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Communications & Events Coordinator PT

The Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve (SINERR) is seeking a creative, organized, and self-directed communications professional to support the Reserve’s communications, public outreach, and volunteering efforts.

This is a part-time, as-needed independent contractor position with a flexible schedule and ability to work from home. The contractor will work closely with SINERR staff but will be expected to take ownership of assigned communications and outreach projects from planning through execution.

Position duties

Communications & Social Media

● Work with SINERR staff to implement the Reserve’s Communications Plan and help translate that plan into an ongoing communications strategy.
● Develop and maintain an online events calendar aligned with Reserve programs, events, research, and organizational priorities.
● Create and publish at least one original social media post per week, with increased activity surrounding events, campaigns, and major Reserve activities.
● Help identify stories and opportunities that can make SINERR’s work accessible and interesting to the general public.
● Assist with development of promotional materials, advertisements, newsletters, website content, press releases, and other communications products as needed.
● Track basic communications and social media metrics and use them to recommend ways to improve SINERR’s reach and engagement.

Event Coordination

The contractor will take a lead role in organizing and carrying out at least one event monthly, which may include volunteer activities, targeted outreach events, community events, educational tabling opportunities, and similar programs. These will require in-person attendance, but can be scheduled around contractor’s preferences.

Depending on the event, responsibilities may include:

● Developing the event schedule and communications strategy in coordination with SINERR staff.
● Coordinating venues, speakers, partners, and other participants
● Developing and distributing invitations, advertisements, social media promotions, and other event communications.
● Coordinating event logistics, supplies, and materials.
● Managing venue setup and breakdown.
● Serving as the primary event facilitator
● Coordinating with SINERR staff and volunteers both before and during events.

Volunteer Coordination

The contractor will take a lead role in coordinating with Friends of Sapelo board members and SINERR staff to organize and attend volunteer activities. The contractor will also be responsible for attending all volunteer meetings with the Friends of Sapelo either in-person or virtually. Board meetings for Friends of Sapelo are quarterly.

Depending on the event, responsibilities may include:

● Sending out communications to volunteers about upcoming events
● Creating signups for events & managing attendees
● Coordinating with whichever SINERR staff member is the lead for each volunteer event and ensuring all materials are ready prior to the event
● Assisting with volunteer recognition and social events

Participation with the SINERR Team

Because effective communications depend on understanding what is happening across the Reserve, the contractor will attend one SINERR staff meeting per month, either virtually or in person. Staff meetings typically last approximately 2–3 hoursand will provide an opportunity to identify upcoming programs, research, accomplishments, events, and stories that should be incorporated into SINERR communications.

The contractor will otherwise work independently and directly report to the Collaboration & Training Program Coordinator.

Schedule & Compensation

This is a part-time position. Contractor can expect 20 hours per week, with a maximum of 29 hrs with prior approval by superior. Hours will revolve around scheduled events and social content calendar, but this is mostly at the discretion of the contractor. Some evening and occasional weekend availability may be required for public events.  However, federal holidays will not be required.

Compensation will be at $20/hr. Continuation or renewal of the contract will be dependent upon performance, organizational needs, and availability of funding. No benefits are included. You must be able to work in the United States with a valid US driver’s license.

Who We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate will have experience in communications, public relations, marketing, community outreach, volunteer coordination, science communication, environmental education, event coordination, or a related field. High school diploma required.

Strong candidates will demonstrate:

● An interest in coastal Georgia, environmental science, conservation, and community engagement
● Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
● Experience developing content and managing organizational social media.
● Strong organizational and project-management skills.
● The ability to work independently while communicating and collaborating effectively with a team.
● Comfort interacting with members of the public, community partners, scientists, educators, and other stakeholders.
● Creativity and an ability to translate technical or scientific information into engaging public-facing content.

Experience with Canva, Adobe, photography, graphic design, video, website content management, or similar communications tools is a plus.

To Apply

Applicants should email vog.ag.rnd@egdod.ynattirb with:

● A brief letter of interest describing their relevant experience and approach to communications and outreach.
● A résumé or CV. (Please include some examples of communications work, social media content, promotional materials, or an online portfolio)
● Contact information for at least two professional references.

Deadline to submit: Nov 30th, 2026

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