SeaWeb, an international non-governmental organization that uses strategic communications to advance ocean conservation, seeks a qualified candidate to lead its Asia Pacific program. The region’s marine ecosystems are the most biodiverse in the world, making them a critical conservation priority as threats to oceans around the globe continue to mount. As the Asia Pacific program enters its seventh year, SeaWeb desires an experienced manager to support its efforts to strengthen regional voices for the ocean and to lead the program in new directions that maximize impact on conservation policy and behavioral change.
Position Overview
The objectives of SeaWeb’s Asia Pacific program are to 1) increase the ability of ocean experts to tell their stories and share their knowledge; 2) enhance the ability of the media to understand and cover ocean issues; 3) build a bridge from the worlds of science and conservation to the media, increasing the frequency and quality of ocean stories appearing in the news; and 4) create a climate that enables the conservation community to deliver maximum gains for ocean protection through convenings, network building, and developing communication strategies.
Our near-term activities include ocean science seminars for journalists, communications trainings for ocean experts, briefings on the latest marine research for decision-makers, strategic communications advice and partnerships with NGOs and community leaders/institutions, and journalist fellowships. By identifying and empowering ocean champions in the region, SeaWeb encourages policymakers and industries to make better decisions for the long-term sustainability of the Asia Pacific’s marine environment.
Longer term activities may include the establishment of a regional marine conservation network to collaborate on regional strategy and project implementation; development of an Asia Pacific-based marine communications study module for journalism students at regional institutions of higher learning; and focused outreach with the business community to support conservation projects and drive policy change.
The Asia Pacific program manager will oversee all aspects of the program and will be accountable for providing leadership and support to a staff of four based in Fiji and Papua New Guinea, making links between marine conservation efforts in Asia Pacific and the developed world, managing the program’s budget and fiscal needs, and expanding the program’s reach and impact. Specific responsibilities are outlined below.
Responsibilities
• Provide focused leadership to the development and execution of overall program activities and specific projects in Fiji and Papua New Guinea.
• Cultivate partner relationships with marine conservation groups and assist in strategic outreach to support program goals and objectives.
• Grow the program for maximum impact on ocean protection by developing new initiatives and
partnership opportunities in science, conservation, business and the media.
• Identify and build relationships with potential influential spokespeople and champions.
• Provide strategic guidance, support and ongoing communication to Asia Pacific staff (contractors) in the design and execution of media briefings, training workshops, conferences and other special events.
• Track science, business and policy developments relevant to regional priorities for overall knowledge “bank” and to aid development of program priorities.
• Supervise production and distribution of Asia Pacific Ocean News e-newsletter.
• Manage content development for Web site with a plan for regular and frequent updates.
• Create annual goals and objectives, work plans and budget for the program, and oversee hiring decisions in the region.
• Assist in the identification of new fund development prospects, and draft and manage submission of grant proposals, budgets and reports.
Experience and Qualifications
The successful candidate must possess proven leadership skills and a demonstrated ability to advance programmatic and conservation objectives. He or she will be a strategic, flexible and results-oriented individual with exceptional interpersonal and communication skills. International experience and knowledge of problem-solving in multi-cultural environments is required. Experience in the Asia Pacific region is strongly preferred.
Specifically, the ideal candidate will bring the following professional experience and personal characteristics:
• At least seven years’ experience in conservation, communications or related fields in the Asia Pacific region.
• Prior knowledge of and familiarity with the Asia Pacific island region, culture and environmental challenges.
• Strong strategic abilities, with the capacity to articulate programmatic needs and objectives, and execute them into effective initiatives.
• Strong program and staff management skills, with a proven ability to lead, develop and execute a range of strategies and approaches.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse staff in remote locations.
• Experience in working with the media and generating media interest in and attention to a specific issue.
• A BA or BS degree in a relevant field is required, and an advanced degree is preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to write clearly and
persuasively, speak in public forums, and engage a broad array of individuals at all levels.
• Demonstrated expertise in education and outreach.
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to motivate others when providing
guidance and leadership.
• Creativity, tenacity, good humor and a high level of energy combined with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines.
• A willingness to travel.
• An interest in, and commitment to, marine protection.
Salary
SeaWeb offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a generous benefits package. The position may be based in the Asia Pacific region, Hawaii or a West Coast location in the United States.
SeaWeb Overview
SeaWeb was launched in 1996 to raise awareness of the growing threats to the ocean and its living resources. Now a vital and respected force in the conservation community, SeaWeb envisions a world where all people act on the belief that a healthy ocean is critical to human life and essential to a sustainable future. SeaWeb convenes and connects scientists, decision-makers, business leaders, and the media to empower new ocean conservation champions. Working at the confluence of issues and audiences, we promote solutions in policy, business practice, and society to protect the ocean. SeaWeb uses its strategic communications expertise and knowledge of ocean issues to make complex challenges relevant and actionable.
How to apply: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, brief writing sample (no more than three pages) online to hr@seaweb.org . Application materials can also be sent via mail to: SeaWeb, Asia Pacific Manager position, 8401 Colesville Road, Suite 500, Silver Spring, MD 20910. To learn more about SeaWeb, please visit our Web site at www.seaweb.org. No phone calls, please.
Deadline: Applications will be accepted until a qualified candidate is found. Interviews of qualified candidates will begin as soon as feasible.
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.
SeaWeb is an equal-opportunity employer.
