Bonsai Leadership Group is excited to support Ocean Conservancy in its search for a Senior Manager, Arctic Programs.  

ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY

Ocean Conservancy envisions a healthier ocean, protected by a more just world. Ocean Conservancy works to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together with its partners, it creates evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. Learn more about Ocean Conservancy at www.oceanconservancy.org.

 

ABOUT THE ARCTIC PROGRAM

The Arctic is warming four times faster than the planet, driving the melting of Arctic sea ice and changes to its ecosystems, marine life, and human communities. Ocean Conservancy’s Arctic program works in Alaska, nationally and internationally to advocate for the protection of Arctic waters through precautionary solutions that combine science, Indigenous knowledge, and participation of Arctic residents. Experts at Ocean Conservancy work at the community, state, federal, and international levels to craft and win policies designed for the Arctic to protect vital ocean habitat from risky industrial development and establish precautionary rules for commercial fishing, offshore energy development, industrial shipping, and other new industries interested in Arctic resources. Through community partnerships, Ocean Conservancy organizes marine debris cleanups on Alaska beaches and works to dispose of ocean plastics, including derelict fishing gear, safely. Throughout its Arctic work, Ocean Conservancy partners with Alaska Native and Arctic Indigenous leadership to promote Arctic conservation solutions co-produced and co-managed with Indigenous experts, communities, and organizations. 

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Senior Manager, Arctic Programs plays a key role in Ocean Conservancy’s efforts to establish federal and international fisheries management systems throughout the North Pacific and the Arctic that are ecosystem-based, consider the impacts of climate change, and are equitably co-managed with Indigenous communities. The Senior Manager, Arctic Programs works closely with members of the Arctic program, consultants, NGOs, and Arctic Indigenous organizations to build, co-produce and implement strategies for reducing bycatch, protecting habitat, and advancing equitable and ecosystem-based management for fisheries.

Reporting to the Senior Director, Arctic Programs, the Senior Manager, Arctic Programs will have the following primary responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Senior Director and Fisheries scientist to design and execute strategies that advance Ocean Conservancy’s Arctic fisheries priorities.

• Advocate for Ocean Conservancy fisheries positions across a diverse representation of audiences, including the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, other decision-makers, fishing communities, scientists, the media, and the public, through research, analysis, writing, oral and written testimony, position papers, briefs, reports, and other communications.

• Work cooperatively with Arctic Indigenous organizations and leaders to support shared priorities and promote Indigenous-led conservation.

• Build, facilitate, and participate in coalitions of other NGOs, Indigenous organizations, and fishing groups working to support shared ecosystem and fisheries priorities.

• Work with Ocean Conservancy staff to create effective communications materials, including press releases, newsletter articles, workshops, brochures, action alerts, media interviews, and grant reports.

  Take on additional responsibilities and contribute to other areas of Ocean Conservancy’s work as appropriate 

REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate will possess many of the experiences and qualifications described below but need not possess them all for consideration: 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent lived or professional experience and 5+ years of experience in conservation, Tribal management, public policy, or other related field.

• Extensive knowledge of fishery management laws, systems, and policies.

• Proven experience collaborating with Indigenous communities, experts, or organizations, particularly at the intersection of conservation, culture, and knowledge systems.

• Strong advocacy skills and exceptional verbal and written communication abilities, including the ability to convey complex legal, scientific, political, or technical concepts to both policy experts and general audiences.

• Ability to work effectively with networks, coalitions, and partners, including those with diverse perspectives and priorities.

• Creative and strategic thinker with the ability to harness energy, discipline, and adaptability in a dynamic environment.

• Self-motivated and capable of managing multiple priorities while maintaining a positive and professional demeanor in a fast-paced, high-pressure work setting.

• Demonstrated expertise in conducting thorough research and analysis to inform decision-making and advocacy efforts.

• Strong focus on meeting deadlines, ensuring accuracy, and delivering high-quality outcomes.

• Highly collaborative, with excellent interpersonal abilities and a deep appreciation for working within a multi-disciplinary team approach.

• Dedication to equitable and just approaches to environmental conservation.

• Experience working with Alaska/Arctic communities preferred.
   

TRAVEL 

U.S. based travel up to 20% of the time.  

LOCATION  

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 has office spaces in Anchorage, Bellingham and Portland. Fully remote work is possible for candidates in locations with reliable internet access, with a preference for those based in Alaska, and consideration given to those in Washington or Oregon.  

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Ocean Conservancy is committed to fair and equitable compensation as a foundation for fostering a diverse, inclusive, and thriving workplace where every employee feels valued and empowered. It has established pay structures informed by market data and ensures accountability through ongoing monitoring and reporting of its progress toward achieving more equitable pay practices.  

The minimum starting salary for this position is $80,000 annually. Final compensation offers will be determined at the end of the recruitment process based on factors such as the candidate’s location, qualifications, background, experience, and internal pay equity considerations.  Individuals are encouraged to share their salary expectations early, as this allows for meaningful discussions about compensation and helps ensure alignment and equity before a final offer. 

In addition, Ocean Conservancy offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:   

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance for employees, spouses (both same sex and opposite sex), domestic partner, and dependent children (effective day 1 of employment)  

• Short- and Long-Term Disability (free for employee)  

• Basic Life Insurance (free for employee)  

• Healthcare and/or Dependent Care Reimbursement Account  

• Retirement Planning - 100% vested upon hire; can begin contributing at hire. After 1 year, Ocean Conservancy will open a 401(a) account for you and will contribute 6% of your monthly salary whether you participate in the 403(b) or not.   

• 15 paid vacation days, 11 holidays, 12 sick days, and 2 personal days  

See full list of benefits at: Ocean Conservancy Benefits 

Share Your Interest

Bonsai Leadership Group has been exclusively retained for this search. For consideration, submit a letter of interest and your resume here. If you are a person with a disability and need help sharing your interest, please contact us at careers@bonsaileadershipgroup.com.    

Ocean Conservancy encourages individuals with a diverse level and range of relevant skills and experiences to share their interest. A 100% match is not required. Ocean Conservancy wants to support employees’ career growth, and in return, its employees help it grow into a stronger, more inclusive institution.

All expressions of interest, nominations, inquiries, and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.  

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.