Outreach Coordinator

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Position Summary:

The Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI) at Florida Atlantic University is seeking an Outreach Coordinator in Ft. Pierce, FL.

Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute is a world class research organization with a focus on exploring the marine environments. Over 200 scientists, staff and students on site that work and study key species and understanding the connection between humans and the ocean. The Outreach Coordinator is responsible for the organization and successful implementation of public outreach programs, providing exceptional customer service, serving as an ambassador for the Institute, and growing community engagement at the Ocean Discovery Visitors Center.

Summary of Responsibilities:

Guest Services

• Responsible for all “on-floor” activities at the Ocean Discovery Visitors Center, including welcome, visitor interaction, gift shop, answering phone inquiries, and general guest services.
• Provides expert guidance on marine science topics and FAU Harbor Branch programs to increase visibility of the Institute.
• Serves as point of contact for public inquiries, working in close coordination with other public-facing staff and ensuring that all inquiries receive prompt, professional, positive, and accurate responses.

Daily Operations

• Responsible for day-to-day upkeep of aquaria and exhibitions both within and outside the Ocean Discovery Visitors Center to ensure a show-ready and safe environment. Works with other departments such as Physical Plant, Security, etc., as necessary.
• Maintains and updates marketing and educational materials, ensuring availability at the Ocean Discovery Visitors Center and Marine Education Center, as well as at off-site locations.
• Responsible for daily operations of the FAU Harbor Branch Gift Shop including in store/online guest services, sales/order fulfillment, stocking merchandise, and bringing in new items. Handles cash and credit cards while maintaining customer confidentiality. Identifies opportunities to sell merchandise during special events, tours, lectures, etc.

Public Visitation

• Responsible for leading and growing revenue-generating public programs, such as tram and boat tours, specialty experiences, and group visit options. Facilitates online reservations, provides guest services, schedules/gives the tours.
• Works with Communications and Advancement to market public programs through established channels and assists with flyer drops, community calendar postings, content generation, etc. to support these efforts.
• Pursues increased public visitation to FAU Harbor Branch and works to grow opportunities for both individuals and groups to engage with activities at the Ocean Discovery Visitors Center and other venues on campus. Assists with group visit coordination and accommodation.

Volunteer

• Serves as primary contact for volunteers working with outreach and education programs. Responsible for recruiting, training, scheduling, and management of volunteers.
• Finds new ways to attract and grow volunteer participation and acknowledge their efforts both internally and externally.

Community Engagement

• Oversees a calendar of community events to identify high-impact exhibition opportunities for FAU Harbor Branch representatives and completes registration, schedules personnel, and prepares materials.
• Coordinates additional public programs which may include but are not limited to community outreach efforts, special events, citizen science projects, and virtual offerings.
• Takes the lead on guest/public relations for the Ocean Science Lecture Series and Speakers Bureau programs. Coordinates lecture series both on- and off-site.
• Collects demographic and statistical data for all community engagement and outreach efforts to be used for overall program evaluation and reporting.
• Responsible for completing assigned outreach components of grant-funded projects by working collaboratively with research personnel to ensure successful outcomes.
• Other job-related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization; or a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization and two years of appropriate experience required.

Preferred Qualifications/Skills:

Experience with saltwater aquarium maintenance and animal husbandry.

Experience with the operations of a public facility (such as an aquarium, science center, museum, nature center).

Experience managing staff including volunteers, employees, students and interns.
First aid certification.

Familiarity with fundamentals of Florida coastal habitats, wildlife and ecology.

Salary:

$50,000 - $55,000 annually.

College or Department:

HBOI: Outreach and Education

Location:

Harbor Branch (HBOI)

Work Days and Hours:

Tuesday - Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with evening/weekend availability for special events.

Application Deadline:

2026-05-01

Special Instructions to Applicant:

APPLICATION DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:

Resume

Cover letter


OFFICIAL SEALED TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED:
Final candidate will be required to have official, sealed transcripts and original NACES evaluation, if applicable, sent from their educational institution to Human Resources prior to the start of employment.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENINGS REQUIRED:
Selected candidates must successfully complete and pass all employment screenings prior to the start of employment. Employment screenings may include a criminal background check