ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY

Ocean Conservancy educates and empowers citizens to take action on behalf of the ocean. From the Arctic to the Gulf of Mexico to the halls of Congress, Ocean Conservancy brings people together to find solutions for our water planet. Informed by science, our work guides policy and engages people in protecting the ocean and its wildlife for future generations.

Clean Energy Portfolio

Ocean Conservancy envisions a healthy future for our ocean and the communities that rely on it, free from greenhouse gas pollution and resilient to the climate impacts we can no longer avoid. To help achieve this vision, we advocate for sustainable ocean-based climate solutions, work with all levels of government to implement these solutions and help build demand for climate action. To protect the ocean and coastal communities, we must transform the fossil fuel-based energy regime by accelerating the transition to clean energy, including sustainable marine renewable energy. Ocean Conservancy believes a rapid, responsible, and just transition to 100% Clean Ocean Energy by 2050 is within reason and reach.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Sr. Director of Climate Policy and working closely with the Sr. Director responsible for Offshore Oil & Gas and the Director, Climate and Plastics Initiative, the Director will help advance Ocean Conservancy’s campaign to achieve a rapid, responsible, and just transition to 100% Clean Ocean Energy by 2050.  The Director will lead the organization’s effort to secure needed reforms and other enabling conditions to accelerate responsible offshore wind deployment in the U.S. S/he will also finalize an assessment of other marine renewable energy technologies and an advocacy strategy to support targeted policies to facilitate research and responsible development and deployment of those technologies.

With respect to offshore wind, advocacy strategies to support enabling conditions  will include national and regional approaches to financial incentives and disincentives, biodiversity conservation and protection, supply chain development, labor and workforce issues, coastal and marine spatial planning (CMSP), and research and development of technological solutions. Work to accelerate responsible offshore wind will include a heavy emphasis on the role of CMSP and administrative efforts to advance a U.S. Sustainable Ocean Plan. This work will cover strategies to support federal funding for, and regional implementation of, the National Ocean Policy, as well as engagement and cultivation of stakeholders to support CMSP.  In this effort, the Director, Marine Renewable Energy will represent Ocean Conservancy and coordinate with several working groups and coalitions to advance common goals. S/he will supervise team members and consultants working on the renewable energy and CMSP portfolios, oversee logistics relating to internal program management (assisting in budget preparation and review, work planning) and assist in ensuring continued funding for the Ocean Conservancy’s Clean Ocean Energy activities.

Finally, the Director, Renewable Energy plays a key role in working with the government relations and communications teams to develop, coordinate, and implement strategies to achieve Clean Ocean Energy program and organizational goals.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Works with the Senior Policy Analyst for Renewable Energy, Clean Ocean Energy team members, Government Relations (including International Government Relations) and Digital & Communications staff to develop and implement strategies to: accelerate responsible offshore wind other marine renewable energy (MRE) technologies deployment in the U.S.
• Drives strategies to achieve effective public policy supporting offshore wind planning and permitting, including those identified in Ocean Conservancy’s Policy to Power report.
• Lead an outreach strategy for and meet with agency officials, elected officials, industry, Tribes, local communities, other ocean users and NGO stakeholders to garner support for responsible offshore wind, other MRE, and related policy initiatives.
• Collaborate with peer non-profit organizations and other partners, including providing a leadership role in strategy development of coalitions. Work in partnership with Ocean Conservancy’s government relations experts, to develop and advance federal Congressional engagement strategies for coalitions and partnerships.
• Represents Ocean Conservancy at renewable energy, climate or other related events and meetings, in writing and through interviews and speaking engagements.
• Supports Ocean Conservancy’s justice, equity, diversity and inclusion efforts, including by proactively incorporating the perspectives of historically marginalized and underserved communities in renewable energy policy
• Supervises work and performance of Senior Policy Analyst, Renewable Energy and outside consultants as needed.
• Works with the Resource Development/Foundations team to ensure grant proposals and reports are completed in an accurate, compelling, and timely manner.
• Tracks monthly financial statements and helps prepare annual program budget.
• Works with other programs and departments to ensure cross-cutting Clean Ocean Energy goals, including relevant international goals, are advanced through all Ocean Conservancy’s program areas.

REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

• Five to ten years of experience working with Congress, the federal government, or Tribal, state or local governments on energy, renewable energy, marine environmental issues, marine spatial planning, or related issue area.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse teams; integrate across disciplines, and work collaboratively with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively about complex issues both in writing and verbally.
• Working knowledge of advancing policy on the federal level.
• A high-level performer who thinks strategically and sees the big picture but remains attentive to details, deadlines, and deliverables.
• Ability to be flexible and work under pressure and deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with past success in leveraging collaborative efforts to effect change and build political will.
• Highly collaborative with an appreciation of the benefit of a multi-disciplinary team approach; willing to take on a variety of tasks to further the program goals, and able to delegate effectively when appropriate.
• A leadership and mentoring style that supports and rewards the growth of staff with talent, promise, and commitment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft office products required.

EDUCATION/TRAINING

Advanced degree preferred in a relevant science, public policy, or interdisciplinary specialty related to energy and environment, climate change, sustainable development, or coastal and marine affairs.

COMPENSATION

Ocean Conservancy is committed to equity in its pay practices and posts expected hiring ranges for each of its positions. Salary minimum is $98,262; salary midpoint is $144,509. The midpoint represents the market rate for a position, and a fully experienced employee may be paid at this level. Compensation will be commensurate with the candidate’s specialty skills, years of experience, location, and unique background.  We would welcome the opportunity to connect with potential candidates whose salary requirements may be outside of the expected hiring range.

TO APPLY

If you think you’d be a great fit for the job and are interested in joining Ocean Conservancy’s team, please apply here.

HYBRID WORK ENVIRONMENT

Ocean Conservancy embraces a hybrid work environment, which allows our staff the flexibility to work virtually and in-person while building strong connections across the institution.

Ocean Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer.