National Social Media Coordinator

Location: Silver Spring, Marland

Supervisor: National Interpretation Manager

Status: Full-Time, Exempt, No direct reports

What We Need

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is a leading voice for U.S. protected waters, is seeking a National Social Media Coordinator, a position responsible for developing and implementing social media initiatives for the National Marine Sanctuary System.

Specifically, the National Social Media Coordinator will support work that is part of the scope of a cooperative agreement between the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries focused on engaging the public with the 18 site in the National Marine Sanctuary System.

The National Social Media Coordinator will play a key role in supporting the National Marine Sanctuary System on behalf of the Foundation by managing headquarters-level social media accounts for NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS), including Facebook, X, YouTube, Flickr, LinkedIn, and Instagram. The selected candidate will develop strategies and initiatives to increase organic reach, contribute to stronger engagement with key stakeholders, and be a voice in helping to ensure that social media efforts are in alignment with ONMS strategic priorities. The National Social Media Coordinator will work day-to-day as a member of the ONMS Communications and Engagement Division.

The position will be based in NOAA’s ONMS headquarters office in Silver Spring, MD. A belief in our mission, excellent project management skills, as well as a strong team mentality, is a must.

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is committed to a culture of inclusion, equity, and belonging. We are dedicated to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We honor experiences, perspectives, and unique identities, and welcome the contributions that you can bring to the dedicated team. With a diverse team of employees, we can grow and learn better together and achieve our mission to protect the health of the ocean, coasts and Great Lakes for current and future generations.

What You’ll Do

The person in this role will be a creative, analytical thinker with strong content development skills and a passion for digital media. As the National Social Media Coordinator, you’ll be embedded with the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, and be responsible for:

• Day-to-day management of headquarters-level social media channels, including curating posts, sourcing assets and additional information, collaboration with other teams, managing and monitoring social media platforms, and engaging with the social community and responding to posts and messages in a timely manner.
• Script and edit video content to be posted to social media platforms, adapting format to platform needs.
• Manage the development and execution of all social campaigns to drive public engagement and strengthen National Marine Sanctuary System awareness and brand equity.
• Own and manage the social media calendar, coordinating releases with the communications and media team.
• Share strategies and recommendations for social media platforms, best practices, industry trends, tech applications, and emerging opportunities.
• Lead quarterly update, brainstorming, and content ideation sessions with field site social media coordinators.
• Provide communication and social media expertise and problem solving to field site social media coordinators on a case-by-case basis, and manage and update social media policies, including ONMS best practices.
• Monitor and evaluate all social media for both headquarters and site channels, providing regular and specific event reports on coverage and influence with analysis and recommendations based on the data.
• Identify opportunities for partner outreach, including maintaining Letters of Agreement with formalized partnerships.
• Serve as liaison to NOS and NOAA social media team leads.
• Ensure all posts are fact-checked and proof-read, and that all necessary permissions have been obtained before sharing images or video.
• Produce error-free, plain-language content that adheres to ONMS messaging and the Associated Press style guide. Ensure products meet Section 508 requirements, including closed captioning and text descriptions for video products.
• Participate in outreach or special events as needed.
• Manage social media volunteer interns, as needed.
• Work closely with the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation social media coordinator to ensure close connections on national campaigns.
• Host the Get Into Your Sanctuary Photo Contest, taking place annually from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. This includes complete management and organization of winning photos, contestant information, submissions received, social media promotion and announcing, as well as additional outreach as needed.
• Maintain proficiency in NOAA diving standards and training, including CPR/First Aid/O2 administration, maintain dive gear
• Assist production team in the field with media management and additional camera work as needed.

Who You Are

As the National Social Media Coordinator, you’re a mission-driven, internet-savvy individual who has a passion for sharing the marine environment, and can develop and activate digital strategies that bring the wonder and value of the entire National Marine Sanctuary System to life for your audience. You have a commitment to engaging storytelling, a strong sense of initiative, and work well independently.

Required Qualifications

• 3–5 years of progressive responsibility directing and shepherding social media campaigns and development of media content, including experience creating videos;
• Excellent communication, organizational, writing, and project management skills;
• Experience producing plain-language web content, with a focus on social media for a federal agency, non-profit organization, congressional office, private company, or other professional organization;
• Expert experience in social media analytics/insight reporting (Meta Business Suite and X, LinkedIn, and YouTube analytics) ;
• Knowledge of Associated Press news writing style;
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail;
• Ability to perform under tight deadlines and juggle multiple tasks and projects;
• Demonstrated initiative, ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented and collaborative environment;
• Proficient with video editing software, preferably with the Adobe Creative Suite and Da Vinci Resolve software;
• Adept in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, InDesign) ;
• Adept with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace;
• Experience working for or with federal or state agencies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of working with/engaging influencers;
• Knowledge of HTML web coding and graphic design;
• Experience and/or knowledge of national marine sanctuaries;
• A sincere interest in, and commitment to, ONMS’ and the Foundation’s missions.

Why You Will Love Us

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (“Foundation”) is a leading voice for U.S. protected waters, working with communities to conserve and expand those special places for a healthy ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes. The Foundation works in close partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to increase stewardship of our ocean and Great Lakes through on-the-water conservation projects, and education and public outreach activities, and by support for research. Together, we safeguard species and the places they call home, and support coastal communities and economies.

• Dedicated and passionate staff committed to marine and Great Lakes Conservation
• Generous leave policy, plus paid time off the week between December 25 and January 1; and 12 paid holidays
• Health benefits: Medical with an FSA option; dental, and vision
• Foundation paid Life and Disability Insurance
• Preparing for the Future: 403(B) with employer contribution after one year of service
• Commuter Benefits

Compensation and Benefits: $65,000 - $72,000 per year based on experience. The Foundation offers a competitive benefits package.

Apply through the Foundation’s online portal. A resume, cover letter, and three professional references are required. Applications received by October 23, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET will be preferred.

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is committed to equal opportunity and a collaborative work environment. We are dedicated to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We honor experiences, perspectives, and unique identities, and welcome the contributions that you can bring to the dedicated team. With a diverse team of employees, we can grow and learn better together and achieve our mission to protect the health of the ocean, coasts and Great Lakes for current and future generations.