Coastal Coordinators

Coastal Coordinator, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Severn Estuary Partnership, Cardiff University

The Severn Estuary Partnership (SEP) seeks an enthusiastic Coastal Coordinator to lead a pilot project funded by the Welsh Government’s Coastal Coordinator Challenge Fund. This role connects local communities and businesses with national marine priorities and focuses on strengthening ocean literacy, empowering under‑represented voices, and integrating marine priorities into local recovery, climate adaptation and planning across South‑East Wales.

• Strengthen ocean literacy to enhance understanding of the marine environment using the Y Môr a Ni framework.
• Empower under‑represented voices in coastal decision‑making, such as minority ethnic communities, young people and residents in areas of socio‑economic deprivation.
• Support the integration of marine priorities into local recovery, climate adaptation and planning.
• Work alongside the SEP Coastal Officer to support the work programme of the SEP team.
• Lead inclusive, place‑based engagement across south‑east Wales coastal communities.
• Support ocean literacy and deliberative engagement to inform marine and coastal action plans.
• Work collaboratively with local authorities, community groups and national networks to address climate resilience and nature recovery priorities.
• Provide professional advice and guidance on coastal and marine engagement processes and procedures to internal and external stakeholders.
• Investigate and analyse specific issues within marine and coastal engagement, creating recommendation reports supported by advances in ocean literacy and coastal resilience.
• Ensure that the provision of marine and coastal engagement and coordination is delivered to the institution, adapting delivery according to stakeholder requirements.
• Collaborate with others to make recommendations for development of established processes and procedures.
• Deliver inclusive, place‑based engagement activities across Monmouthshire, Newport, Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, supporting deliberative forums, workshops and citizen‑science initiatives.
• Support the development of community‑led coastal objectives and action plans, ensuring alignment with Welsh Government marine policy including Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) strategies, Marine Planning, Ocean Literacy and Local Nature Recovery Action Plans.
• Establish productive relationships with local authorities, statutory agencies, community groups and national networks (e.g. Coastal Groups, Wales Coast and Seas Partnership, Coastal Partnerships Network).
• Supervise specific placements and volunteers on an occasional basis to accomplish key objectives.
• Undertake a variety of administrative duties to support the department.
• Instruct and guide colleagues and partners on best practice in coastal engagement and deliberative processes.
• Ensure that an understanding of the importance of confidentiality is applied when undertaking all duties.
• Abide by University policies on Health and Safety and Equality and Diversity.
• Perform other duties occasionally which are not included above but are consistent with the role.

• A relevant degree.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and proactively within defined time frames.
• Understanding of key policies, legislation and guidance relevant to the Welsh coastline.
• Experience in community engagement.
• Degree or NVQ4 (or equivalent) and/or professional membership or experience.
• Substantial experience of working within marine and coastal engagement or a related discipline.
• Professional knowledge to give advice and guidance to internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to set up standard office systems and procedures and make improvements as appropriate.
• Customer service, communication and teamwork skills, with ability to communicate conceptually detailed and complex information effectively and professionally with a wide range of stakeholders within inclusive and deliberative engagement.
• Partnership working experience, exploring stakeholders’ needs and adapting the service accordingly.
• Evidence of ability…