Open to opportunities

Emma Head

@emmahead

I advance marine conservation and environmental policy through government relations, coalition building, and strategic communications.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm looking to advance environmental and marine conservation initiatives through government relations, stakeholder engagement, strategic communications, and coalition-building work.

At the Waitt Institute, I lead strategic communications and stakeholder engagement for marine conservation partnerships in Bermuda and the Azores, including legislation protecting 30% of the Azorean Sea and establishing the North Atlantic's largest Marine Protected Area network.

Previously at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, I secured bipartisan support from 34 House members and 8 Senators for federal ocean research appropriations. At Katz & Associates, I managed outreach for environmental infrastructure and water utility projects, facilitating more than 20 public meetings and representing projects at more than 50 community events.

I've built a career translating complex marine science, environmental policy, and infrastructure priorities into clear messaging that moves policymakers, partners, and communities toward action.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Media & Strategic Communications Manager

Current

Waitt Institute

Oct 2022 - Present (3 years 10 months)

Led strategic communication supporting historic legislation protecting 30% of the Azorean Sea, establishing the North Atlantic's largest Marine Protected Area network. Manage stakeholder engagement and communications for international conservation partnerships in Bermuda and the Azores.

Strategic Communications Stakeholder Engagement Public Affairs Science Communication Advocacy Community Engagement Executive Briefings

External Relations Specialist

Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Aug 2021 - Oct 2022 (1 year 2 months)

Secured bipartisan support from 34 House members and 8 Senators for annual appropriations supporting NOAA, NSF, Department of Defense, and ocean research programs. Built trusted relationships with congressional offices, coalition partners, scientists, and institutional leadership.

Government Relations Congressional Outreach Stakeholder Relations Event Planning

Account Executive

Katz & Associates

May 2021 - Aug 2021 (3 months)

Managed communications and outreach campaigns for large-scale environmental infrastructure projects, water utilities, and local government agencies. Facilitated public meetings, workshops, hearings, webinars, and stakeholder briefings.

Outreach Stakeholder Engagement Public Meetings Content Creation Social Media

Junior Account Executive

Katz & Associates

Jul 2020 - May 2021 (10 months)

Supported communications and outreach for environmental infrastructure projects, conducting stakeholder outreach and representing projects at community events and public meetings.

Outreach Stakeholder Engagement Public Meetings Content Creation

Account Coordinator

Katz & Associates

Jun 2019 - Jul 2020 (1 year 1 month)

Assisted in managing communications and outreach campaigns for environmental infrastructure projects, including content creation and stakeholder engagement.

Outreach Stakeholder Engagement Content Creation

Marketing & Communications Intern

Port of San Diego

Sep 2018 - May 2019 (8 months)

Researched and wrote content on sustainability, tourism, and maritime operations for e-blasts, blogs, and social media. Evaluated engagement metrics and managed asset management guidelines.

Content Writing Social Media Metrics Analysis Asset Management

Marketing & Branding Coordinator

The Energy Smiths

Sep 2017 - Sep 2018 (1 year)

Developed and implemented a comprehensive marketing strategy to generate qualified leads. Designed sales collateral and managed digital platforms to increase online visibility.

Marketing Strategy Marketing Collateral Website Development Social Media Strategy Digital Marketing

Marketing & PR Intern

Adroit Energy Inc.

Jan 2017 - Jul 2017 (6 months)

Wrote and pitched clean energy news to environmental and solar industry media outlets. Developed infographics and managed social media accounts.

Public Relations Content Writing Infographics Social Media Management

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

San Diego State University

Bachelor of Arts, Sustainability

2015 - 2019

Activities and societies: Studied business, sustainability, and communications abroad in Austria, China, and Ecuador; awarded Outstanding Graduating Senior for the Sustainability Major, 2019.

Pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability and a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing, with studies abroad in Austria, China, and Ecuador. Awarded Outstanding Graduating Senior for the Sustainability Major in 2019.