2024-180 Senior Manager, Arctic Programs

ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY

Ocean Conservancy works to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together with our partners, we create evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Arctic is warming four times faster than the planet, driving the melting of Arctic sea ice and changes to its ecosystems, marine life, and human communities. Ocean Conservancy’s Arctic program works in Alaska and across the globe to advocate for the protection of Arctic waters through precautionary solutions that combine science, Indigenous knowledge, and participation of Arctic residents. Experts at Ocean Conservancy work at the community, state, federal, and international levels to craft and win policies designed for the Arctic to protect vital ocean habitat from risky industrial development and establish precautionary rules for commercial fishing, off-shore energy development, industrial shipping and other new industries interested in Arctic resources. Through community partnerships, OC organizes marine debris cleanups on Alaska beaches and works to dispose of ocean plastics, including derelict fishing gear, safely. Throughout its Arctic work, Ocean Conservancy partners with Alaska Native and Arctic Indigenous leadership to promote Arctic conservation solutions co-produced and co-managed with Indigenous experts, communities, and organizations.

POSITION SUMMARY

Ocean Conservancy seeks an experience and skilled strategist to join our team as the Senior Manager, Arctic Programs. The Senior Manager will play a key role in Ocean Conservancy’s growing efforts to protect the high seas of the Central Arctic Ocean from emerging industrial threats, including commercial fishing, deep-sea mining, and industrial shipping. Reporting to the Senior Advisor, Ocean Conservancy, the Senior Manager will collaborate closely with other members of the Arctic program, consultants, NGOs, and Arctic Indigenous organizations to help build and implement shared strategies designed to foster precautionary policies, coproduction of knowledge with science and Indigenous Knowledge, and participation of Arctic Indigenous people in future decision-making for the Central Arctic Ocean.

The Senior Manager will have the following primary responsibilities:

• Develop and support partnerships focused on the Central Arctic Ocean in Alaska and other Arctic countries by leading strategy development, creating and supporting collaborative initiatives, coordinating policy research from experts, and drafting written materials for a variety of stakeholders.
• Work cooperatively with Arctic Indigenous organizations and leaders who are developing their own vision for the Central Arctic Ocean in a way that enhances Ocean Conservancy’s support of Indigenous-led conservation efforts.
• Collaborate closely with Arctic program staff and consultants to achieve the Central Arctic Ocean campaign goals related to science and Indigenous Knowledge, policy research and dissemination, public outreach, and reporting to funders and other partners.
• Develop and manage contracts with external consultants and contractors, ensuring alignment with program goals and objectives.
• Represent Ocean Conservancy at international conferences, meetings, and negotiations, effectively communicating and influencing key stakeholders.
• Create and organize high-impact events related to Central Arctic Ocean conservation and governance.
• Partner with Communications, Government Relations, and consultants to write and produce impactful communications such as reports, issue papers, fact sheets, and blogs about the Central Arctic Ocean.

REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE
The ideal candidate will possess many of the experiences and qualifications described below but need not possess them all for consideration:

• Bachelor’s degree and five or more years of experience in professional conservation, public policy, marine and coastal environments, research, or other relevant fields preferred.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with Indigenous communities, experts, or organizations at the intersection of conservation and culture.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex scientific or technical concepts to policy to various stakeholders.
• Ability to work toward complex policy solutions that must balance competing interests of stakeholders.
• Excellent strategic thinker who brings creativity, energy, discipline, commitment, and the ability to adapt to change.
• High-level performer with the proven ability to work independently, handle multiple tasks, and thrive in a fast-paced, demanding work environment in good humor.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct thorough and accurate research and utilize analytical skills to propose innovative solutions based on research findings.
• Proven multi-tasking skills with the ability to see the big picture and remain attentive to details, strict deadlines, and deliverables.
• Highly collaborative with excellent interpersonal skills and an appreciation for a multi-disciplinary team approach.
• Strong commitment to just and equitable environmental conservation.
• Passion for collaborative conservation advocacy, focusing on advancing ocean conservation and ocean justice.

TRAVEL

Approximately 20% of the time will be spent traveling.

LOCATION

Ocean Conservancy embraces a hybrid work structure in the following states: AK, CA, DC, FL, MD, OR, VA, TX, WA, WV. The structure allows staff the flexibility to work virtually and in person while building strong connections across the institution.

COMPENSATION

Ocean Conservancy is committed to equity in its pay practices and posts expected hiring ranges for each of its positions. The expected base salary range is $79,992 to $117,548. Compensation will be commensurate with the candidate’s specialty skills, years of experience, location, and unique background. We would welcome the opportunity to connect with potential candidates whose salary requirements may be outside of the expected hiring range.

HOW TO APPLY

Bonsai Leadership Group has been exclusively retained for this search. For consideration, submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest by applying here, as candidates will be evaluated on a rolling basis. If you are a person with a disability and need help applying, please contact us at [email protected].

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 organization.