Position Announcement: Sanctuary Advisory Council Coordinator & Management Support Specialist

MBNMS STATEMENT OF WORK
Sanctuary Advisory Council Coordinator & Management Support Specialist

I. INTRODUCTION

The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS), the nation’s largest marine sanctuary, encompasses more than 5,300 square miles of central California coastal waters that contain a rich array of habitats and marine life. The Sanctuary program provides protection of these natural resources through research and education to foster public understanding and stewardship of this nationally significant marine area. The MBNMS Advisory Council (SAC) is comprised of 24 members representing a wide variety of agencies and user groups within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The SAC serves to advise and assist the Superintendent on Sanctuary related issues and informs the Sanctuary staff of the needs of the local community. The SAC has four working groups associated with it that address separately, conservation, education, research, and business and tourism matters. The SAC meets approximately every eight weeks; the working groups meet either monthly or bimonthly.

The Sanctuary requires the services of a contractor who will be responsible for all logistics and administrative functions of the SAC. The contracted individual will work closely with the chair of the SAC, working group chairs, and Sanctuary staff. The contractor will also be required to perform as a management support specialist, to assist the Sanctuary Superintendent with daily activities, which include the development and implementation of important management, project, and policy initiatives. The MBNMS needs to develop and implement this management support program, in particular while the MBNMS engages in a comprehensive management plan review over the next two years. The contracted individual would work closely with the Sanctuary Superintendent. The level of expertise needed to fulfill these duties equates to a GS9. This is a full time contract.

II. STATEMENT OF WORK

1. Plan, coordinate, schedule, and attend all SAC meetings. Work will include making all logistical arrangements for the meetings including location, room setup, equipment arrangements; and materials.
2. Contractor will produce and distribute SAC related information and take minutes from the SAC meetings by means of written notes and a digital sound recording system. Materials are distributed via website, and so scanning, web page design and operation of the recording system are required skills.
3. Assess problems and develop recommendations for SAC related issues. Work will include responding to SAC motions, resolutions, information requests, reviewing alternatives, preparing recommendations and drafting documents.
4. Develop and implement organizational strategies for the SAC. Work will include coordinating new member recruitment and the selection, implementation and coordination of task forces and subcommittees for special projects.
5. Meet on a regular basis with the Sanctuary Superintendent, Sanctuary staff, SAC chairperson and working group chair to discuss planning needs, and to develop agendas for upcoming SAC meetings.
6. Develop and help implement a plan to identify and track MBNMS management, project, and policy initiatives for MBNMS Superintendent. An effective plan will need to include identifying key initiatives, internal communication mechanisms, a method to develop internal positions and actions, and tracking of progress on activities.
7. As delegated, produce written materials to address public questions, state the MBNMS position, respond to inquiries internal to NOAA and the National Marine Sanctuary Program, and correspond with other agencies and the SAC.
8. Assist the Superintendent with day-to-day operational demands of the Sanctuary such as general public outreach, preparing for public speaking engagements, preparing written documents and public comments, helping to develop internal office and public policy statements.
9. Assist the Superintendent with the flow of internal work to create time for the Superintendent to participate in public or community events, programs and meetings.
10. Plan and direct, or assist in planning and directing, special events, ceremonies, tours and press conferences. Track and process informational requests and prepare materials and packets. Work at Sanctuary booths or otherwise represent the Sanctuary during special events.
11. Attend meetings on behalf of the Sanctuary Superintendent.
12. Assist the Superintendent with administrative issues that support the local offices and NMSP requests.
13. Perform other management support duties as assigned.

III. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Experience in marine sanctuary policies and issues.
• Professionalism and experience in dealing with politically important government, state and community representatives.
• Ability to compile, organize and articulate ideas and recommendations to advisory groups and the public. Analytical skills necessary to assist Sanctuary management with special policies, situations and issues as they arise.
• Experience in planning, coordinating and facilitating meetings of community representatives and government officials.
• Ability to effectively produce and distribute meeting information for the advisory and decision making body. Ability to take notes at meetings and to synthesize them into official minutes.
• Ability and willingness to prioritize work, meet deadlines as assigned and to work as a team player with Sanctuary working group representatives and staff.
• Experience in preparing legislative briefing documents and testimony in support of Sanctuary related issues.
• Ability and flexibility to travel. Overnights for SAC meetings and annual retreat; two-day annual SAC Chairs/Coordinators meeting.
• Experience with word processing; web design, document scanning, and digital recording systems.

IV. PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS

The contractor will periodically bill the Sanctuary for services rendered on an hourly basis, 40 hours per week. Benefits and insurance are not included and are the responsibility of the contractor. SAC meetings require 10 to 12 hour days, and increased hours are required both the week before and after meetings, for preparation and follow up.

V. TRAVEL AND OTHER DIRECT COSTS

Travel will be billed on a cost reimbursable basis.

VI. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED EQUIPMENT

The contractor will be provided a workstation at the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary office in Monterey, California and have access to a computer, telephone, copier, and facsimile machine.

VII. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE AND SCHEDULE FOR DELIVERABLES

Period of performance is 12 months from the date of contract awarded.

VIII. APPLICATION DEADLINE: DECEMBER 6, 2002

Interested applicants please submit a cover letter and resume to two separate locations:

1. MBNMS, 299 Foam Street, CA 93940 Attn: Dawn Hayes, Education and Outreach Coordinator
2. Go to the government website, http://www.eps.gov/spg/DOC/NOAA/index.html and select the Western Administrative Support Center’s opportunities by date. Look for the contract announcement and follow directions to receive a notification and quotation package, which you will subsequently submit to them with your resume and cover letter.