Network Coordinator – Invasive Species and Climate Change

Position Summary: 

The Southeast Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change Management Network (SE RISCC) ( https://southeastriscc.org/ ) is seeking a motivated professional to serve as its Network Coordinator. This position will play a critical role in managing and expanding a growing network of researchers, land owners and practitioners, policymakers, and other partners working to address the intersection of invasive species management and climate change in the Southeast USA.  This is a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research and practical management strategies that address pressing conservation challenges. 

The Coordinator will facilitate communication, enhance coordination, and drive the network’s initiatives by organizing workshops, fostering collaborations, mentoring and training early career researchers, actively engaging with regular SE RISCC leadership meetings, and supporting research and outreach activities. 

The Coordinator will support the SE RISCC leadership team and work closely with regional partners, including universities, federal/state agencies, NGOs, and indigenous groups. The position will report to Dr. Brett Scheffers in the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at the University of Florida (https://www.schefferslab.com). 

Key Responsibilities: 

Network Coordination (40%):

• Through meetings and outreach, expand and maintain a comprehensive network of stakeholders, including scientists, managers, NGOs, state/federal agencies, and Indigenous groups.
• Coordinate activities with other regional RISCCs.
• Create and manage a network diagram to map stakeholder relationships and identify collaboration opportunities.
• Actively promote network growth through strategic communications  and partner engagement.
• Facilitate communication among network members through listservs, webinars, newsletters, and other platforms.

Workshop & Event Management (10%):

• Plan and coordinate virtual and in-person workshops focused on invasive species management and climate change.
• Organize and support quarterly webinars and bi-annual stakeholder meetings.
• Assist in the development and execution of manager-focused training sessions and knowledge exchange events.

Research & Synthesis Support (20%):

• Assist in the identification and coordination of high-priority research themes, working with research teams to facilitate collaborative projects.
• Coordinate the synthesis of research outputs, including research summaries, management challenge documents, and other outreach materials.
• Support the preparation of grant proposals and ensure timely reporting of progress to funding agencies.

Communications & Outreach (20%):

• Oversee and enhance the SE RISCC website, ensuring up-to-date content and resources for stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the SE RISCC leadership team and communication experts to develop outreach materials, including brochures, reports, and social media content.
• Liaise with media outlets, partner organizations, and academic institutions to promote the network’s mission and achievements.

Early-Career Support & Development (10%):

• Support SE RISCC interns and early-career researchers by organizing mentoring opportunities, training, and skill-building workshops.
• Coordinate engagement with graduate students and postdoctoral fellows participating in network-related research.

Qualifications: 

Preferred: 

• Master’s degree or higher in any field relevant to key responsibilities including but not limited to environmental sciences (broadly), communication, hospitality, public relations, or any relevant field in coordination, project management and stakeholder engagement. Several years of relevant experience post-undergraduate degree is also acceptable in place of a Master’s degree.
• Demonstrated experience in coordination, project management, or stakeholder engagement, ideally within the fields of conservation, invasive species management, or climate change.
• Strong communication skills (written and oral), including experience in preparing reports, organizing events, and managing websites or social media platforms.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple co-occurring priorities and deadlines.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders, such as federal/state agencies, Indigenous communities, and NGOs.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a dynamic team environment.
• Familiarity with invasive species management and climate change in the context of the Southeastern USA.
• Experience in workshop or event planning, including virtual and in-person formats.

Skills in project management, meeting facilitation, data management or analyses, or science communication.

Position Type: 

Full-Time, 12-month position (renewable annually, contingent on funding and performance) 

Application Deadline: January 20, 2025 

Start Date: Negotiable but likely February/March 2025