Director of Science

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

Director of Science

SeaWeb, an international non-governmental organization that utilizes strategic communications and social marketing techniques to advance ocean conservation, seeks a Director of Science. This is a new and exciting opportunity to advance marine conservation through the organization’s science-based outreach work. The Director will help to create a high level of public and policy awareness of science based solutions to the threats facing the oceans. By staying abreast of new scientific developments, the Director will help identify ‘tipping point’ science and work closely with scientists to help them frame their results to a broad range of audiences. The Director will provide international scientific expertise to underpin SeaWeb’s organizational programs, design and implement training workshops for scientists and implement international outreach efforts around new marine science initiatives.

All inquiries, nominations and applications should be directed in confidence to: Rebecca Marshall, Ceres NGO Consulting at sarrebecca@aol.com.

Background

SeaWeb, founded in 1996 to raise awareness of the growing threats to the ocean and its living resources, is the only nonprofit social marketing organization that harnesses the power of strategic communications on behalf of ocean conservation. By increasing public awareness, advancing science-based solutions and mobilizing decision-makers around ocean conservation, SeaWeb has brought together multiple, diverse and powerful voices for a healthy ocean. Through its award-winning, creative initiatives, SeaWeb is now known as a vital and respected force in the conservation community.

SeaWeb’s approach merges science, communications and policy expertise to recruit and sustain ocean conservation champions. SeaWeb then provides a platform for these ocean champions to catalyze and promote innovative solutions in policy, business practice and society. The solutions SeaWeb inspires stem from first-rate synthesis of scientific research and data, and through its use of strategic communications skills, SeaWeb illuminates this valuable information and transforms it into understandable and relevant initiatives. This approach results in both changed behaviors and strong ocean policy.

During the next several years, SeaWeb will continue to build on its track record by seeking new and creative ways to convene, connect and coach diverse and powerful voices for a healthy ocean. With an annual budget of almost $8 million, SeaWeb is generously supported by leading foundations in the U.S. and overseas. Working closely with the President, the Vice President for Science Initiatives and senior staff members, the Director of Science will play a key role in helping to advance the strategic goals of the organization.

Governed by an independent board of directors, SeaWeb is a 501c3 with offices in the United States, France and the United Kingdom. We also have staff in Canada, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Italy.

Position Description

The successful candidate will use his or her passionate concern for ocean conservation, international experience and scientific expertise to track and interpret complex scientific research and interpret it for various media, policy, business and public audiences.

The Director of Science will provide scientific expertise to specific programmatic areas within the organization. A key component of the role will be to research and synthesize current and emerging science. By scouting out and staying abreast of new scientific developments, the Director of Science will help to identify ‘tipping point’ science to lead international and national science outreach efforts. This involves working closely with marine scientists, journalists and decision makers or key partners to bring new scientific developments to light in a way that can influence marine policy, corporate or public behavior. Working in conjunction with the Media and Policy pod of the organization, the Director will develop relationships with scientists, providing them with appropriate background and messaging assistance to help the organization position scientific information in a way that advances public, policy and media awareness. Internally, the Director will help infuse the latest science into SeaWeb’s programs and initiatives and will use science outreach in current programs to advance their objectives.

The Director will design and implement training workshops for scientists and coach them on how to frame and communicate the results of their work so it gets maximum attention and that they understand the policy relevance of their research. The Director also will help them connect with other scientists doing synergistic work, science journalists and decision-makers. Such connections could result in the publication of new reports or scientific papers or be used to bolster an initiative within the organization.

The Director of Science reports to Vice President for Science Initiatives, and works closely with staff in the Asia Pacific program, other science staff, COMPASS, as well as staff across the organization.

Key Objectives

• Provide science expertise and support in specific international programmatic areas, such as the Asia Pacific program, the ecosystem-based management (EBM) communications project and on other issues as needed, such as climate change.

• Responsible for coordinating with COMPASS staff on issues of mutual interest.

• Provide leadership to the EBM communications project. Continually monitor needs and develop and disseminate communications trainings and tools for NGOs; liaise with NGO and science communities, pertinent businesses and funders; write proposals and reports; evaluate efforts to date and make adjustments as appropriate.

• Along with the other members of the Science Initiatives pod, stay abreast of new scientific developments, helping to identify ‘tipping point’ science to lead international and national science communications efforts around specific issues such as climate change, pollution, marine reserves, ecosystem-based management, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.

• Work with key staff to implement strategies to effectively communicate marine conservation science to key stakeholders to influence marine policy, corporate or public behavior or support policy change.

• Lead Science Working Group and other forums to ensure integration of the Science Initiatives pod across the organization. Assess needs for science coverage and support, identify gaps and establish science information systems and policies.

• Coordinate with staff across the organization to conduct literature reviews and issue briefings as needed; provide facts and scientific sources to underpin media campaigns and initiatives; trace data sources; spot emerging issues and solutions to key issues; catalogue sources used and cited in media campaigns and initiatives.

