The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, (“the Foundation”) a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is a leading voice for U.S. protected waters, is seeking a Marine Debris Manager, a key member of the Foundation’s Conservation Team, to implement the Foundation’s established marine debris removal programs and other marine debris removal efforts across the National Marine Sanctuary System.
The Marine Debris Manager implements marine debris programs and projects; maintains and tracks associated budgets; leverages resources and community support; and fosters and strengthens partnerships for the Foundation and sanctuaries. The Marine Debris Manager also assists the Foundation’s Conservation Manager and Conservation Director with planning and coordinating strategies that support the marine debris removal mission and conservation priorities of the Foundation and national marine sanctuaries. The Marine Debris Manager will act as the key site liaison for partner and sanctuary site coordination as well as permit and best practice compliance. The manager will be responsible for project implementation, coordinating with local and regional partners at each site, overseeing removal preparations and operations, coordinating removal plans with subcontractors and operators, tracking permit and best practice compliance, collecting, and analyzing metrics from partners, and communicating the impact of removals.
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is committed to a culture of inclusion, equity, and belonging. We are dedicated to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We honor experiences, perspectives, and unique identities, and welcome the contributions that you can bring to the dedicated team. With a diverse team of employees, we can grow and learn better together and achieve our mission to protect the health of the ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes for current and future generations.
What You’ll Do
- Plan, coordinate, and manage marine debris removal activities at several sites within the National Marine Sanctuary system to expand the impact of the Foundation’s marine debris removal programs.
- Expand the understanding of marine and Great Lakes sanctuaries, and further encourage the protection of marine resources by promoting stewardship and building the awareness, image, and reputation of the Foundation’s impact and leadership.
- Develop and implement project goals, objectives, operational plans, and budgets by building partnerships and leveraging resources to maximize effectiveness; support grant writing, fundraising, and corporate sponsorship opportunities; and connect major Foundation marine debris removal and other conservation initiatives and campaigns with education, community stewardship, and policy and management.
- Work with internal and external partners to execute and implement science and marine debris removal strategies, including occasional travel for and opportunities to present on Foundation program- or project-related meetings, events, and conferences.
- Track and analyze progress to ensure goals, objectives, and timelines are met and metrics of success and accountability are captured, including through the Foundation’s project management database.
- Collaborate internally with the Operations Manager and the Finance Team to support program development and ensure conservation program award deliverables are met in a timely fashion. Work closely with the Foundation’s Operations Team on executing contracts with the necessary removal entity at each site.
- Create and coordinate content, reports, visuals, and communications materials across a variety of communications platforms to showcase the Foundation’s marine debris removal accomplishments.
- Act as the key liaison for partners at each removal site and work closely with state, Federal, and Tribal partners as well as private companies.
- Coordinate removal operations by working closely with partners from each site and the salvor/technical diver contracted for removal efforts.
- Ensure that all necessary permits (both state and federal) are obtained and in compliance before marine debris removal operations occur.
- Work closely with the Foundation’s Conservation Director and Conservation Manager to meet milestones and deliverables.
Who You Are
You are passionate, detail-oriented, dependable, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and take pride in partnership building, planning, project management, and efficiently maintaining large-scale budgets for multiple projects. You have excellent organizational and communication skills, a strong sense of initiative, and the ability to work well independently, and build positive relationships. You also have an in-depth knowledge of marine debris and a passion for marine and coastal conservation.
Required Qualifications:
- Master’s degree and 3-5 years of professional experience in conservation science or policy.
- A proven track record of prioritizing and balancing assignments independently and achieving desired outcomes.
- Ability to collaborate and work well with others, including local, state, and federal government agencies, non-profit organizations, businesses and corporations, academic institutions and universities, philanthropic organizations, and potential funders, etc.
- Self-starter who can work independently and perform under tight deadlines with moderate to minimal supervision.
- Attention to detail and demonstrated organizational skills.
- Proficient in working to overcome challenges to ensure programmatic success.
- Ability to track budgets, track metrics, and meet expected outcomes and deliverables.
- Strong writing and communication skills with the ability to prepare regular outcome reports.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Graduate degree in Marine Science or a related field and 6+ years of project management experience.
- Experience developing/managing projects in multiple locations, producing work plans with strategic goals/objectives, and defined, measurable results.
- Experience and/or overall understanding of NEPA (National Environmental Protection Act) practices/procedures and other environmental compliance protocols. Technical experience preparing NEPA documents is not required.
