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ABOUT THE MARINE DEBRIS PROGRAM:
Ocean Conservancy's Marine Debris program is a dynamic initiative focused on identifying and advancing global solutions to address marine debris. For 25 years, Ocean Conservancy has provided leadership on marine debris removal and prevention through the largest global volunteer event of its kind—the International Coastal Cleanup. Our annual breakdown of litter collected at more than 6,000 sites around the world helps to provide a roadmap for eliminating marine debris at the source, change the behaviors that cause it, and support better policies to prevent marine debris from causing further harm to our vital ocean ecosystems. Because 60-80 percent of marine litter starts out on land, Ocean Conservancy's efforts are land-focused, to eliminate debris at the source. The Director of MDP will work in concert with a team of professionals to eliminate this enormous threat to our ocean by leveraging strong communications, effective policies, and innovative partnerships to build out a comprehensive policy and public movement. OC envisions a trash-free ocean that supports resilient ocean ecosystems.
PRIMARY RESPOSIBILITIES:
The Director of Marine Debris Prevention serves as a chief architect to lead, design, manage and support Ocean Conservancy's science-based marine debris prevention program, including the International Coastal Cleanup and Ocean Conservancy's marine debris prevention and reduction policy initiatives. The Director will work with legislative and legal staff to advance effective, high impact national policies on Capitol Hill, in the Administration, and with partners. The Director will also explore and seize opportunities to advance state-based or regional policies that reinforce national priorities by working closely with regional advocacy staff around the country. Leveraging Ocean Conservancy's background in data collection on marine debris, the Director will collaborate closely with Ocean Conservancy conservation science and policy staff to strengthen the value of data collected during the Cleanup, identify science-based policy solutions, and produce supportive policy materials to build a scientifically-credible case for eliminating trash in the ocean. Finally, the Director will also work closely with Ocean Conservancy's communication team and marine debris team to promote political will and build a strong public movement for action on marine debris. Key responsibilities include the following:
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
Leads, designs, and manages all aspects of Ocean Conservancy's marine debris program. Our effectiveness depends upon science-based advocacy that builds policy positions around the best available research and other sources of reliable data, including information gathered by the International Coastal Cleanup, to eliminate marine debris at the source. That effort will include:
- Formulating high impact policy initiatives and developing advocacy and communication strategies to achieve conservation objectives.
- Engaging and educating key external audiences, including a diversity of partners and funders, the conservation community, policy makers, industry stakeholders and the media to build urgency and political will to support the prevention and reduction of marine debris, specifically by:
- Promoting science and solutions-based approaches with key external stakeholders through the development of policy papers, reports, and presentations.
- Harnessing the power of the International Coastal Cleanup as an effective vehicle to build a public movement that supports the need for policy change domestically, and if appropriate, internationally.
- Developing mutual strategies, where appropriate, to promote unified messaging on the need for policy action on marine debris with conservation and the industry.
- Working collegially with Ocean Conservancy Resource Development staff in stewardship of funding partnerships, cultivation of new partnerships and creation of fundraising materials to support program growth.
- Promoting an integrated and cohesive approach to Ocean Conservancy's marine debris policy program by deepening the connection between the marine debris program and other Ocean Conservancy programmatic efforts.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Advanced degree preferred in a relevant science or interdisciplinary specialty, management, communications, public policy, or another field closely related to coastal/marine affairs or environmental protection.
- In-depth training or experience in at least one of the following: marine ecosystem or resource management; marine wildlife or fisheries biology/management, science communications, natural resource/environmental policy, program management, or public policy.
- In-depth knowledge of one or more of the following: marine/coastal ecosystems, human impacts and threats to oceans/coasts, ecosystem protection and management, strategic communication methods.
- Five years or more of professional conservation, public policy, program management, or other relevant field preferred.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential, as are demonstrated advocacy skills, the ability to mobilize and manage a diverse international partner network, and the ability to communicate complex scientific or technical concepts to policy and lay audiences (written samples will be requested).
OTHER/PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:
- A strategic thinker who can bring the creativity, energy, discipline and commitment needed to help grow this promising policy program;
- A high-level performer who remains attentive to details and adheres strictly to deadlines and deliverables while keeping a larger vision in mind;
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with past success in deepening and leveraging the power of partnerships to affect change and build political will;
- Highly collaborative with an appreciation of the benefit of a multi-disciplinary team approach;
- Personable, passionate, productive, and focused to support accurate, timely, and powerful policy, products, and positions;
- Proven management and fiduciary experience in leveraging available resources effectively to meet program objectives;
- A leadership and mentoring style that supports and rewards the growth of staff with talent, promise, and commitment.
BECOMING AN OCEAN CONSERVANCY TEAM MEMBER:
The expected start date for this position is ideally July 2010. The Ocean Conservancy offers an excellent benefits package and a competitive salary that is commensurate with experience. We welcome candidates with a dedication to conservation and a commitment to leveraging the power of partnerships for policy change.
Ocean Conservancy staff use and value our resources—time, talent, and money—to achieve powerful policy gains for the protection of the ocean that sustains all life. We're dedicated to long-term issues, not to trendy campaigns, and we create sustainable solutions based on science, not ideology. We see the big picture and offer realistic solutions to protect the ocean and improve our quality of life. Some things about us you should know:
- We provide concrete solutions that lead to high-impact results. These include landmark policies like: protecting sea turtles by mandating Turtle Excluder Devices, and Marine Life Protection Act in California and the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
- We stand on the shoulders of more than 35 years of policy expertise, and we have the longest track record defining priorities and translating science into sound, practical policies that protect our oceans.
- Not only do we know science we know the law. We're recognized across the country for our legal savvy and ability to influence legislation. We create actual policy changes that make a difference.
- We leverage our strong networks and deep connections. We've won the trust of legislators over the years, and our access to key decision makers in Congress allows us to serve as the voice of the ocean in the halls of power. Our grassroots network helps to amplify our voice across the country.
- We recognize that real leadership means cooperation. We know when to stand firm and when to negotiate on behalf of the ocean to achieve lasting victories.
- We're committed to creating long-term change. We continue to monitor legislation and policies long after they fall from the front-page headlines to ensure that vital aspects of ocean life are always protected.
If you think you have what it takes to join Ocean Conservancy's team, please send a cover letter speaking to your qualifications and abilities to lead a growing exciting program with your resume and salary expectations to: jobs@oceanconservancy.org and note your name and "Director- MDP #1001" in the subject line.
Ocean Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer
ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY
Founded in 1972, Ocean Conservancy is an environmental nonprofit advocacy organization that promotes healthy and diverse ocean ecosystems and opposes practices that threaten ocean life and human life. Ocean Conservancy has emerged as a powerful voice to advocate for the protection of our ocean that is essential to all life and supplies much of the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe, and serves as the air conditioner for our planet. Through our programs, Ocean Conservancy provides leadership to champion the protection of special places, restoration of sustainable fisheries, the reduction of human impacts on ocean ecosystems, and the need for comprehensive management of our nation's ocean resources and ecosystems.
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