Director, Seaforestation (Director, Program Research / Conservation / Science)

Seaforestation powered by Ocean Wise and Partners

Seaweed forests are rich habitat for marine life, including commercially important fish and invertebrates. In addition, they protect the coast from the impacts of extreme weather events. And they naturally capture carbon in large volumes in seaweed tissue, some of which gets trapped in the ocean floor for centuries. More than a food source, many pharmaceutical and other products are already derived from seaweed. And new products can substantially reduce greenhouse emissions. For example livestock feed derived from seaweed can substantially reduce methane emissions from cattle. Ocean Wise is seeking an experienced conservation Director to lead our Seaforestation initiative. International candidates are welcome to apply.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Strategic and technical leadership – planning, research & development

Drives a vision for Seaforestation and the evolution of the program to achieve and maintain global significance and scale-up its measurable impact on ocean health;

Infuses the program with a sense of urgency to move decision-makers, industry, and individuals in a direction that accelerates the expansion of Seaforestation;

Secures strategic partnerships and inspires, empowers & equips others to amplify the impact of the program through multiplication by design;

Positions the program globally, with an emphasis on the value added by OW to the responsible expansion of seaweed as an ocean-based climate solution;

Leads strategic planning and sees to the delivery of the full intervention pathways identified therein, such that priority decisions are influenced and behaviors changed at scale to the benefit of the oceans;

Directs rigorous, applied research, either in-house or with external parties, to unblock priority knowledge gaps that are in the way of making a compelling case, the design of conservation solutions, and stakeholder engagement;

Stays on top of current Seaforestation trends;

Monitors, reviews and evaluates program, including in the light of changing context, opportunities and threats, captures lessons learnt, and then leads adjustments in the strategy in order to ensure maximum conservation impact;

Researches future areas of growth, radical strategy adjustments, and prepares rationale and risk analysis for consideration by the EVP Conservation;

Advices the implementation and evolution of the Conservation Strategy at large, including the development of new program areas that may overlap with several programs;

Public & Stakeholder Engagement

Represents OW in the North American and global, Seaforestation & ocean conservation arena in an ambassadorial role by attending relevant fora and presenting in an expert capacity at these gatherings.

Lead spokesperson on Seaforestation matters with industry, government, media, the NGO community and general public;

In conjunction with the Communications team, sees to the development and implementation of Seaforestation communications and an engagement strategy that ensures strategic decisions are influenced and behaviors changed effectively to deliver Seaforestation goals;

Leads the development and implementation of the citizen action component of the program;

Grows, nurtures and leverages relevant national and international relationships and partnerships with government, NGOs, industry, Indigenous peoples and other relevant groups to maximize the impact of the program;

Primary relationship holder with key strategic partners and stakeholders;

Resourcing, Operations & Monitoring

Leads the budgeting process and tracking for Seaforestation;

Identifies fundraising opportunities, in conjunction with Development, and implements revenue-generating activities to ensure the program is self-funding and a net contributor back into Ocean Wise;

Prioritizes and allocates available program resources;

Assesses the effectiveness and efficiency of partner agreements, fee structures, and contracts, and makes necessary adjustments to ensure maximum program effectiveness and efficiency;

Monitors and directs day-to-day operations to ensure that policies and procedures are being followed, that goals and objectives are met, and that services and projects are being accomplished efficiently and effectively; taking corrective action as necessary;

Proactively seeks out collaboration opportunities with other OW program areas to reach new audiences and increase program impact;

Responsible for the review of all digital platforms to identify and rectify redundancies and possibilities of errors and omissions.

Team Management

Ensures an environment conducive to individual development, productivity, and achievement while ensuring open lines of communication;

Ensures appreciation for and adherence to the OW working culture and brand;

Onboards, trains and develops staff to their full potential, and deployed in a manner that permits a cost-effective operation;

Establishes performance objectives/goals, reviewing progress throughout the year, and completes formal performance reviews for direct reports as required;

Recruits, hires and promotes team members in accordance with standard Ocean Wise policies.

Other tasks

As instructed by the line manager.

Consciously improves the overall organization and its processes by:

Continually improves our impact on the environment and greening of operations through support of Environmental Monitoring System protocols;

Maintains and supports organizational safety standards;

Abides by all organizational policies and procedures;

Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

QUALIFICATIONS

Degree in marine and/or environmental sciences, PhD in a subject related to Seaforestation an asset;

A minimum of 7-10 years of experience in marine conservation or a related field, with 5+ years in a management capacity;

Strong recognition in the field of marine conservation, though publications, influence and other means;

Excellent leadership and team management skills and abilities; experience overseeing remote teams an asset;

Excellent project management and time management skills, with the ability to keep on task with strategic items while managing day-to-day responsibilities;

A high level of understanding of Seaforestation and related applied science processes;

Dynamic public speaking skills; media training an asset;

Experience in corporate relations, advocacy and diplomacy an asset;

Excellent writing and general communication skills;

Proficiency in additional languages an asset;

A high level of web literacy;

Active demonstration of the organization’s values, code of conduct, and mission.

Working Conditions

International travel required;

Flexible work schedule including evening and weekend work;

Teleworking remotely.

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