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 Education and Outreach Specialist, a position responsible for developing and implementing education and outreach initiatives at the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary (WSCNMS).
Specifically, the Education and Outreach Specialist will support work that is part of the scope of a cooperative agreement between the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries focused on engaging the public, through education and outreach at WSCNMS.
The Education and Outreach Specialist will play a key role in supporting WSCNMS on behalf of the Foundation by updating and implementing the sanctuary’s Education and Outreach Action Plan. The selected candidate will work with local communities, educators, students, and the public to increase the reach and relevance of the sanctuary. The successful candidate will have a passion for formal and informal education, strong verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects. The Education and Outreach Specialist will work day-to-day as a member of the WSCNMS staff.
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is committed to a culture of inclusion, equity, and belonging. We are dedicated to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We honor experiences, perspectives, and unique identities, and welcome the contributions that you can bring to the dedicated team. With a diverse team of employees, we can grow and learn better together and achieve our mission to protect the health of the ocean, coasts and Great Lakes for current and future generations.
Designated in 2021, Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary provides stewardship for our nation’s maritime heritage in Lake Michigan, including 40 historic shipwreck sites. Co-managed by NOAA and the state of Wisconsin, the sanctuary promotes Great Lakes conservation through research, education, and public engagement. In partnership with local communities, the sanctuary provides a national stage for promoting recreation and heritage tourism.
The sanctuary is part of NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuary System, an over 620,000 square mile network of underwater parks. These special places protect some of the most iconic underwater areas in the United States.
What You’ll Do
The person in this role will be a creative, self-motivated thinker, with strong organizational skills and a passion for formal and informal education. As the Education and Outreach Specialist, you’ll be embedded with NOAA’s Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary, and be responsible for:
- Enhancing the sanctuary’s ability to inspire Great Lakes conservation and literacy.
- Developing and implementing WSCNMS education and outreach action plans.
- Day-to-day management of WSCNMS education and outreach programs.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of education and outreach programs.
- Establishing and maintaining collaborative partnerships with K-12 and higher education educators.
- Establishing and maintaining collaborative partnerships with federal, state, local, academic, and non-profit organizations.
- Developing education, outreach, marketing, and communication materials, programs, and tools for both heritage and STEM-related topics.
- Developing and leading teacher workshops to promote use of science-based lesson plans in classrooms.
- Conducting sanctuary outreach and education in visitors’ centers, partner facilities, and at special events.
- Day-to-day management of WSCNMS website and social media channels.
- Supporting the development of brochures, signs, exhibits, web content, and social media content
- Supporting the writing and implementation of education related grants.
- Coordinating sanctuary volunteer program and assisting with sanctuary advisory council.
- Perform other duties, as required.
Who You Are
As the Education and Outreach Specialist, you’re a mission-driven individual who can develop and implement education and outreach strategies that bring the wonder and value of the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary to life for your audiences. You have a strong sense of initiative and work well both independently and as part of a team. You’ll have:
Required Qualifications:
- A degree that included or was supplemented by study in education or a combination of education and experience equivalent to a degree in education.
- Minimum of two years of specialized experience in education, public outreach and/or science communication for general audiences.
- Experience in developing K-12 activities, curriculum, or training for educators.
- Experience producing plain-language communications materials
- A demonstrated ability to forge partnerships with diverse communities and organizations.
- Excellent communication, organizational, writing, and project management skills.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to perform under tight deadlines and juggle multiple tasks and projects.
- Demonstrated initiative, ability to work both independently and in a collaborative environment.
- Proficiency with video and image editing software
- Adept with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.
- Willingness and ability to travel in support of sanctuary activities when needed.
- Regular attendance required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in environmental and Great Lakes sciences and heritage
- Proficiency with video and image editing software, preferably with the Adobe Creative Suite.
- Experience working for or with federal or state agencies.
- Experience and/or knowledge of national marine sanctuaries.
- Certified SCUBA credentials and experience.
Why You Will Love Us
- Dedicated and passionate staff committed to the conservation of the sites throughout the National Marine Sanctuary System.
- Generous leave policy, plus paid time off the week between December 25 and January 1; and 12 paid federal holidays.
- Health Benefits: Medical with an FSA option; dental, and vision.
- Foundation paid Life and Disability Insurance.
- Transportation subsidy
- Preparing for the Future: 403(B) with employer contribution after one year of service.
Compensation and Benefits: $58K-68K 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 October 31, 2025 will be preferred.
Location: Sheboygan, WI
Underwater Archaeology and Maritime History jobs 