POSITION TITLE: Vice President of Operations 

DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM: Operations

REPORTS TO: Executive Vice President

STATUS: Regular, Full-Time, Exempt

LOCATION: Washington DC preferred

ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY

Ocean Conservancy educates and empowers citizens to take action on behalf of the ocean. From the Arctic to the Gulf of Mexico to the halls of Congress, Ocean Conservancy brings people together to find solutions for our water planet. Our work guides policy and engages people in protecting the ocean and its wildlife for future generations through an evidence based approach.

POSITION SUMMARY

This newly created position is an opportunity for a strategic thinker and established leader to help accelerate Ocean Conservancy’s impact during a time of significant growth. The VP for Operations will develop and lead a new operations department at Ocean Conservancy focused on professionalizing our organizational systems and processes and ensuring that staff have the clarity, tools, and support they need to be effective in their work. In addition, the VP for Operations will oversee and provide the strategic vision for existing teams, including the information technology team and the information systems team. They will also have an opportunity to assess our needs and build out the appropriate team to professionalize our organizational systems and processes and support our legal and compliance needs. The VP for Operations is also a member of the Executive Team and participates in strategic and operational leadership of the organization.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create and execute a plan for improving and professionalizing operational systems, policies and processes to improve and streamline organizational effectiveness and use of resources;.
• Translate executive vision into operational action plans and manage them to successful completion.
• Work with cross-department project teams and lead change initiatives in the organization, applying change management methodology to support positive organization and employee outcomes, including cost savings and effective use of resources.
• Oversee the Manager of Information Technology to identify effective software, technology systems, tools, processes, and policies that enable our mission and manage security risks.
• Oversee the Director of Data Analytics and Business Intelligence to design and implement information systems and holistic data plans and processes; and identify training and support for departments and teams to use data to support our goals.
• Assess the institution’s needs for legal support – particularly with respect to contract review and compliance with government grants and contracts – and prioritize and build out the necessary team.
• Supervise the operations department staff, as the team grows. Help clarify individual, departmental, and organizational roles and responsibilities; and coach and mentor staff in order to maximize and reach optimal individual, departmental and organizational goals.
• Collaborates with executive leadership to develop and meet organizational goals while supplying expertise and guidance on operational projects and systems.

REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

• 10 or more years of professional experience in non-profit, systems and/or operations management, specific experience with process improvements, IT, information systems, and legal subject areas preferred.

• At least 3 years in a senior level management role required.
• Experience using a service oriented approach to design systems, policies and practices that support and reduce bureaucracy or burdens on other departments.
• A collaborative leader that influences key stakeholders and facilitates work effectively across diverse teams.
• Exceptional cultural competency and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to juggle many tasks simultaneously and prioritize duties.
• Experience with deploying technology and information systems to support effective work processes.
• Experience managing a department level budget.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, second languages highly appreciated.
• Able to produce high quality work and exercise good judgment.• Exceptional ability to train, develop, manage, and lead professional and support staff.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

  EDUCATION

Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s in Business Administration or equivalent advanced skills or degree, preferred.

COMPENSATION

Ocean Conservancy is committed to equity in its pay practices and posts expected hiring ranges for each of its positions. We are targeting a hiring range of $144,670 - $198,500, which will be commensurate with the candidate’s specialty skills, years of experience, location and unique background. We are open to feedback from the market and would welcome the ability to connect with potential candidates whose salary requirements may be outside of the expected hiring range.

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 accommodation for medical or religious reasons.

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.