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Director of Strategic Partnerships
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Sales & Business Development
Monterey, CA, USA
USD 140k-180k / year
Posted on Nov 4, 2025
***This role is being recruited by a third party agency, Koya. To be considered for this role, you must apply via the Koya website. Applications submitted to the Monterey Bay Aquarium website will not be considered.***
About Monterey Bay Aquarium
With a mission to inspire conservation of the ocean, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is the most admired aquarium in the United States, a leader in science education, and a trusted global voice for ocean conservation. The Aquarium combines world-class exhibits with groundbreaking science, policy, and public engagement—helping to redefine what an aquarium can be.
The Aquarium was founded through the vision of marine scientists and the support of David Packard, whose engineering mindset and commitment to innovation shaped the institution from the start. Built on the site of a former cannery, it became a powerful symbol of renewal, transforming into a global center for ocean conservation and education. It introduced the world’s first living kelp forest exhibit and set new standards for immersive habitats, animal care, and conservation storytelling. Its partnership with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) continues this spirit of innovation, linking advances in marine science and technology with public engagement and conservation.
The Aquarium’s conservation programs are rebuilding sea otter populations and tackling plastic pollution, while its groundbreaking Seafood Watch program is transforming global seafood practices by helping consumers and businesses make more sustainable choices. As an educational institution, the Aquarium offers free programming for students and educators, delivering innovative experiences on-site and online that inspire and equip the next generation of ocean leaders.
Today, the Aquarium welcomes nearly two million visitors each year and engages millions more through digital platforms and partnerships. Its location on the edge of Monterey Bay provides daily inspiration from one of the world’s richest marine regions, while its proximity to global centers of technology and creativity in Silicon Valley reinforces a culture of curiosity and innovation.
Learn more about Monterey Bay Aquarium at https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/.
The Opportunity
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is seeking a creative and strategic professional for this inaugural role to lead the development and execution of strategic partnerships that elevate the Aquarium’s brand, generate revenue, amplify conservation efforts, and deepen engagement with local communities. This person will be responsible for establishing and managing relationships with mission-aligned organizations, from mass-market brands to niche partners. As well as uplifting and strengthening relationships within our local community. They will be a key strategic advisor, overseeing co-branded partnerships, sponsorships, product licensing, and popular culture integration, ensuring alignment with the Aquarium’s values and goals. They will also serve as a strategic partner to teams in building relationships with mission-aligned organizations, industry leaders, influencers, and community groups. This role will guide a senior team of partnerships professionals, fostering collaboration, growth, and high performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and execution of high-impact, mission-aligned partnerships that drive brand awareness, revenue growth, and further the Aquarium’s conservation efforts across diverse audiences.
- Lead the ideation and execution of high-visibility partnerships, including co-branded initiatives, sponsorships, product licensing, and entertainment and popular culture integration.
- Cultivate strategic partnerships with major corporations, entertainment industry leaders, influencers, and community organizations, ensuring alignment with the Aquarium’s mission and values.
- Design and implement strategies to uplift and engage the local community and support community-led efforts.
- Lead strategic negotiations with key external stakeholders and oversee contracts, ensuring favorable terms and long-term value for the Aquarium.
- Lead the team in executing daily work plans and managing workflow. Oversee project priorities and ensure alignment with strategic partnerships goals. Facilitate team access to necessary resources and support.
- Develop and oversee the annual strategic partnerships plan, budgets, and resource allocation to align initiatives with organizational goals, ensuring efficient use of resources, measurable impact, and ongoing team development.
- Conduct regular performance assessments and provide constructive feedback. Mentor and coach team members, guiding their professional growth and supporting career development.
- Develop and enforce policies to protect the brand’s integrity, including clear guidelines for external vendors, agencies, and collaborators, ensuring that all strategic partnerships adhere to the Aquarium’s brand values, institutional standards, and legal requirements.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will have the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics:
- BA/BS in marketing, business, communications, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
- Minimum of nine to twelve years of professional experience, including strategic partnerships, brand activations, sponsorships, or related fields.
- Minimum of four years of supervisory experience, with a demonstrated ability to lead and mentor diverse teams.
- Proven success in managing external agencies, vendors, and partners to deliver high-value strategic partnership outcomes.
- Demonstrated leadership skills in inspiring and driving staff towards shared goals while fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment.
- Exceptional analytical skills, with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
- Experience connecting strategic partnerships with broader consumer, cultural, and business trends to achieve increased revenue and mission impact.
- Ability to independently make sound business decisions aligned with the institutional strategic plan and effectively communicate them to diverse audiences, including executive leadership.
- Ability to work within and uphold Monterey Bay Aquarium’s core values.
- Demonstrated commitment to Monterey Bay Aquarium’s leadership competencies, including equity, collaboration, and innovation.
- Nonprofit experience preferred, with a deep understanding of mission-driven organization dynamics.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $140,000 - $180,000 with a generous benefits package. The exact salary that will be offered to the Director of Strategic Partnerships will be determined based on a consideration of the successful candidate’s skills and experience and aligned with Monterey Bay Aquarium’s compensation policies.
Contact
DSG | Koya has been exclusively retained for this engagement, which is being led by Erin Reedy and Shannon O’Neill. Submit a compelling cover letter and resume by filling out our Talent Profile. All inquiries are strictly confidential.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. For too long, Black people, Indigenous people, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people, and people with disabilities have been underrepresented in marine science and conservation fields. By actively working to change that, the Aquarium strengthens its ability to serve visitors, advance ocean conservation, and shape the future of the field. Candidates who share this commitment are strongly encouraged to apply.