Scientific Outreach Coordinator (Remote)

About the Scientific Outreach Coordinator Role

We are seeking a passionate and organized individual to take the lead on building scientific partnerships for our conservation efforts. This role is critical in expanding biodiversity research and professional networks that support our work. You will engage with herpetology, ornithology, and other research groups to invite biologists and scientists to conduct fieldwork in our conservation area, while fostering long-term partnerships to increase our impact.

Research on the endemic and often endangered plants an animals in this region is severely lacking. This region is home to numerous range-restricted species (especially amphibians and birds) and by identifying their presence, we might be able to protect more of this pristine forest.

Responsibilities (Read our full strategy at the bottom of this page):

• Outreach to Research Groups: Proactively connect with conservation associations, universities that conduct field work, herpetology, ornithology, botany, entomology and biodiversity research organizations to invite biologists to conduct fieldwork in our protected area and surrounding forests that need protection.
• Coordinate Research Visits: Organize fieldwork opportunities for research groups, ensuring they contribute financially to help maintain our infrastructure and operations
• Develop Scientific Partnerships and Professional Networks: Build relationships with academic institutions, professional researchers, and conservation organizations to support biodiversity mapping, particularly of endangered and endemic species and increase opportunities for additional funding and support
• Document and Track Progress: Maintain an organized database of research visits, partners, and biodiversity findings to monitor the success of partnerships and research efforts

Requirements:

• Passion for environmental conservation and biodiversity research
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with scientists and conservation professionals
• Background in environmental science, biology, or conservation is preferred but not required
• Fluency in English required; Spanish and/or other language is a plus

Perks to Joining:

• Unique Learning Experience: Gain hands-on experience in conservation, nonprofit management, and community outreach while contributing to meaningful projects in one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots.
• $500 Credit Towards Annual Retreat: As part of your internship, after supporting us for 3 months, you will receive a $500 credit (not cash!) to apply toward one of our immersive retreats, where you can deepen your connection with nature, experience our cultural programs, and enjoy the serene beauty of the Ecuadorian cloud forest.
• Flexible Work Environment: We offer flexibility in work hours and the opportunity to work remotely, making it easy to balance this role with your other commitments.
• Mentorship and Professional Growth: Work with like-minded conservationists, nonprofit professionals, and cultural and spiritual leaders who are committed to helping you grow your skills and succeed in your career path.
• Opportunity for Academic Credit: If you are a student and prefer to take on this role as an internship, we are open to working with your academic institution to offer academic credit, adding even more value to your experience. Note that every academic institution has different requirements so academic credit is not guaranteed!

Strategy for Building Scientific Partnerships:

Identify Key Research Groups and Institutions:

• Research and compile a list of universities, conservation organizations, and research institutions with a focus on biodiversity, herpetology, ornithology, and ecology.
• Prioritize organizations that have a history of working in the tropics, particularly in the Chocó Andino region or similar ecosystems.

Engage and Reach Out to Scientists:

• Proactively reach out to biologists, ecologists, and conservation researchers to invite them to conduct fieldwork in your conservation area.
• Build relationships with key contacts in academic institutions (e.g., professors, department heads) and research bodies (e.g., field biologists, conservation NGOs).
• Tailor outreach messages to demonstrate the unique biodiversity of the Chocó Andino cloud forest and its value for research on endangered species, habitat conservation, and climate change impacts.

Create Collaboration Opportunities:

• Propose specific research collaborations or joint studies that align with both the researcher's academic interests and Nuestra Tierra's conservation goals.
• Offer support for biodiversity mapping, habitat assessments, and research on endemic or endangered species.
• Highlight that these partnerships can contribute to published studies, conference presentations, and other academic or professional achievements.

Monetize Fieldwork Visits:

• Introduce a fee-based structure where visiting research groups contribute financially to help cover operational costs and infrastructure maintenance. This helps to sustain your conservation work while providing valuable fieldwork opportunities for scientists.
• Offer accommodation and logistical support for researchers in exchange for their financial contributions, helping offset your nonprofit’s costs.

Expand Professional Networks:

• Use these partnerships to build a strong network of researchers and professionals who are invested in your conservation area, creating a foundation for ongoing support and collaboration.
• Invite partners to participate in annual retreats, conferences, or virtual events that align with your conservation and biodiversity goals. These opportunities can foster long-term relationships and repeat visits.

Leverage Research Findings for Funding:

• Use data and findings from the scientific fieldwork to strengthen future grant proposals. The presence of biodiversity studies and research in your area can demonstrate the importance of your conservation efforts.
• Highlight successful partnerships and research outcomes in reports and fundraising efforts to attract more support from donors and conservation organizations.

Promote and Publish:

• Encourage research groups to publish their findings in journals and conference proceedings, with credit given to Nuestra Tierra as the fieldwork site. This will raise awareness about the work being done in your conservation area and enhance its scientific credibility.
• Use the scientific publications and research results to create press releases, social media content, and promotional materials to attract more researchers and potential funding partners.

Goals of the Strategy:

• Expand biodiversity research to better understand and protect the unique ecosystems of the Chocó Andino cloud forest.
• Build long-term relationships with scientific institutions that increase credibility and support for your conservation efforts.
• Generate sustainable funding through research partnerships that contribute financially to the maintenance of your nonprofit.
• Use research data and professional networks to enhance your ability to secure grants and donations, boosting the long-term impact of your conservation work.