POSITION TITLE:  2022-061 Manager, Climate Science  

DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM: Science

REPORTS TO:     Director, Climate Science

STATUS:   Regular, Full Time, Exempt

LOCATION:  DC region preferred, but willing to consider DC, AK, WA, FL, OR, NC, TX, CA, MD, VA, MT, GA, ME

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 SCIENCE PROGRAM:

Ocean Conservancy’s science work integrates the latest evidence on the interaction between human activities and marine systems to improve the health of ocean ecosystems and the stability and well-being of ocean-dependent businesses and coastal communities. Ocean Conservancy’s science staff works in close partnership with other programs, especially the Climate Policy program, to develop evidence-based, ocean-focused solutions that support climate adaptation, climate change mitigation, and conservation. In every case, we work toward a sustainable relationship between marine systems and human communities that is resilient to challenges from climate change, loss of biodiversity, and other anthropogenic changes.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Climate Science Manager will collaborate with the Climate Science Director to provide climate science expertise that supports programmatic work across the organization. They may work on established activities or develop emerging issues.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Climate Science Manager will work with the Climate Science Director and other Ocean Conservancy staff to support the organization’s science-based advocacy efforts related to climate change. Specifically, the Manager will work with Ocean Conservancy scientists, attorneys, policy advocates, and media and outreach staff to synthesize the latest climate-relevant information and include it in climate-related advocacy. Everyday responsibilities will include leading key projects to advance programs’ objectives as well as collaborating with others to scope conservation-relevant issues that emerge from scientific research. The Manager will also occasionally participate in external meetings, workshops, or public presentations as part of their duties.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Monitors, researches, and analyzes scientific developments on ocean-related climate change and provides written and verbal analysis of such developments to internal and external audiences.

• Working with the Climate Science Director and the Climate Policy Program Director, develops and implements strategies to advance Ocean Conservancy’s climate policy goals, including the development of legislative and administrative policy initiatives.

• Working with the Climate Science Director and other Program Directors, evaluate climate science data gaps and needs that influence programmatic goals and objectives and develop and execute plans to resolve these needs.

• Ensures coordination on selected specific climate-related topics across international, national, and regional initiatives, and across Ocean Conservancy’s program areas and departments.

• Advocates for Ocean Conservancy positions with diverse audiences including decision-makers, stakeholders, the media and the public through research, analysis, oral and written testimony and comments, position papers and reports.

• Attends relevant scientific conferences, meetings with decision-makers, and meetings with partner organizations representing Ocean Conservancy.

• Develops and maintains cooperative and effective working relationships with colleagues in government agencies, industry groups, scientific and academic communities, and non-governmental organizations.

• In consultation with the development staff at Ocean Conservancy, helps track and report on the progress and achievement of climate science objectives to funders and develops relevant grant materials; as needed, supports the development of new grant proposals and funding strategy.

• In consultation with Ocean Conservancy staff, informs Ocean Conservancy members, activists, funders and the public about program activities, objectives and achievements through press releases, newsletter articles, workshops, brochures, action alerts, media interviews and grant reports.

• Performs other duties as needed.

REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE:

• In-depth knowledge of ocean climate change, especially in the coastal zone, required.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to communicate complex legal, scientific, political or technical concepts to policy and lay audiences (written samples may be requested).

• Demonstrated leadership and project management skills, including the ability to lead or participate in activities and projects that include experts from many different disciplinary backgrounds.

• Ability to work effectively with external networks and/or coalitions.

• Ability to produce quality products while managing competing short, medium and long deadlines and priorities.

• Must have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office software.

OTHER/PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Dedicated to Ocean Conservancy’s mission and staff.

• Solutions-oriented, collaborative and respectful to colleagues.

• Committed to scientific rigor, accuracy, and clarity.

• Creative and energetic when faced with challenges.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Aware of and interested in emerging ocean-/climate-relevant issues, especially environmental justice.

• Demonstrated commitment to environmental conservation in the public interest is preferred.

EDUCATION/TRAINING

• Master’s degree plus a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience or a Ph.D. in a field relevant to coastal climate change (e.g., coastal or estuarine environments; nearshore processes; coastal conservation, restoration, resource management, or development; human communities in the coastal zone). Experience working with federal or state officials or agencies on natural resources or scientific policy in nearshore environments is preferred. Prior experience with using Traditional Ecological Knowledge is a plus, but not required.

COMPENSATION LANGUAGE:

Ocean Conservancy is committed to equity in its pay practices and posts the minimum and midpoint of the range for each of its open positions. Salary is based on a nonprofit scale and commensurate with the skills, years of experience and unique background of the candidate. Salary minimum is $79,900; salary midpoint is $99,800. Salary may be higher as appropriate for the selected candidate, with internal equity being considered.

COVID-19 REQUIREMENT

You will be required to provide proof of full vaccination status, or submit to regular masking and testing, as a condition of employment at Ocean Conservancy’s meetings, gatherings and offices. You may request an accommodation for medical or religious reasons.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Ocean Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, handicap, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. Ocean Conservancy is continually seeking to diversify its staff, particularly to broaden opportunities for individuals from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences and in environmental advocacy.

We encourage applicants to apply who have a diverse level and range of relevant skills and experiences. 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.