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Director, Deep Sea Conservation
Washington, USA · Washington, DC, USA
USD 125k-140k / year
Posted on Aug 26, 2026
POSITION TITLE: | Director, Deep Sea Conservation |
DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM: | Conservation |
REPORTS TO: | Vice President, Conservation |
STATUS: | Regular, Full Time, Exempt |
LOCATION: | Washington, DC preferred (hybrid); other states considered: AK, CA, FL, MD, OR, TX, WA, WV or VA |
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 Deep Sea Conservation Director leads Ocean Conservancy’s work to secure healthy deep sea ecosystems with a focus on the protection of the mesopelagic zone given its importance to ocean biodiversity, climate regulation, and the well being of marine wildlife and commercially and recreationally important fish species. The Director leverages relevant laws, policies and science to help ensure any activities such as fishing and deep sea mining are consistent with the important role the mesopelagic zone plays in a healthy ocean. This includes working closely with governments, scientists, non-governmental organizations, fishing interests and others to develop and advance the case for action, as well as the implementation of effective policies in relevant fora and marshal the political will necessary for success. The Director is responsible for ensuring overall program effectiveness, as well as providing internal colleagues and external partners with the strategic direction and guidance needed to achieve program objectives. The Director is also responsible for fiduciary oversight of grants, integration with other Ocean Conservancy programs/functions and promoting Ocean Conservancy as a conservation leader. Finally, the Director will closely monitor new developments of importance to the health of deep ocean ecosystems including emerging science, policy developments and industrial activities to identify conservation opportunities and challenges relevant to Ocean Conservancy’s priorities.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Leads, designs and manages Ocean Conservancy’s efforts to protect the ocean twilight zone.
- Advances effective conservation policies and strategies at the international and regional levels through relevant fora (i.e. regional fishery management organizations, the Conference of the Parties to the agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) and Convention on Biological Diversity, United Nations General Assembly, etc.), serving as Ocean Conservancy’s lead advocate.
- Elevates the importance of the mesopelagic zone through representation of Ocean Conservancy at key international fora and through strategic communications.
- Builds and maintains strong working relationships with high level decision-makers, opinion leaders and partners to advance program goals.
- Leads the development and execution of work plans, program budgets and proposals to ensure success.
- Tracks and coordinates activities and progress; keeping others in the institution and key partners informed.
- Identifies new opportunities for enhanced leadership and organizational visibility on conservation issues.
- Ensures an integrated and cohesive approach to Ocean Conservancy’s work by deepening the connection between this program and other Ocean Conservancy programmatic efforts.
- Works collegially with Ocean Conservancy Development staff to steward funding partnerships; cultivate new partnerships, maintain key relationships and create fundraising materials to support program growth; and
- Monitors the deep ocean landscape to identify conservation opportunities and threats relevant to Ocean Conservancy’s work.
REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE
- A strategic and seasoned leader who is creative, collaborative and committed.
- At least 7 years of experience in environmental advocacy, public policy or natural resource management with demonstrated results.
- In‐depth training or experience in natural resource management with a strong preference for expertise in ecosystem conservation and/or fisheries management.
- Experience effectively advocating for desired conservation outcomes with high-level decision-makers, industry members and the public.
- Familiarity with international environmental and natural resource management policy instruments and processes strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and manage teams to achieve concrete and meaningful policy outcomes.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential, as are demonstrated advocacy skills, the ability to mobilize and manage a diverse partner network, and the ability to communicate complex scientific or technical concepts to policy and lay audiences (written samples will be requested).
- Personable, passionate, decisive and focused with experience working in a deadline-oriented environment to support accurate, timely and powerful policy, products and positions.
- Proven management and fiduciary experience in leveraging available resources effectively to meet program objectives.
- Familiarity with international biodiversity protection and fisheries issues including relationships with decision-makers, industry members and scientists preferred.
EDUCATION/TRAINING
An advanced degree, preferably a law or a graduate degree in marine or environmental science or natural resource management.
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 starting salary range for this role is $125,000 - $140,000 annually. 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.