Posted: Open to internal and external applicants
Reports to: School and public programs manager
Status: Full-time, salaried, benefitted position
Hours of work: Standard Monday–Friday workweek, 8am–5pm. Occasional need for weekend or after-hours work as related to projects.
Duration: This is a two-year, grant-funded position
Date needed: October 2020
Posting expires: October 16, 2020, end of day. Priority given to applications received prior to September 30.
Position description:
The Seattle Aquarium is seeking to increase its capacity to develop and deliver digital content to engage students and families at home, in their schools and in their communities. We are seeking a creative, organized and collaborative individual to facilitate the creation of engaging digital content for the Seattle Aquarium audience. The digital learning specialist will perform a variety of digital production duties, including but not limited to: live streaming presentations and e-learning courses, video editing, and production, including the operation, use and care of audio visual equipment. This person will be responsible for working with the Conservation Engagement and Learning department (CEaL) to design, plan, strategize and implement a diverse digital learning program. This individual will support the staff during the entire life cycle of each project, as assigned, to help develop highly compelling content with clear and consistent messaging. Along with a strong sense of how to tell a captivating visual story, this position requires advanced working knowledge of editing software, audio visual systems and the ability to train non-expert education staff in the use of technical equipment for delivering educational programming.
The Seattle Aquarium aims to engage all people and communities that live and work along the shores and in the watersheds of Puget Sound to meet our mission: Inspiring Conservation of Our Marine Environment, with an understanding that “our” means everyone’s marine environment. This is particularly important because environmental degradation disproportionately affects communities of color and low-income communities, and because environmental challenges will not be solved without bringing to bear the knowledge, skills and diverse views of the entire human community.
Please note: this position is dependent on grant funding. If we do not receive this grant, we will update candidates to let them know we will not fill the position at this time. We expect to hear back by mid- to late September and will keep candidates up to date as things progress.
Essential functions:
- Work in collaboration with the Marketing Communications department, school and public programs manager and other relevant Aquarium staff to facilitate the creation of digital learning assets including but not limited to: asynchronous web content, live teacher workshops, instructional videos, educational mini-series for students and teachers, training videos, live broadcasting (in the field and on-site) with educators and scientists, voiceover narration, virtual tours, etc.
- Oversee the acquisition, operation, care and use of all CEaL department audio and visual equipment, working closely with IT to maintain all installed software and hardware (cameras, editing software, sound and lighting equipment, computers).
- Train and advise staff on the proper use of CEaL department audio/visual equipment in variety of settings such as classrooms, auditoriums, conference rooms, indoors and outdoors.
4. Support cross-departmental requests as needed; work closely with the Aquarium Marketing Communications team to ensure the digital content adheres to the Seattle Aquarium’s style guide, “look and feel,” and aligns with our conservation voice.
Additional responsibilities:
- Maintain Aquarium brand and style guidelines throughout all digital learning.
Required skills, abilities:
- Able to work in the Aquarium’s main digital media formats, including but not limited to: asynchronous web content, live teacher workshops, instructional videos, educational mini-series for students and teachers, training videos, live broadcasting (in the field and on-site) with educators and scientists, voiceover narration, virtual tours, etc.
- Maintain knowledge of industry best practices.
- Attention to detail.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Be flexible, organized and able to respond to competing demands.
- Handle pressure and deadlines.
- Interested in making digital learning equitable and accessible for all audiences.
- Familiarity with informal learning environments.
Experience, education and certifications: We will consider various combinations of relevant experience and education in order to meet minimum requirements.
Required:
- Three years of full-time paid experience in the development and preparation of audio-visual materials such as slide shows, videos, presentations, graphic design or the equivalent medium prepared on a computer then shown on a screen or published on a web or social media site.
- Minimum one year of experience operating Adobe Creative Cloud, Open Broadcast Software or comparable video editing and broadcast software.
- Experience must include the operation, use and care of audio-visual equipment such as speakers, lighting, amplifiers, mixers, microphones, cables, recording or playback devices, video monitors, data projectors, video editing software and video cameras in the production of audio visual materials or live events.
- High school diploma or equivalent required, some college or a degree/certification in a related field desirable.
Working conditions:
- Candidate will be lifting carrying, bending, stooping, walking on uneven surfaces, working in all weather conditions, need the ability to see, etc.
- Majority of work is performed in a normal office setting. Semi-private work area. Also requires duties to be carried out in exhibit areas, possible outdoor field excursions and off-site training and travel.
- Must be able to lift 30 pounds or more on occasion.
Salary and benefits: $50,000–$60,000/year, D.O.E. Please include salary expectations in your materials. Full-time staff are eligible for Seattle Aquarium’s comprehensive benefits package to include medical, vision, dental, employer-funded health reimbursement account, medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, 403b retirement fund with employer match, access to a subsidized ORCA pass, an Aquarium Family Plus membership and generous paid time off.
How to apply:
The Seattle Aquarium is a progressive, equal opportunity employer that values a diverse workforce. All candidates are encouraged to apply by uploading a résumé and one-page letter detailing interest and relevant experience in our online application. Please also include a portfolio of sample work or a page with links to examples of past digital engagement videos or other digital learning assets in our online application.
Please let us know if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for this job.
Note: Must pass a background check, upon job offer, to be eligible for this position.
About the organization:
The Seattle Aquarium is a respected authority on Puget Sound, the Salish Sea and the world’s one ocean. Our passionate staff increases awareness and drives the change needed to preserve and protect our marine environment through a variety of channels, including a compelling exhibit experience and engaging daytime and evening events; conservation education programs for people of all ages and backgrounds; community outreach to underserved populations; research that advances understanding of animals in our care and their counterparts in the wild; advocacy and policy work; an award-winning volunteer program; strong and consistent marketing efforts; and more.
We’re noted for our collaborative, communicative and team-oriented working environment. Our values, developed in conjunction with our staff, include commitments to adopting and promoting sustainable practices; creating awe-inspiring experiences; constantly learning and improving; fostering an inclusive community; maintaining scientific credibility through evidence-based practices; and honoring our unique place by using our location and history as a lens for larger understanding.
Proudly accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, we’re the eighth-largest aquarium in the U.S. by attendance and we welcome over 850,000 people through our front doors each year. Guided by our mission of Inspiring Conservation of Our Marine Environment, we’ve developed a master plan to substantially increase in size and impact by opening a new exhibit building, the Ocean Pavilion. Our current annual budget is $18 million.
Regarding COVID-19:
The Aquarium prioritizes health and safety for our staff and visitors, embracing science to guide our operations. Staff working on-site are required to wear face masks while working, maintain physical distancing at all times and check their temperature before starting work each day. In addition, we maintain high standards of cleanliness and all high-touch surfaces (like windows, railings, restrooms and elevators) are continuously cleaned.
This role will most often work remotely for the foreseeable future. Candidates must be able and have the ability to work from home, including having a reliable internet connection and suitable workspace. The Aquarium will provide a computer and other necessary equipment.