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The SeaWeb Fellows Program

Current SeaWeb Fellows >

Overview

SeaWeb believes in the power of communications and strategic planning to build an ocean conservation constituency that will affect policy and behavioral change. The purpose of the SeaWeb Fellows Program is to provide an opportunity for professionals to work in collaboration with SeaWeb in its pursuit to inform the media, empower advocates and shape decisions that advance the cause of ocean conservation. In keeping with SeaWeb's principles, the Fellows Program is intended to encourage creative solutions, original and insightful perspectives and intellectual pursuits and to provide individuals a way to pursue their vision of affecting social change to protect the living ocean.

SeaWeb is a communications-based nonprofit organization that uses social marketing techniques to advance ocean conservation. By raising public awareness, advancing science-based solutions and mobilizing decision-makers around ocean conservation, we are leading voices for a healthy ocean. In all of our campaigns, we facilitate relationships and communication between scientists, journalists, policy makers, philanthropic leaders, NGOs and other stakeholders to advance better ocean policies and practices.  All of our work is grounded in high-quality science and research, providing decision makers with the most accurate, credible information to advance ocean conservation. Specifically, we employ the following strategies in pursuit of our goals:

• Convene and organize opinion leaders
• Identify and frame new and existing marine conservation issues
• Synthesize, translate and distribute relevant scientific and other information
• Motivate, facilitate and mediate dialogues among stakeholders
• Catalyze, create and manage programs and campaigns

Project Areas

In selecting Fellows, special priority will be given to topics in the following areas.

• Sustainable Seafood: Bringing ocean conservation to the table by providing the seafood sector — fishermen, chefs and other purveyors — with the information they need to make sound choices about seafood and provide the best options to their customers.
• Communicating Science: Advancing marine conservation science and policy by sharing emerging science via symposia, publishing, networking and media outreach. Our goal is to build capacity within the marine conservation community for new thinking and strategic action around critical issues, and to communicate new science to media, policymakers and the public.
• Issue Campaigns: Launching and managing issue campaigns that change how society understands and responds to the ocean.

How Fellows are Chosen

SeaWeb has a rolling application process for its Fellows Program. Prospective Fellows are asked to submit a letter of application describing their accomplishments and experience in the field of marine conservation, a 2 to 3 page proposal outlining their workplan, objectives and budget, and two letters of recommendation. Fellowships are for a 6-12 month period, based on the candidate's expertise, accomplishments, and breadth of experience.

A selection committee will review the applications and will recommend candidates for interviews. Upon completion of the interview process, decisions will be announced within one month.

SeaWeb Fellows may be eligible for office space and some administrative support. In addition, compensation will be reviewed by the selection committee and will be determined by the nature of the project and the availability of funds. Fellows will also be encouraged to engage in fundraising with support from SeaWeb.

Requirements

SeaWeb Fellows should have the following qualifications:

• A strong and passionate interest in the mission of SeaWeb and marine conservation
• Exceptional competence in communications strategies and implementation
• Ability to work both independently and within a team
• The ability to exercise independent strategic judgment and make recommendations to the leadership team and staff
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Proven analytical skills
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, sense of humor, humility and good judgment
• Advanced degree in a field relating to communications or marine science
• Some background in grant writing and/or fundraising

Applications are strongly encouraged from candidates reflecting diverse educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds. We encourage applications from women, people with disabilities, people of diverse ethnic, racial, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds, educational and work experiences, geographic and national origins, sexual orientations, and ages.

SeaWeb is an equal-opportunity employer.