Susan Helmink Email and Phone Number

Provide overall leadership for the Outreach and Communications team within the Nebraska Forest Service (NFS). Direct and coordinate all NFS outreach and communication efforts, updating Nebraska's Statewide Forest Resource Assessment and Strategy, coordinating and overseeing NFS's federal competitive grant application process, providing policy support, and supervising and managing the Outreach and Communications Team.In conjunction with NFS Program Leaders and staff, plan, develop, and manage all NFS media relations activities and communications programs, including print and electronic materials.Coordinate updates and reporting related to Nebraska's Statewide Forest Resource Assessment and Strategy.Lead and coordinate outreach and communications-related strategic and operational planning efforts.Work with NFS Leadership Team and NFS staff, in alignment with NFS and IANR strategic plans and within the context of Nebraska's Statewide Forest Resource Assessment and Strategy, to coordinate the US Forest Service competitive grant development, review and application process,-provide policy support to state forester, including tracking and reviewing relevant state and federal legislation, conducting, follow-up on legislative visits and developing educational materials targeted to legislators,Supervise NFS outreach and communications team staff, andWork closely with other communications professionals within IANR, UNL and partner agencies and organizations.