Director, Deep Sea Conservation

## About Ocean Conservancy For over 50 years, Ocean Conservancy has been delivering effective, evidence-based solutions for the ocean. We unite science, people, and policy to tackle the biggest challenges facing our ocean: climate change, plastic pollution, and biodiversity loss. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., we are a 501(C)3 that works globally through partnerships, advocacy, and a clear-eyed approach. Our goal is a healthy ocean and a thriving planet, forever. ## The Position: Director, Deep Sea Conservation We are seeking a seasoned leader to drive our deep sea conservation work, with a core focus on the mesopelagic zone—the ocean twilight zone—and its critical role in biodiversity, climate regulation, and supporting marine wildlife including commercially and recreationally important fish species. The Director will lead efforts to ensure that activities like fishing and deep sea mining are managed in harmony with the health of these deep ecosystems. This is a regular, full-time, exempt role based in Washington, DC (hybrid) or remotely from other states including AK, CA, FL, MD, OR, TX, WA, WV, or VA. ### What You'll Do - Design and manage Ocean Conservancy’s strategy to protect the twilight zone, advancing effective conservation policies at international and regional levels through entities like regional fishery management organizations, the BBNJ agreement, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the United Nations General Assembly. - Serve as Ocean Conservancy’s lead advocate, building and sustaining strong working relationships with high-level decision-makers, opinion leaders, and partners to drive program goals. - Elevate the importance of the mesopelagic zone through strategic communications and representation at key international forums. - Lead the development and execution of work plans, program budgets, and funding proposals, ensuring fiduciary oversight and effective use of resources. - Track activities and progress, keeping colleagues and partners informed, while identifying new opportunities for visible leadership on conservation issues. - Foster integration across Ocean Conservancy’s programs and work with Development staff to steward existing partnerships, cultivate new ones, and create fundraising materials. - Monitor the deep ocean landscape for emerging science, policy shifts, and industrial activities to spot conservation opportunities and threats. ### Who You Are - A strategic, creative, and collaborative leader with at least 7 years of experience in environmental advocacy, public policy, or natural resource management that shows concrete results. - You have in-depth training or experience in natural resource management—ideally with ecosystem conservation or fisheries management expertise. - You know how to effectively advocate for conservation wins with high-level decision-makers, industry, and the public. - Familiarity with international environmental policy instruments and processes is strongly preferred. - You have a proven ability to lead and manage teams to achieve meaningful policy outcomes. - Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential, as is the ability to translate complex scientific and technical concepts for policy and lay audiences. (Writing samples will be requested.) - You are personable, passionate, decisive, and focused, with experience working in a deadline-driven environment to deliver accurate, timely, and powerful products and positions. - You bring proven management and fiduciary experience, leveraging resources to meet program objectives. - Familiarity with international biodiversity protection and fisheries issues, including relationships with decision-makers, industry, and scientists, is a plus. ### Education & Training An advanced degree is required—preferably a law degree or a graduate degree in marine or environmental science, or natural resource management. ### Compensation & Benefits Ocean Conservancy believes in fair pay. The expected starting salary range for this role is $125,000–$140,000 annually, based on skills, years of experience, location, and background. We are open to candidates whose salary needs may fall outside this range. We offer a hybrid work environment that blends virtual and in-person work to foster collaboration and flexibility. ### Equal Opportunity Employer Ocean Conservancy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, prohibiting discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic. This applies to all terms of employment, from recruiting to promotion. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply—you don’t need to check every box. We’re here to support your career growth, and in return, you’ll help us become a stronger, more inclusive institution. --- _This job was found on [bandana.com](https://www.bandana.com/?utm_source=jd_attribution&utm_medium=repost)_