About the Company/Team

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About the Role

SCHEDULE This is a full-time, regular position offering a comprehensive benefits package. The position can be conducted remotely or in a hybrid onsite/offsite fashion from any of the following states: MA, NH, ME, RI, VT, and NY with ongoing access to, and periodic meetings/events at the NEAq in Boston. Relocation is required if presently residing in any other state. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 1. Lead and manage the growth and development of NEAq’s blue innovation advising work, including existing corporate partnerships with seafood and seaweed companies, build-out programs, cultivate relationships and partnerships, develop public policy recommendations in conjunction with the Director of Ocean Policy and External Relations team, and supervise/expand the existing team. 2. Serve as the NEAq lead for BlueSwell, which is embarking on its third Cohort, prioritizing Cohort composition that reflects NEAq ocean conservation pillars, including, among others, the building of resilient communities, the responsible use of the ocean, and the advancement of animal and ocean health. 3. Partner and network with other blue innovation organizations, industry, funders, and policy makers (in conjunction with our External Relations team) to address key gaps for science-based entrepreneurs driving ocean sustainability in New England. 4. Serve as a leader in technical advising related to ocean conservation for blue entrepreneurs, while expanding NEAq’s sphere of influence as a technical advisor. 5. Lead the establishment of an environmental impact framework and tool for the broader blue ecosystem (entrepreneurs, corporations, and other stakeholders) to create a more transparent way to evaluate company actions and progress towards marine conservation goals. 6. The New England Aquarium serves as a responsive community resource that attracts and involves the broadest possible audience; seeks a culturally diverse staff and a governing board that reflects our community; adheres to the highest standards of animal stewardship; and is committed to delivering the highest quality visitor experience in a welcoming and enjoyable manner that inspires awe, curiosity, understanding, caring, and action. Using these guiding values, lead the scoping of a potential program to build out an inclusive, equitable bluetech workforce of the future through intern, fellowship, and community-based programs that build skills and result in equitable jobs in the blue economy. 7. Expand NEAq’s ability to synthesize big data for companies and consortia to meet sustainability goals. 8. Manage annual program budget of $1M+ and continue to raise funds in partnership with other NEAq functions to grow and sustain this work. 9. Work closely with ACCOL technical programs to ensure our expertise, scientific outputs, and science-based perspectives are reflected in all aspects of our blue innovation work. 10. Contribute to additional institution-wide initiatives as needed.

With a vision for a vibrant and vital ocean for future generations, the New England Aquarium (NEAq) promotes sustainable and responsible growth of the “blue economy”; one that safeguards ocean habitats, species, and ecosystems. To that end, NEAq’s BalanceBLUE Lab drives entrepreneurs, corporations, and ocean industries towards ocean-friendly practices, sustainability goals, and climate adaptation strategies. Based on deep technical and scientific expertise in our Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life (ACCOL), NEAq is committed to guiding, validating, and convening to help build a more resilient blue innovation ecosystem. We seek a creative and highly driven individual with a strong record of strategic program development and implementation – ideally in the environmental technology space – to serve as the F/T Program Director for an exciting new initiative centered on blue innovation. Integrating existing programs such as our BlueSwell Incubator and corporate sustainable seafood advising work, this initiative will help build capacities and reduce barriers in the New England blue innovation ecosystem. Working closely with NEAq leadership, under the Vice President/Chief Scientist of the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life (ACCOL), the Director will define and implement tactical strategies and priorities, and cultivate external relationships that build upon NEAq’s leadership in the New England bluetech/innovation community. New England Aquarium has implemented comprehensive safety protocols for employees and visitors to minimize the risk of COVID-19 exposure. As a member of our team, you will be provided with the training and resources needed to ensure a safe and rewarding experience. In addition, the Aquarium requires all staff to be vaccinated and boosted (when eligible) against COVID-19 unless a reasonable medical or religious accommodation is requested and approved. SCHEDULE This is a full-time, regular position offering a comprehensive benefits package. The position can be conducted remotely or in a hybrid onsite/offsite fashion from any of the following states: MA, NH, ME, RI, VT, and NY with ongoing access to, and periodic meetings/events at the NEAq in Boston. Relocation is required if presently residing in any other state. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 1. Lead and manage the growth and development of NEAq’s blue innovation advising work, including existing corporate partnerships with seafood and seaweed companies, build-out programs, cultivate relationships and partnerships, develop public policy recommendations in conjunction with the Director of Ocean Policy and External Relations team, and supervise/expand the existing team. 2. Serve as the NEAq lead for BlueSwell, which is embarking on its third Cohort, prioritizing Cohort composition that reflects NEAq ocean conservation pillars, including, among others, the building of resilient communities, the responsible use of the ocean, and the advancement of animal and ocean health. 3. Partner and network with other blue innovation organizations, industry, funders, and policy makers (in conjunction with our External Relations team) to address key gaps for science-based entrepreneurs driving ocean sustainability in New England. 4. Serve as a leader in technical advising related to ocean conservation for blue entrepreneurs, while expanding NEAq’s sphere of influence as a technical advisor. 5. Lead the establishment of an environmental impact framework and tool for the broader blue ecosystem (entrepreneurs, corporations, and other stakeholders) to create a more transparent way to evaluate company actions and progress towards marine conservation goals. 6. The New England Aquarium serves as a responsive community resource that attracts and involves the broadest possible audience; seeks a culturally diverse staff and a governing board that reflects our community; adheres to the highest standards of animal stewardship; and is committed to delivering the highest quality visitor experience in a welcoming and enjoyable manner that inspires awe, curiosity, understanding, caring, and action. Using these guiding values, lead the scoping of a potential program to build out an inclusive, equitable bluetech workforce of the future through intern, fellowship, and community-based programs that build skills and result in equitable jobs in the blue economy. 7. Expand NEAq’s ability to synthesize big data for companies and consortia to meet sustainability goals. 8. Manage annual program budget of $1M+ and continue to raise funds in partnership with other NEAq functions to grow and sustain this work. 9. Work closely with ACCOL technical programs to ensure our expertise, scientific outputs, and science-based perspectives are reflected in all aspects of our blue innovation work. 10. Contribute to additional institution-wide initiatives as needed. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. • 8+ years of related experience with a minimum of 5 years experience specifically managing, developing, or leading work in environmental technology (e.g. ocean/blue technology, green technology, clean technology) or a similar innovation area (e.g., start-up, corporate/industry, academia). • Strong established external networks and experience engaging and managing diverse stakeholders, ideally related to bluetech and/or ocean conservation. • Proven record of leadership, business development, and/or instrumental roles in coalition building. • Experience in marketing, communications, storytelling, and being an ambassador for innovation. • A genuine interest in, and passion for, the important ocean/marine animal conservation mission of the NEAq. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS • Advanced degree in the field of expertise, e.g., MBA, JD, MS, Ph.D. • Specific sector/domain experience in blue/ocean technology. • Demonstrated success working directly with entrepreneurs and innovators in developing innovative programs and partnerships. • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking. • Experience in program/impact evaluation using analytics and diverse metrics. • Strong basic technical/scientific understanding of the most pressing global and/or regional ocean conservation issues, especially in relation to focus areas from past positions; ability to quickly digest and interpret technical information from scientific teams. • Highly motivated with strong organizational and interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with other leaders/staff in the ACCOL, the NEAq leadership team, colleagues from other NEAq departments, members of the NEAq Board, donors, and additional stakeholder groups outside of NEAq (regulators, industry representatives, corporations, entrepreneurs, impact investors and conservationists). • Committed to growth and team-building environment of the ACCOL and integration with broader NEAq. • Willingness to work a flexible schedule, and to travel extensively (especially locally and nationally). For more information and to apply online please visit: http://neaq.applicantpro.com/jobs/ New England Aquarium is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.