Manager, Conservation Cleanups

Ocean Conservancy

Ocean Conservancy

Washington, DC, USA

USD 85k-85k / year

Posted on Mar 28, 2026

POSITION TITLE: Manager, Conservation Cleanups

DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM: Ending Ocean Plastics Program

REPORTS TO: Associate Director, Conservation Cleanups

STATUS: Regular, Full Time, Exempt

LOCATION: Hybrid - Washington, D.C.

ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY

For more than 50 years, Ocean Conservancy has delivered effective, evidence-based solutions for the ocean and all who depend on it. Today, we continue to unite science, people and policy to protect our ocean from the greatest challenges it faces: climate change, plastic pollution and biodiversity loss. We are a 501(C)3 headquartered in Washington, D.C. that inspires a worldwide network of partners, advocates and supporters through our comprehensive and clear-eyed approach to ocean conservation. Together, we are securing a healthy ocean and a thriving planet, forever and for everyone.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Conservation Cleanups Manager is responsible for the planning, management and implementation of key programmatic events including signature beach cleanups and global partner conferences. The Manager will work alongside members of the Ending Ocean Plastics Program (EOP) team to organize and deliver world-class volunteer events for Ocean Conservancy’s corporate supporters while simultaneously striving to engage communities and supporters around the world to grow the global recognition of the Ocean Conservancy brand. This position will be responsible for coordinating across time zones with employees in offices throughout the U.S., as well as a multitude of international cleanup partners.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Plan and execute all International Coastal Cleanup ® (ICC) events, both domestic and international, including large meetings, conferences and signature beach cleanups.
  • Manage event logistics from concept through execution and follow-up, ensuring seamless coordination across staff, vendors, volunteers, sponsors and local partners.
  • Develop and maintain detailed project timelines, operational plans and run-of-show documents to ensure every event component is delivered on schedule and to the highest standard.
  • Serve as the on-the-ground representative of Ocean Conservancy, engaging confidently with a wide range of stakeholders including volunteers, corporate supporters, sponsors and community leaders.
  • Lead and facilitate all operational details of Ocean Conservancy signature cleanup events, ensuring logistics, equipment, volunteers and partner needs are met and managed with professionalism and efficiency.
  • Own the stewardship and engagement of the ICC sponsor network, including communications with current and prospective supporters via email, phone, mail and video calls.
  • Maintain strong collaboration across the ICC team and other Ocean Conservancy programs to ensure coordinated planning and successful execution of external events.
  • Track and maintain event data and records, including volunteer participation, debris removal metrics and supporter engagement activities.
  • Prepare customized post-event reports, summarizing quantitative outcomes and qualitative impact.
  • Maintain timely and professional internal and external communications while traveling domestically and internationally.
  • Identify opportunities to expand supporter engagement and enhance the impact of ICC events.
  • Represent Ocean Conservancy with professionalism and exceptional service, maintaining respectful and responsive communication with partners, supporters and volunteers.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE/ SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

Experience & Skills

  • 3–4 years of experience in event management, customer service, project coordination or related roles required.
  • Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in dynamic environments, shifting seamlessly between different audiences, settings and responsibilities throughout the day.
  • Familiarity working with volunteers of all ages required.
  • Previous experience living, working or traveling outside of the United States preferred.
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to build positive relationships with partners, volunteers and stakeholders.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills with diverse audiences of all ages, backgrounds and language abilities.
  • Bilingual capabilities preferred.
  • Highly self-directed with the ability to take initiative and work independently while traveling or managing remote event logistics.
  • Detail-oriented and highly dependable, responsible and organized.
  • Demonstrated ability to quickly solve problems, meet goals and successfully execute tasks under high-stress situations.
  • Solutions-oriented attitude.
  • Expertise using the suite of Microsoft Office tools.
  • Strong experience managing operational or event data using Excel or similar tools, including tracking metrics, reporting outcomes and maintaining organized databases.
  • Passion for the marine environment and a commitment to eliminating trash from the ocean.

Travel, Schedule & Physical Requirements

  • Significant domestic and international travel required (2–4 trips/month), often on weekends; ability to work flexible and unpredictable hours, including evenings and extended periods during events.
  • Valid driver’s license and passport required; ability to lift 50 lbs., work outdoors in varying weather, and assist with event setup and breakdown.

EDUCATION

  • Bachelor’s Degree and appropriate professional experience.

COMPENSATION

Ocean Conservancy is committed to fair pay practices and posts expected salary ranges for each of its positions. Compensation will be commensurate with the candidate’s specialty skills, years of experience, location, and unique background. The expected minimum salary is $85,000. We would welcome the opportunity to connect with potential candidates whose salary requirements may be outside of the expected 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. Please include a resume and cover letter in one file on your application.

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.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Ocean Conservancy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

We encourage applicants who have a diverse level and range of relevant skills and experiences to apply. A 100% match is not required. We want to support employees’ career growth and in return, our employees help Ocean Conservancy grow into a stronger, more inclusive institution.

See more open positions at Ocean Conservancy