Position Title: Community Engagement Lead (Volunteer)

Reports to: Founder

Collaborates Closely With: Director of Operations & Scientific Director

Time Commitment: ~5–8 hours per week

Role Overview

In academia, early career scientists often work invisibly, contribute to group projects without recognition and feel like replaceable labor. I would like MOS to become a place where volunteers can produce something with their name on it, displayed beautifully, is held to high standards, and volunteers feel seen.

The Community Engagement Lead is responsible for designing and sustaining a high-standard, portfolio-producing volunteer experience. This role ensures that internal contributors are clearly onboarded, well-supported, connected to teams, and recognized for their work.

The goal is not simply participation — it is meaningful contribution that results in publicly visible, professionally presented artifacts that volunteers are proud to share.

This role focuses primarily on internal volunteer experience, with light external amplification where appropriate.

Core Responsibilities

1. Volunteer Onboarding & Role Clarity
   • Ensure every volunteer understands expectations, artifact standards, and workflow systems.
   • Coordinate with Operations to integrate onboarding into documented SOPs.
   • Clarify how volunteers join project teams and select focus areas.
2. Team Coordination & Internal Navigation
   • Monitor Slack (or internal channels) and funnel questions to appropriate leads.
   • Help match volunteers to projects aligned with their skills and interests.
   • Work with Research Lead to ensure internal project teams remain organized and supported.
   • Identify bottlenecks in team communication.
3. Feedback & Development
   • Ensure contributors receive timely, constructive feedback.
   • Collaborate with Scientific Director to maintain clarity around revision cycles.
   • Help volunteers understand how to elevate their work to meet standards.
4. Culture & Recognition
   • Establish a tone of calm professionalism and high standards.
   • Highlight completed artifacts in weekly meetings.
   • Celebrate milestones and contributor achievements.
   • Create optional “virtual swag” or shareable badges for volunteers to share their progress
5. Retention & Engagement Analysis
   • Track volunteer participation trends.
   • Conduct informal exit check-ins to understand disengagement.
   • Recommend improvements to improve clarity and morale.
6. Light External Amplification (Secondary)
   • Coordinate with volunteers to showcase completed work on LinkedIn or public platforms.
   • Support visibility initiatives that highlight contributor accomplishments.

Authority & Boundaries

• May recommend improvements to onboarding and engagement systems.
• Does not override operational processes or scientific review decisions.
• Works collaboratively with Operations and Research leads to maintain alignment.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience coordinating teams or volunteer groups.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Comfortable balancing encouragement with accountability.
• Detail-oriented and attentive to workflow clarity.
• Interest in ocean science or supporting early-career scientists preferred.