Public Engagement Administrator

Overview

The Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO) is an interstate water quality agency serving the Ohio River Basin. Established through an interstate signatory compact, ORSANCO works collaboratively with eight member states, federal agencies, local governments, nonprofit organizations, and communities to protect and improve water quality throughout one of the nation's most important river systems.

Serving a watershed that spans portions of 15 states and supports millions of residents, ORSANCO provides scientific monitoring, emergency response coordination, public information, and regional collaboration to address complex water quality challenges and promote stewardship of the Ohio River and its tributaries.

ORSANCO is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Public Engagement Administrator to lead public involvement, science communication, outreach, and regional partnership initiatives throughout the Ohio River Basin. This senior-level position operates at the intersection of environmental science, public engagement, and regional collaboration. The successful candidate will translate complex water quality information into meaningful public resources, coordinate multi-state stakeholder engagement efforts, and help strengthen public understanding of water quality issues affecting communities throughout the basin.

This role offers a unique opportunity to work with state and federal agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, watershed groups, elected officials, and community leaders while helping shape public awareness and stewardship of one of America s most important natural resources.

• Science Communication & Public Information:
  Translate water quality monitoring data, scientific findings, and technical information into accessible public-facing resources.
• Develop presentations, educational materials, and communication tools that improve public understanding of basinwide water quality conditions.
• Present technical information to diverse audiences, including community groups, professional organizations, government officials, and regional partners.
• Support the interpretation and communication of monitoring data, biological assessments, harmful algal bloom information, and other environmental initiatives.

• Program Leadership & Outreach:
  Lead planning and implementation of regional outreach and public engagement initiatives.
• Coordinate ORSANCO's nationally recognized Ohio River Sweep program, including volunteer engagement, partnership development, fundraising, reporting, and program administration.
• Support public engagement efforts associated with the Life Below the Waterline Mobile Aquarium and other educational initiatives.
• Coordinate community events, public forums, stakeholder meetings, and outreach activities throughout the Ohio River Basin.

• Regional Partnership Development:
  Build and maintain strong relationships with agencies, nonprofits, universities, watershed organizations, local governments, and community partners.
• Facilitate collaboration among diverse stakeholders to advance shared water quality and stewardship goals.
• Represent ORSANCO at conferences, meetings, public events, and regional initiatives throughout the basin.
• Support regional communication and engagement efforts that connect communities with ORSANCO programs and resources.

• Project & Team Coordination:
  Manage complex projects involving multiple partners, stakeholders, and funding sources.
• Coordinate interns, volunteers, educators, contractors, and project teams.
• Support grant reporting, sponsor engagement, program evaluation, and compliance requirements.
• Assist with strategic planning and implementation of public engagement initiatives aligned with ORSANCO's mission and strategic priorities.

Required

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, water quality management, communication, public engagement, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in science communication, environmental outreach, public engagement, education, or related fields.
• Experience presenting technical environmental or scientific information to diverse audiences.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Experience coordinating multi-partner initiatives and stakeholder engagement efforts.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical information into clear and engaging public communications.
• Experience supervising staff, interns, volunteers, or project teams.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Preferred
• Master's degree in environmental science or a related discipline.
• Knowledge of watershed science, water quality monitoring, nutrient pollution, aquatic ecology, or related environmental topics.
• Experience with GIS mapping, spatial data interpretation, or public-facing geographic information tools.
• Experience working with interstate, regional, or multi-jurisdictional programs.

• Work on issues that directly impact water quality and…