• Create an efficient, accessible internal peer review and fact-checking service for SeaWeb campaigns, initiatives and publications. Integrate this scientific review into SeaWeb’s editorial review process. Participate in editorial meetings, identify and secure reviewers and oversee process for completing peer review prior to finalizing of print and online content.

• Create an archival system for all SeaWeb materials, reports, press releases and Web-based information with in-text citation and annotations as necessary to support an effective process for updates and revisions.

• Develop and maintain resources to be accessible through the shared drive and/or information database for all SeaWeb staff, such as:

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  • An archive of all social marketing research findings and reports;
  • A library of reference PDFs for all documents cited in print publications and online materials.
  • A Facts Database to create a common SeaWeb “facts library” that provides citations supporting those commonly used statistics and statements of scientific fact that appear in our literature and online.

• Design and coordinate quarterly brown-bag lunches on relevant and emerging science and social science topics tapping staff and outside experts.

• Establish standards and protocols for citations and periodically circulate among staff; provide training and guidance to staff as necessary to maintain citation standards in all SeaWeb external communications.

• In tandem with other staff, review existing Web pages, briefing papers and publications for scientific accuracy and ensure original source citation information is archived and accessible. Provide regular updates of pertinent information.

• Develop and produce content for “science café” Web pages.

• Identify and periodically update one or two “must-read” scientific papers for staff orientation book, such as Ben Halpern’s, et al, “A Global Map of Human Impact on Marine Ecosystems (Science, 2008) or Bruce Worm’s, et al, “Impacts of Biodiversity Loss on Ocean Ecosystem Services (Science, 2006).

• Work closely with SeaWeb staff, specifically in the Asia Pacific program and Media and Policy pod to help develop clear and effective messaging for all SeaWeb initiatives on ocean science, and more broadly, clear messages for media and other audiences that cut through complexity to convey science based solutions for a healthy ocean.

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with scientists from different disciplines to stay abreast of their work, connect scientists who are doing synergistic work and help the organization position critical science to advance public awareness.

• Work with the Media and Policy Pod to cultivate strong relationships with leading journalists. Act as a resource for journalists, connect them with leading scientists and provide story ideas and angles to seed stories for major features.

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships and seek networking opportunities with business, NGOs and policy makers to serve as a resource and provide advice and assistance in order to advance public awareness

Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate will have impeccable scientific credentials, experience working in the international arena and a passion for ocean conservation. She or he must be a strategic, flexible and results-oriented individual with exceptional interpersonal and communications skills, and be adept at cultivating strong relationships with scientists, journalists, business leaders, academia and policy makers. She or he will have strong writing and editing skills and a proven ability to illuminate and communicate scientific findings to a non-scientific audience. Specifically, an ideal candidate will bring the following professional experience and personal characteristics to the position:

Professional Experience

• An advanced degree in marine sciences is required, with strong scientific credentials having published scientific papers and reports in leading peer-reviewed journals.

• A minimum of seven years experience in a scientific role in an NGO, government, academia or industry with familiarity and comfort in working in various cultures with the scientific, regulatory and nonprofit sectors to advance marine conservation goals.

• Prior knowledge and experience of working in the marine conservation field in an international NGO setting is desirable, although relevant transferable experience will be considered.

• Experience in science communications, and a network of relationships with the press and media professionals, with international media as well as in the U.S. is desirable, as is knowledge of the journalism world.

• A strong understanding of marine conservation science in the Pacific, locally managed marine areas, and an appreciation for the role of cultural knowledge in decision-making.

• An ability to understand and evaluate emerging science and communicate marine conservation science and its implications to non-scientific audiences is essential.

• Sound understanding of international policies and laws related to marine conservation and natural resource management is required, plus knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes.

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with an ability to work with sophisticated and diverse interest groups in a diplomatic way, experience working with island communities, and proven networking ability.
  
• Strong program design and management skills with a proven ability to teach and facilitate training programs.

• Budget management skills.

• Must have strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to synthesize complex issues into clearly articulated goals and arguments to advance marine conservation.

• Fluency in French and Spanish is desired.

Personal Characteristics

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to engage a broad array of individuals at all levels.

• Strong public speaking skills and an ability to persuasively engage individuals or groups in dialogue that results in a desire to take action.

• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team, to work across a range of programs, and to provide guidance and leadership to colleagues, with the ability to inspire trust and motivate others.

• A highly organized individual with experience in effectively juggling multiple tasks.

• Dynamic personality and ability to remain composed, positive and self-assured when under pressure.

• Creativity, energy, tenacity, good humor and a high level of energy combined with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

• A willingness to travel.

• An interest in, and commitment to, marine conservation and the goals of SeaWeb.

Competitive salary commensurate with experience, in addition to a generous benefits package. The position ideally will be based in northern California.

How to Apply

Please send resumes and cover letters in confidence to Rebecca Marshall, Ceres NGO Consulting at sarrebecca@aol.com. For more information, see www.seaweb.org. No phone calls please.

Applications are strongly encouraged from candidates reflecting diverse educational, cultural and experiential backgrounds. We encourage applications from women, people with disabilities, people of diverse ethnic, racial, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds, educational and work experiences, geographic and national origins, sexual orientations and ages.