Senior Research and Communications Associate, Open Space Institute, Inc, New York City, NY, Position Title: Senior Research and Communications Associate, Reports To: Director of Research, Department: Conservation Capital Program (CCP), Location: New York City
The Open Space Institute, Inc. protects scenic, natural and historic landscapes to ensure public enjoyment, conserve habitats, and sustain community character. OSI achieves its goals through land acquisition, conservation easements, loan and grant programs, creative partnerships, and analytical research.
Position Description: The Senior Research Communications Associate will support the Director of Research and the Conservation Capital Program to advance the practical application of science to accelerate conservation. The Senior Associate will provide research assistance, distill lessons and translate science into white papers, guidance documents, case studies and fact sheets for land conservation audiences. The Senior Associate will work closely with OSI’s Field Coordinators and External Affairs Program to ensure that CCP remains coordinated with OSI’s external communications and will serve as CCP lead in development of content for press releases, annual reports, newsletters, web blasts and in updating content for the CCP website. The Senior Associate should have significant experience with communication of science and technical material. Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a strong plus.
Primary Roles and Responsibilities
Research: Coordinate and oversee day to day details of OSI catalyst grants for the application of science to conservation planning. Stay current on research and science related to OSI's core work, currently focused on climate and water quality. Assist with research to identify priority areas for CCP investment and new opportunities for expanding CCP programs. Assist with research for white papers and communications materials. Communications. Translate research products into accessible communication materials for land conservation professionals, e.g. guidance documents, white papers, case studies, etc. for web and hard-copy distribution. Liaison with External Affairs in developing grant proposals and reports, producing web, newsletter and annual report content, and in updating web content. Develop a line of webinars and pamphlets communicating about application of science to land conservation. Assemble and coordinate external advisors for review of content and communication products. Edit and develop materials for advisory committees and OSI board
Requirements: Technical Skills and Abilities, 5 years’ experience in communication, with proven track record of communicating technical material, Proven track record in translating scientific information into formats for lay professionals, Experience working with land trusts and related conservation organizations community a strong plus, Familiarity with watershed science and wildlife conservation, Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a plus, General Skills and Abilities, Excellent verbal and written communication skills, Creativity and problem solving problem skills, Strong analytical orientation and ability to quickly distill and summarize relevant information
Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
Ability to work on complex assignments and demonstrate initiative
Comfort working as part of a team and pitching in to get the job done
Qualifications: BS degree and/or certification in related field and 5 years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Physical Requirements:  Frequently sits for long periods of time. May require travel, Frequently speaks, reads, writes and uses a computer keyboard. May require occasional standing, walking, lifting, stooping, bending. With “Research and Comm. Associate” and where you saw the posting in the subject line.
This job description is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position. There may be unplanned activities and other duties as assigned.
Open Space Institute is an equal opportunity employer.

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Please email resume and cover letter as a single PDF to: resumes@osiny.org