January 17, 2025 - Now Hiring – REEF Education Coordinator

Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF), a non-profit marine conservation organization focused on citizen science, education, and conservation science, is seeking qualified applicants to apply for a full-time Education Coordinator position in Key Largo, FL. Applications will be reviewed starting February 1, 2025, and the position will remain open until filled. An immediate start date is preferred but negotiable.

The Education Coordinator will join a growing team at the REEF Campus and will support activities related to REEF Ocean Explorers and Discovery programming, including K-12 and lifelong learning education and public outreach programs. The staff member will support the logistics and communications involving group bookings, as well as assist with instructing and evaluating educational programs at the REEF Campus. As a part of REEF’s Education and Outreach (E&O) team, they will work to support cohesive and inclusive educational experiences through all of REEF’s programs. The ideal candidate will bring a passion for fostering engagement across diverse communities and supporting REEF’s mission of marine conservation through research, citizen science, and education.  

The staff member will work with the E&O team to coordinate and lead activities such as Ocean Explorers Education Programs, invasive lionfish workshops, public seminars, and other outreach and tabling events. In addition to these established programs, the staff member will work with the REEF team to develop new projects, initiatives, and educational activities to support programming at REEF’s new Ocean Exploration Center for Marine Conservation (OEC), which will open on the REEF Campus in June 2025.

The Education Coordinator must be an excellent communicator and team player who is highly flexible, working with a distributed and diverse team. This position requires an energetic, organized, strategic, and collaborative person with experience in formal/informal education, program scheduling, and/or ocean outreach initiatives. The staff member must be an excellent communicator and problem solver. They should enjoy working and leading groups of varied ages and backgrounds, be excited to share the magic of the oceans, and lead through a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

REEF is currently in a dynamic period of growth, offering exciting opportunities for those passionate about marine education. This position is suited for an early-career individual with a passion for education and ocean outreach, interested in taking the next step in their careers, and growing within the organization.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should complete the short application form online here: www.REEF.org/job-application. As part of the application form, please upload a single electronic file with 1) a cover letter, 2) a resume/CV, 3) answers to application questions, and 4) the names and contact information for up to three references. Applications will be reviewed starting February 1, 2025. The position will remain open until filled. Immediate start time preferred but negotiable. 

Core Responsibilities

The staff member will work in education and outreach across many aspects of this grassroots, busy, and impactful non-profit organization. Tasks will be dynamic throughout the year. Priority focuses of this position include: 1) coordinating Ocean Explorers and Discovery Programs and 2) developing partnerships with schools, tour groups, local nonprofits and others 3) general support for day-to-day operations of an impactful non-profit.

Ocean Explorers Program:

  • Oversee and execute the scheduling of educational programs for groups visiting the REEF Campus and groups participating in offsite and virtual programs. Common points of contact revolve around coordinating program venues, creating program itineraries, providing information to answer questions, and supporting each group's planning leading up to their program.
  • Assist the E&O team in leading education programs on Campus and in the field as needed, working with groups of varied ages and backgrounds to share the magic of the oceans.
  • Support the maintenance of a database of education and outreach programs, including the number of constituents served, points of contact, feedback received, and future recommendations.
  • Contribute to the development of education programs that aim to exceed the highest standards of accessibility and cultivate a sense of belonging among diverse constituents, both at the REEF Campus and in communities.
  • Create a safe, inclusive and rewarding program for every participant.

Events & Outreach Programming:

  • Assist with outreach, tabling, and community events, primarily in the Florida Keys and South Florida region. This includes setting up the event, actively engaging guests, handling payments and purchases, and breaking down the event items.
  • Assist program staff leads on tasks associated with REEF’s major annual events, including the Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Arts Festival, Fish Out of Water Virtual 5K, and REEF Fest.

Day-to-Day Operations Support

  • Assist with tracking and participation in the various Ocean Explorers Education and Outreach events and provide reports for multiple grants.
  • Support REEF Interns and Fellows to ensure the highest quality educational experience.
  • Coordinate the use of the new OEC for visiting groups with our Engagement Coordinator.
  • Work with the Campus-based Directors and staff to support a positive and efficient working environment at the REEF Campus.

In addition to these areas, the Education Coordinator may periodically have opportunities to assist and participate in various Conservation Science and Volunteer Fish Survey Project citizen science field and education activities.

 

Minimum Requirements and Desired Attributes

  • Bachelor’s degree in education, science, or related field, or equivalent experience.
  • At least two years of teaching experience in either a formal or informal education facility preferred.
  • Proficiency with desktop computers and office software, including Excel and Word, and other platforms such as Asana, Slack, Canvas, and Adobe. Experience with AirTable platforms is a plus.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to cultivate new partnerships, with an eye toward growing our educational reach.
  • A positive attitude and high aptitude for self-starting in a fast-paced, non-profit organization are a must. The successful applicant will have strong organizational skills, the ability to follow through on tasks, and the ability to work in a diverse and collaborative team.
  • Must be a well-organized professional who is comfortable wearing multiple hats and contributing where needed.
  • Reliable transportation and current valid driver’s license.
  • U.S. citizenship or foreign citizen’s U.S. work permit appropriate for the job.
  • A strong interest in ocean life, marine conservation, citizen science, and diving is a plus.

 

Duration, Location, and Terms

This is a full-time, permanent salaried position based at the REEF Campus in Key Largo. REEF offers a competitive and generous benefits package. Benefits include a contribution towards health insurance, a 403(b) retirement plan with up to 3% employer matching, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), twenty days of accrued paid time off (PTO) annually, options for flex-time work weeks, and nine paid holiday days per year. US and international travel may be required, as well as some weekend, holiday, and after-hours work. Start date is flexible, but ideally by March 1, 2025.

 

About REEF and the REEF Campus

REEF is a nonprofit grassroots organization that brings together people from across disciplines, professions, and perspectives to address the significant challenges facing our blue planet. REEF is dedicated to inspiring curiosity and connection with the oceans, all while empowering individuals to make a difference. Through education and hands-on experiences that increase ocean literacy, citizen science, and research collaborations, REEF is making an impact. Founded over 30 years ago, REEF protects marine environments worldwide through an inter-disciplinary approach.

REEF’s mission is to protect biodiversity and ocean life. A major facet of that mission is celebrating the importance of diversity. The ocean is home to some of the most diverse habitats on the planet. Marine species and habitats find strength in this diversity and are dependent on it to thrive. Diversity is one of nature’s greatest strengths, and it should be ours as well. As individuals and as an organization, we must explore our role in addressing barriers that limit diversity amongst REEF staff, board, interns, and participants, as well as the broader areas of diving, science, and conservation. This starts with investigating how REEF, as a community of ocean enthusiasts, can use our platform to build a better world, and support actions to make scuba diving and science communities accessible and inclusive.

REEF is committed to building the core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion into all aspects of our organization. While REEF’s programs are global in nature, its roots are in South Florida. The REEF Campus in Key Largo encompasses an historic homestead, and includes the organization’s headquarters, which is housed in the oldest building in the Upper Keys, a small interpretive center classroom built in 2017, and a Native Plants and Heritage Trail. The REEF Campus has become established as a central hub for visitors and the local community alike to gather, learn, and be inspired.

In 2025, REEF is taking a bold step to expand its Campus through the addition of a Marine Conservation Center. The 4300 square-feet, two-story facility will be open and free to the public, and will include flexible learning and exploration spaces, a visitor gallery, and large seminar space. The Center will provide immersive experiences while serving as a hub for scientific research, education, and conservation.

REEF is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.