the SML Communications and Community Relations Coordinator is to nurture meaningful relationships with our community and the public. Applicants should be excited about developing and implementing plans to increase engagement of target audiences and spread the message about our program and achievements. This position serves as a primary SML ambassador with responsibilities for delivering the SML strategic vision to our community. Reports directly to the Executive Director to perform duties. The role is a varied one that combines elements of relationship building, communications, development coordination, and public programs. Development work with be conducted in coordination with Cornell CALS and UNH development offices. This position will partner with SML leadership to carry out the 2018-2028 SML Strategic Plan.

The incumbent is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with individuals and organizations in support of the SML mission and goals. Strategies include managing donor relations, implementing community outreach programs, organizing events, writing and releasing publicity material such as monthly newsletters, and developing public relations strategies that will promote the organization’s mission. This position requires excellence in organization, interpersonal relations, team-building, and several forms of communications (e.g. writing, social media, graphic design, etc.). Occasional overnight time on Appledore Island is required in the summer. Travel and evening events are to be expected.

1. B.A./B.S. (minimum) or M.A./M.S. (desired) in science, communications, marketing, or public relations (or related field).
2. Minimum of 4 years of directly related experience that demonstrates effectiveness in public relations, donor development, communication, marketing or other related fields. 
3. Demonstrated excellence in written skills, public presentations, verbal communications, negotiations. 
4. Team-oriented, enthusiastic, open-minded, highly flexible, very organized, adaptable, creative, passion about marine science and undergraduate education.
5. Experience with digital design, social media, and web-based portals.

1. Development experience.
2. Understanding and passion for marine studies and/or for experiential undergraduate education.
3. Event management experience.
4. Public education program management.

Starting pay will be mid to high $40Ks, depending on the finalist’s experience. Salary is complemented by a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, generous retirement, tuition, and paid time off.

The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access/Affirmative Action employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, or marital status. Application by members of all underrepresented groups is encouraged. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the U.S.

The University of New Hampshire is a major research institution, providing comprehensive, high-quality undergraduate programs and graduate programs of distinction. UNH is located in Durham on a 188-acre campus, 60 miles north of Boston and 8 miles from the Atlantic coast, and is convenient to New Hampshire’s lakes and mountains. There is a student enrollment of 13,000 students, with a full-time faculty of over 600, offering 90 undergraduate and more than 70 graduate programs.