The Water Institute

The Water Institute is excited to partner with Serve Louisiana as a host site for the 2026-2027 AmeriCorps term! We are seeking applicants based in New Orleans to join our Marketing and Communications team as a full-time Communications Coordinator.

What you’ll do during your 11-month service term:
💻 Assist with developing and distributing digital newsletters
💻 Assist with updating and maintaining the Institute’s website
💻 Design graphics and print/digital outreach materials
💻 Capture and edit event and project photo/video content
💻 Use content management systems to schedule posts and emails
💻 Support events, tours, and engagement activities
💻 Track and compile communications metrics
💻 Support organizational presence at State of the Coast 2027

What you’ll get out of your service term:
🤝 Hands-on training in nonprofit communications and marketing
🤝 Experience with tools like Asana, Hootsuite, Adobe Creative Suite, and Canva
🤝 Opportunities to connect with scientists, policymakers, and community partners
🤝 Personal and professional development support through AmeriCorps Serve Louisiana
🤝 Support in seeking positions in related fields following the conclusion of your term

Our ideal candidate has:
⭐ Strong written and verbal communication skills
⭐ Creativity in content development
⭐ Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, environmental or biological science, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
⭐ Familiarity with social media or digital content creation
⭐ Prior experience with writing, editing, or community engagement

Learn more about the AmeriCorps program and apply through Serve Louisianahttps://www.servelouisiana.org/uploads/Water-Institute-Communications-Coordinator.pdf

The Water Institute is pleased to announce that Dr. Jessica Henkel has been named Director of Coastal Ecology.

“I am honored to formally step into this role at a time when coastal science is more important than ever. My career has focused on ensuring that research informs decisions about restoration, resilience, and the stewardship of our natural resources. I look forward to working with our talented team and partners to advance rigorous, actionable science that supports healthy ecosystems, strengthens communities, and helps shape a more resilient future for our coasts.”

Jessica previously served as Director of Research Operations at the Institute, where she led teams and initiatives focused on translating complex science into practical solutions for natural resource management, restoration and resilience planning, and water management challenges. Jessica also continues to serve as Director of the RESTORE Act Center of Excellence for Louisiana (LA-COE), where her leadership helps ensure restoration and resilience investments are transparent, effective, and grounded in community needs.

She also brings valuable experience from her time as Science Advisor for the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council, where she helped guide the federal agency in the implementation and adaptive management of more than $500 million in federal restoration funds. Today, she continues that impact at The Water Institute by aligning research priorities with long-term coastal goals.

A mentor to early-career scientists and an advocate for women in STEM, Jessica brings precision, purpose, and heart to her work as she helps build a more resilient future for Louisiana and the Gulf Coast.

Jessica stepped into the Director of Coastal Ecology role following Dr. Tim Carruthers’ departure from the Institute to serve as Principal Advisor of Climate Science for the South Australian Government’s Department for Environment and Water.

Jessica steps into the role following Dr. Tim Carruthers’ departure from the Institute to serve as Principal Advisor of Climate Science for the South Australian Government’s Department for Environment and Water.

Congratulations, Jessica!

The Water Institute is seeking a Proposal and Project Specialist to support our Opportunities & Proposals and Project Quality Management teams in Baton Rouge.

This role is a great fit for someone who is proactive, highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable coordinating across teams to keep proposals, technical documents, and internal review processes moving forward. The position supports everything from proposal materials, forms, resumes, budgets, and grant portal submissions to quality management tracking, document review, and internal meeting materials.

The ideal candidate will bring strong writing and proofreading skills, experience managing multiple deadlines, and an interest in supporting scientific and technical work through clear, accurate, and well-organized materials.

This full-time position is based at our main office on the Water Campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Learn more and apply: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=cfe9eb33-0f69-467c-bb2a-1bd0ea7c0cf1&ccId=19000101_000001&lang=en_US