The ODU Research Foundation is seeking a proactive, organized, and self-reliant Project Coordinator to perform work for the Virginia Marine Debris Reduction Plan (VMDRP) Community Action Coalition. This is a 12 month grant funded position, continuation beyond 12 months will be based on project funding availability. The Project Coordinator will be an employee of the ODU Research Foundation. 

The VMDRP Community Action Coalition project is a project funded by NOAA under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The aim of the project is to support implementation of the VMDRP through establishing a coalition that brings together the concerns, interests, resources, and capacities of stakeholders across multiple sectors (state and local government, nonprofits, businesses, education, and communities) to undertake coordinated activities to achieve VMDRP goals related to derelict fishing gear (DFG) and abandoned and derelict vessels (ADVs). Project activities will focus on marine debris in Norfolk and Portsmouth, Virginia.

• Coordinate project activities and related marine debris efforts with the project team; advisory group; staff from state agencies, nonprofit and community organizations; researchers; volunteers; and other stakeholders, including underserved communities.
• Create and manage an online hub to provide resources and information to support implementation of the VMDRP. 
• Lead project team efforts to develop educational materials, and create and deliver public education and outreach programs to a wide range of audiences including youth, local businesses, the fishing and boating communities, and other recreational users. 
• Engage with Virginia Sea Grant and other regional and national partners engaged in marine debris efforts. 
• Organize and maintain files, reports, project artifacts, meeting notes, and other project materials. 
• Other duties as assigned

The Project Coordinator will report to Dr. Wie Yusuf, the project’s Principal Investigator.  

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies or related field or equivalent experience 
• Exceptional oral, written, interpersonal, and organizational skills
• Experience in project management
• Experience working in interdisciplinary or multifunctional settings
• Experience in outreach and engagement

Preferred qualifications

• Knowledge of marine debris or related coastal resilience issues
• Experience with teaching or training, especially targeted at youth
• Experience with developing and conducting online courses or training
• Experience coordinating with partners from state and local agencies, nonprofits, area businesses, K-12 schools, and universities
• Experience with developing or maintaining online materials (e.g., ePortfolio, WordPress site, blogs, GIS story maps, etc.)

Please visit ODU Research Foundation website at http://researchfoundation.odu.edu; click on the employment tab and follow the link for position #24-006.  Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.  

AA/EOE/M/F/Disability/VETS/Drug Free