October 28, 2024 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) seeks candidates for the position of Public Affairs Officer (PAO). This is a highly visible, dynamic position. The PAO is responsible for managing communications with the public and media. These responsibilities include developing working relationships with media representatives, coordinating communications with other fisheries management and government agencies, keeping the Council informed on pertinent issues, and leading the Council’s social media outlets.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 15, 2024
PUBIC AFFAIRS OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Serve as the first point of contact for the public and press and respond to inquiries appropriately;
- Serve as the primary source of information about the Council process;
- Develop and distribute Council communications, including press releases, general announcements, news updates, requests for proposals, vacancy solicitations, and reminders for upcoming meetings;
- Develop and manage the Council’s social media outlets;
- Maintain communications with NOAA Fisheries, partner agencies, and other management bodies;
- Serve on regional and national communications groups and participate in group projects and communications tasking;
- Support content on the Council website in coordination with the Council’s Webmaster;
- Develop Council meeting agendas with input from staff and external presenters;
- Collaborate with outside presenters on materials and logistics for Council meetings;
- Monitor news coverage involving issues of relevance to the Council and staff;
- Assist the Council’s technical staff as needed;
- Support the Council’s administrative staff with Council meeting preparations;
- Report directly to the Council’s Executive Director and conduct assigned tasks.
QUALIFICATIONS: A complete list of educational requirements, professional requirements, and needed analytical skills is available in the vacancy announcement.
HIRING DATE: The anticipated hiring date is January 2025.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Applications must include a cover letter, at least two writing examples, and a resume detailing education and experiences. Address the submission package to Council Executive Director Cate O’Keefe and submit it by November 15, 2024:
- Via email (preferred) to sgoutier@nefmc.org; or
- Via U.S. mail to the New England Fishery Management Council, 50 Water Street, Mill 2, Newburyport, MA 01950
SPECIAL CONDITIONS: This is a non-federal position. Upon hiring, the selected applicant will enter an initial probationary period of one year during which performance will be evaluated by the Executive Director.