The Marine Environmental Research Institute (MERI) is seeking a highly organized, experienced individual with excellent communications and visual skills to fill the position of Communications Associate at the MERI Center for Marine Studies in Blue Hill, Maine.

MERI is a nonprofit organization that conducts scientific research and provides education on the impacts of pollution on marine life. This position provides an exciting and challenging opportunity to fulfill a vital role in the growth and development of the organization.

The successful candidate will possess excellent writing, verbal, and visual skills, and a proficiency with computer graphics, digital imagery and software. The individual must be highly organized and able to work well under pressure, meet deadlines and work collaboratively as part of a team.

Primary Job Responsibility:

Perform basic duties related to communications, outreach, and development; work closely with the Communications/ Development Director to communicate and promote MERI’s mission and programs. Assist in designing/writing press releases and publicity, foundation, state and federal grant applications; fact sheets, newsletters, website updates, and other informational materials. Assist in building and maintaining the MERI image library; help develop power point presentations, flyers, posters and email communications.

Job Description:  

• Work closely with the Communications/Development Director, Executive Director and MERI’s marketing firm to produce targeted brochures, fact sheets, newsletters, and power point presentations that articulate MERI’s mission and programs
  
• Write and distribute regular press releases, op-editorials, speeches, fact sheets, and other communications vehicles as assigned.
  
• Write regular updates for the MERI website
  
• Assist with writing grant propopsals for foundation, state and federal funding
  
• Develop flyers, posters, exhibits, and other educational materials
  
• Assist in building, organizing, and updating the MERI image library
  
• Pitch in on projects and perform other duties as assigned by the Director and/or senior staff
  
• As the organization evolves, the job responsibilities may change or be altered to meet MERI’s needs. This would be done in association with the Director.

Reports to:  Communications/Development Director

Requirements:
Minimum requirements are: a Bachelor’s degree and excellent written and verbal communications skills; superior proficiency with computer graphics software and digital photography. The successful candidate will have demonstrable ability with graphics layout and image selection. Documented writing experience is also essential. Must be detail-oriented, flexible, able to meet deadlines, and comfortable working collaboratively as part of a team. A background in journalism, photo-journalism, science journalism, web design, marketing, public relations, development or a related field desirable.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong interest in the marine environment and a commitment to the mission of the organization.

Time Requirements: Part-time 25-30 hours per week
Salary: Competitive, DOE

To Apply:
To apply for this position, please submit by email a letter of application with updated resume, a variety of writing samples, and 3 references to: info@meriresearch.org

Marine Environmental Research Institute (MERI)
PO Box 1652, 55 Main Street
Blue Hill, ME 04616
Tel: (207) 374-2135 Fax: (207) 374-2931
Website: www.meriresearch.org

MERI is an Equal Opportunity Employer