Science Communication & Interpretation Specialist

Job Description Summary

The mission of William & Mary’s Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences & Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) is to seek and broadly communicate knowledge in marine and coastal science to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world through research, education, and advisory service. The Batten School & VIMS make seminal advances in understanding coastal and marine systems through research and discovery, translate research findings into practical solutions to complex issues of societal importance, and provide new generations of researchers, educators, problem solvers, and managers with an education of unsurpassed quality.

Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Virginia (CBNERR-VA) exhibits leadership in integrated coastal zone management through innovative estuarine and coastal watershed science and education programs that promote natural-resource stewardship and science-based solutions to complex socioecological challenges.

The Science Communication & Interpretation (SC&I) Specialist supports the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Virginia (CBNERR-VA) and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS/W&M) by developing, coordinating, and delivering science interpretive programs with emphasis placed on Reserve topical themes of interest, experiential and place‑based learning, including the four Reserve components. Additionally, the position supports development, maintenance, and leveraging of Reserve focused communications and target audiences in alignment with the Reserve’s strategic plans and evolving programmatic needs.

The position serves as the Reserve’s lead for interpretive programming and communications while partnering closely with the VIMS Education, Outreach, and Communications team to ensure consistency, coordination, and alignment of public‑facing educational and interpretive initiatives across the Batten School and VIMS.

• Serve as the principal lead for Reserve interpretive community education programming and as such, contribute to strategic planning through annual and multi‑year CBNERR‑VA management and action plans
• Initiate and collaborate on the development and submission of sponsored grant and contract proposals, and other funding opportunities to secure resources that advance CBNERR‑VA community engagement and broader impacts of Reserve programmatic units;
  Complete and submit required grant/contract performance reporting and other formal related requirements, including summarizing communication/education reach, engagement and volunteer metrics and outcomes; and Support recruitment, mentorship, and oversight supervision of CBNERR‑VA staff, fellows, interns, and students.

• Integrate and translate Reserve programmatic (e.g., water quality, coastal & watershed ecology, habitat conservation & restoration) monitoring data, research findings and resource management actions conducted at the Reserve and/or by Reserve staff into accessible, understandable, engaging and relatable narratives (e.g., storytelling) and information products (including economic impact) for diverse audiences (e.g, public, legislative, governmental agency) that help explain why such work matters
• Engage and collaborate with key partners/partner networks (e.g., VIMS, VDCR, VDEQ, NERRS national program such as the Science Collaborative) and subject matter experts to create content and facilitate innovative and interactive learning tools and in‑person/visitor approaches (e.g., hands‑on demonstrations, guided tours, public lectures, and educational workshops) that highlight thematic awareness and, where appropriate, align with partner strategies and standards
• Utilize data‑driven, enhanced technology/digital tools in science interpretive programming (e.g., access to real‑time data and web‑based applications; QR‑based apps, augmented reality [AR], data‑driven storytelling and story map products)
• Create, develop and maintain Reserve, VIMS and partner facilities (e.g., visitor centers) and field‑based (e.g.,…