Capitol Hill Ocean Week® (CHOW) Coordinator
Announcement and Position Description
Location: Silver Spring, MD
Overview of Position
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (NMSF) – a private, non-profit organization
dedicated to protecting and supporting U.S. national marine sanctuaries – seeks a
Coordinator for NMSF’s signature event, Capitol Hill Ocean Week. Capitol Hill Ocean
Week (CHOW) has been leading the nation’s ocean policy conversation since 2002. The
conference drives a national dialogue on ocean science, research, policy and
management by bringing together more than 700 national and global policymakers,
scientists, scholars, business and conservation leaders every June. In conjunction with
CHOW is the annual NMSF Ocean Awards Gala™. The evening event, attended annually
by more than 450 people, recognizes individuals dedicated to ensuring a healthy ocean
through its Leadership, Lifetime Achievement and Volunteer of the Year awards.
This is a full-time position that will be based in the National Marine Sanctuary
Foundation Headquarters office in Silver Spring, MD and report directly to the NMSF
Policy and Conservation Director.
Relevant support tasks for these projects will include, but are not limited to:














Develop and implement CHOW Symposium agenda (keynotes, sessions, lunches,
breaks, etc.)
Research, invite, and confirm speakers
Organize conference calls with panel participants to prepare speakers
Engage key stakeholders, partners, and targeted audiences
Engage committed sponsors and foster opportunities for new sponsors
Coordinate with NMSF Vice President and staff to support fulfillment of sponsor
benefits
Closely interact and coordinate with OceansLIVE and NOAA’s Office of National
Marine Sanctuaries on live online streaming
Work with NMSF communications team to develop promotion strategies and
materials, increase NMSF brand visibility, increase social media engagement, etc.
Manage volunteers in preparation for and during the week
Engage Congressional Honorary Committee
Enhance conference attendee experience, including engagement and benefits
Coordinate the conference including the run of show, logistics, and production
Plan and host regular CHOW planning meetings
Support logistics and stakeholder engagement with the Ocean Awards Gala, as
needed
Qualifications and Requirements











4 years of higher education and/or relevant experience. Event/conference planning
and management experience strongly preferred
Fluency in computer software programs (i.e. word, excel, PowerPoint, Google e-mail,
and databases) required
Ability to distinguish among competing priorities and balance complex and
demanding workloads; organize and coordinate work assignments
Skill and experience in developing and maintaining relationships with academics,
NGOs, government agencies, and general public both internally and externally
Skill and experience in working as a member of a team to complete diverse projects
Skill and experience in organization and priority setting with high level to detail
Ability to work on multiple priority tasks concurrently
Knowledge of the goals, activities and programs of NMSF
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
Ability to work in a high pressure environment
Exhibits a high level of customer service knowledge, skills, and values
Compensation and Benefits
Qualified candidate will be an employee of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation in
Silver Spring, MD.
The annual salary range for the CHOW Coordinator position is $40,000-50,000.
Benefits include health and dental insurance, disability, life insurance, a retirement plan
(403b) plan, and a generous leave policy. Relocation expenses not provided.
NMSF is an equal opportunity employer and actively works to ensure fair and equal
treatment of its employees.
How to Apply
Applications must include both a cover letter and resume and should be submitted with
the subject line “CHOW Coordinator” to applicants@marinesanctuary.org. Applications
received prior to August 14 will receive priority. No phone calls please.
About NMSF
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is a private, non-profit, 501(c)(3) charity
whose mission is to enhance national marine sanctuaries in their goal to protect essential
U.S. marine areas and to ensure a healthy ocean, with a vision to strengthen and expand
the network of national marine sanctuaries for the benefit of current and future
generations. Through public-private partnerships, NMSF fosters scientific research,
funds conservation projects, supports educational programs, and advocates for public
policies on behalf of these special places representing the best hope for our ocean and
Great Lakes. NMSF’s signature programs are Capitol Hill Ocean Week, the largest
annual marine-related symposium in Washington, and the Ernest F. Hollings Ocean
Awareness Trust Fund, which provides grants for promoting public awareness on oceanrelated issues. The National Marine Sanctuary System consists of 14 sites, with more
than 170,000 square miles of area in the ocean and Great Lakes, stretching from the
Florida Keys to the Hawaiian Islands, and from the shore of Lake Huron to the Gulf of
Mexico. More information can be found on our website at www.marinesanctuary.org.