ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY

For more than 50 years, Ocean Conservancy has delivered effective, evidence-based solutions for the ocean and all who depend on it. Today, we continue to unite science, people and policy to protect our ocean from the greatest challenges it faces: climate change, plastic pollution and biodiversity loss. We are a 501(C)3 headquartered in Washington, D.C. that inspires a worldwide network of partners, advocates and supporters through our comprehensive and clear-eyed approach to ocean conservation. Together, we are securing a healthy ocean and a thriving planet, forever and for everyone.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Deep Sea Conservation Director leads Ocean Conservancy’s work to secure healthy deep sea ecosystems with a focus on the protection of the mesopelagic zone given its importance to ocean biodiversity, climate regulation, and the well being of marine wildlife and commercially and recreationally important fish species. The Director leverages relevant laws, policies and science to help ensure any activities such as fishing and deep sea mining are consistent with the important role the mesopelagic zone plays in a healthy ocean. This includes working closely with governments, scientists, non-governmental organizations, fishing interests and others to develop and advance the case for action, as well as the implementation of effective policies in relevant fora and marshal the political will necessary for success. The Director is responsible for ensuring overall program effectiveness, as well as providing internal colleagues and external partners with the strategic direction and guidance needed to achieve program objectives. The Director is also responsible for fiduciary oversight of grants, integration with other Ocean Conservancy programs/functions and promoting Ocean Conservancy as a conservation leader. Finally, the Director will closely monitor new developments of importance to the health of deep ocean ecosystems including emerging science, policy developments and industrial activities to identify conservation opportunities and challenges relevant to Ocean Conservancy’s priorities.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

• A strategic and seasoned leader who is creative, collaborative and committed.
• At least 7 years of experience in environmental advocacy, public policy or natural resource management with demonstrated results.
• In‐depth training or experience in natural resource management with a strong preference for expertise in ecosystem conservation and/or fisheries management.

• Familiarity with international environmental and natural resource management policy instruments and processes strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage teams to achieve concrete and meaningful policy outcomes.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential, as are demonstrated advocacy skills, the ability to mobilize and manage a diverse partner network, and the ability to communicate complex scientific or technical concepts to policy and lay audiences (written samples will be requested).
• Personable, passionate, decisive and focused with experience working in a deadline-oriented environment to support accurate, timely and powerful policy, products and positions.
• Proven management and fiduciary experience in leveraging available resources effectively to meet program objectives.
• Familiarity with international biodiversity protection and fisheries issues including relationships with decision-makers, industry members and scientists preferred.

EDUCATION/TRAINING

An advanced degree, preferably a law or a graduate degree in marine or environmental science or natural resource management.

COMPENSATION

Ocean Conservancy is committed to fair pay practices and posts expected salary ranges for each of its positions. Compensation will be commensurate with the candidate’s specialty skills, years of experience, location, and unique background. The starting salary range for this role is $125,000 - $140,000 annually. We would welcome the opportunity to connect with potential candidates whose salary requirements may be outside of the expected range.

TO APPLY

If you think you’d be a great fit for the job and are interested in joining Ocean Conservancy’s team, please apply here. Please include a resume and cover letter in one file on your application.

HYBRID WORK ENVIRONMENT

Ocean Conservancy embraces a hybrid work environment, which allows our staff the flexibility to work virtually and in-person while building strong connections across the institution.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Ocean Conservancy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

We encourage applicants who have a diverse level and range of relevant skills and experiences to apply. A 100% match is not required. We want to support employees’ career growth and in return, our employees help Ocean Conservancy grow into a stronger, more inclusive institution.