Education and Outreach Assistant

About the role

This full time Education and Outreach Assistant will be a part of the Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary (GRNMS) Education and Outreach team, supporting programs and activities in Savannah, GA. The primary responsibilities of the Education & Outreach Specialists will include supporting operations of the GRNMS Ocean Discover Center, supporting social media content creation and strategy, assisting with the planning and implementation of large-scale outreach events, facilitating education and interpretive programs at the Ocean Discovery Center, and volunteer coordination. For more than 50 years, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant has served the state through integrated research, education, and extension programs that promote the responsible use and stewardship of Georgia’s coastal resources. By serving as a bridge between scientists, local governments, and marine industries, we help communities protect coastal resources through sustainable, science-based solutions. Our extension specialists connect university expertise with local needs to strengthen the economic vitality and resilience of coastal communities. Education staff enhance environmental literacy and inspire stewardship by engaging the public, teachers, and students in programs that highlight the importance of Georgia’s coastal ecosystems. We also prepare the next generation of educators and marine scientists through workforce development opportunities for college students. Meanwhile, our research program supports applied studies across Georgia that expand understanding of coastal and estuarine systems and address pressing environmental challenges. Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant is managed through a federal-state partnership between the University of Georgia (UGA) and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Sea Grant College Program, a network of 34 Sea Grant programs located in coastal and Great Lakes states and territories. Location: Savannah Area. Posting Date: 09/17/2026. Open until filled: Yes. Proposed Starting Date: 11/02/2026.

Responsibilities

• Support daily operations of the GRNMS Ocean Discovery Center including developing, planning and implementing formal and informal marine education and interpretive programs and activities. (40% of time)
• Assist in developing social media strategy, content/digital media development, and implementation as well as individual social media campaigns across multiple social media platforms and content management systems; assist in developing media outreach and forwarding media inquiries to the correct office. (20% of time)
• Recruit, train, schedule and coordinate Gray’s Reef volunteer activities. This includes identifying training needs, developing and implementing training, scheduling, and volunteer appreciation. (15% of time)
• Assist in planning large-scale sanctuary outreach events, including the Southeast Regional MATE ROV Competition. Support public outreach events. Ensure program objectives and milestones are accomplished and appropriately reported; and support development and implementation of the annual outreach operating plan, volunteer effort, and budget. (20% of time)
• Support other GRNMS activities as necessary, including assisting with and supporting external funding opportunities that support the GRNMS education and outreach programs. (5% of time)

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent.

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications: Education or Experience working in interpretive-based visitor centers or similar public or educational environments; Education or Background managing social media accounts, including developing content, engagement strategies, and analytics reviews; Education or Experience supporting federally funded programs and/or events; Science, education, outreach or social media background, combination preferred; AAUS scientific diver qualification or ability to obtain qualification desired but not required; Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability and willingness to speak before a variety of learners and stakeholders; Ability to communicate effectively as part of a team; Strong organizational and time management skills; Education or Experience in executing educational programs; Ability to innovate practical solutions to problems as they arise; Ability to use computer software programs provided; Ability to: occasionally work irregular hours; prepare reports and records; exert up to 50 pounds of force; Driving government vehicles as needed to perform job duties; Successful completion of a background check is required.