Manager, Microplastics and Ocean Pollution

Taking action for the ocean today, so we can all flourish tomorrow.

ABOUT OCEAN WISE

Ocean Wise is the world-class ocean change maker for concerned collaborators; big and small who want practical solutions with real impact so that they feel empowered and take action to protect oceans, humanity, and the world we live in.

ROLE OVERVIEW:

The Manager of Microplastics and Ocean Pollution will lead a research-driven conservation program addressing ocean pollution. The program comprises the Ocean Wise Plastics Lab, focused on researching and developing science-based solutions to microplastic pollution, and our Pollution Tracker program, a marine pollution monitoring program designed to inform effective environmental stewardship.

Reporting to the Director of Ocean Pollution and Plastics, the manager will take responsibility for ensuring successful delivery of strategic conservation objectives relating to microplastic pollution and chemical contamination. The manager will leverage the team's existing expertise and work collaboratively and proactively to identify new opportunities to drive impact that the oceans will be thankful for.

The ideal candidate is an outstanding people leader with demonstrable program/project management experience. We are seeking a highly organized, results-oriented manager with the ability to think strategically, prioritize effectively, and drive continuous improvement in a team environment. The manager will establish and lead implementation of effective frameworks and processes to enable the initiative's research teams to deliver outstanding conservation work on time and on budget. The manager must have the communication and interpersonal skills to work collaboratively within and outside the initiative. They must be comfortable taking initiative to identify and resolve issues, as well as to pursue strategic opportunities.

Subject-matter expertise in microplastic pollution or chemical contamination is not necessarily a requirement for this role provided that the candidate is comfortable reviewing, analyzing, and communicating complex information, such as relevant scientific literature or environmental legislation.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic planning

• Working closely with the director, you will define strategic program objectives for the Plastics Lab and Pollution Tracker to achieve targeted impact where it matters most - in the ocean.
• Prioritization and management of program resources to achieve strategic outcomes.

Program management

• Coordinating the consistent and timely delivery of world class conservation work, including environmental monitoring, applied research for government and industry partners, and public campaigns.
• Setting a clear roadmap for achievement of the program's overall objectives and driving its implementation.
• Leading project planning and delivery, ensuring alignment with strategic conservation priorities. Monitoring and evaluating project outcomes to identify opportunities for improvement and adaptation.
• Working with program staff to align individual work plans, goals and KPIs with overall program objectives.

Budget management

• Drafting and overseeing the program budget using a cost-recovery model.
• Tracking financial performance, monitoring revenue and expenditure, forecasting and preparing financial reports for internal stakeholders (director, director of finance).
• Managing project budgets (including government grants, sponsorships, and fee-for-service contracts) accurately allocating resources and tracking spending.
• Preparing detailed financial reports for government grants, including budget breakdowns, expenditure tracking, and compliance with grant terms.

People leadership

• Motivating, inspiring and supporting research program staff in the pursuit of conservation impact.
• Fostering a collaborative, performance-oriented environment with your team of reports (currently 5), providing guidance, support and feedback and helping identify professional development opportunities.
• Acting as a liaison between program staff and the wider organization, including the director of the initiative as well as other shared services teams (communications, IT, HR etc).

Partnerships and partner relations

• Leading key partner relations for the program, ensuring timely delivery of partner reports and identifying opportunities for further engagement. This will include partners in government (ECCC, DFO, NRC and others) and key industries (such as textiles).
• Working closely with the director and fundraising teams to identify leads, build and nurture key relationships, and deliver winning pitches to secure funders and partners for the program.
• Networking and identifying possible new partnerships and prospective funders.

Communication and engagement

• Identifying and pursuing opportunities to inform and educate key audiences. You will work with internal research and engagement teams to interpret scientific research, identify key findings and data, draft & deliver clear and compelling communications to varied audiences. This will Include key stakeholders in industry and government, as well as public audiences.
• Remaining up-to-date on emerging trends, best practices and innovations relevant to the initiative's work.
• Acting as the representative for Ocean Wise's Microplastics and Ocean Pollution initiative locally, nationally, and internationally, including by pursuing speaking engagements to enhance understanding of our mission, vision and goals.

MEASUREMENTS OF SUCCESS

• Success will be measured against identified and agreed-upon SMART conservation objectives.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Degree in sustainability, conservation, environmental sciences, social sciences, communications or a related field.
• Qualifications or experience in systems change, regeneration, circular economy or adaptive management highly relevant and desirable.
• 5-7 years work experience in environmental conservation, sustainability, environmental consulting.
• At least 1-2 years manager-level experience. Demonstrated leadership and people management skills a requirement.
• Demonstrable track record of successful program and/or project management.
• Excellent organizational skills and experience overseeing workplans.
• Demonstrated ability to assess and communicate complex information, particularly in relation to environmental sustainability and conservation issues.
• Private sector experience, including in corporate sustainability, CSR, account management, business to business collaboration and sales, would be an asset.
• Experience of fundraising and business development, including successful grant applications and generating fee-for-service leads, delivering successful proposals and pitches, and developing funding pipelines an asset.
• Working knowledge of biodiversity/nature-related corporate reporting frameworks, such as the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Science-based Targets Initiative (SBTi), highly valued.

COMPETENCIES

• Ability to inspire trust, lead teams and facilitate processes with strong interpersonal skills;
• A superb professional and personal presence, able to lead by example in terms of work ethic, enthusiasm and commitment;
• Confidence to take initiative and deliver on strategic tasks self-sufficiently;
• Highly organized and competent in budget and project management tools and software (Microsoft Excel, Salesforce, Sage Intact);
• Results-oriented, but flexible - respects the capabilities and independence of colleagues, while providing them with a clear sense of collective direction;
• A can-do and problem-solving attitude with openness to innovate;
• Ability to think strategically and creatively;
• Working understanding of marine pollution issues an asset.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

This position is a full-time, benefits-eligible position. Ocean Wise offers a competitive salary based on experience and provides an excellent range of benefits, including:

• Extended health and dental coverage
• vision coverage
• RRSP matching
• group term and supplemental life insurance
• short-term disability
• long-term disability
• Position also eligible for paid vacation days, paid sick days, and paid personal days

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Flexible working environment. Preference for candidates able to work in-person from our Vancouver-based open concept office at least twice a week.
• Flexible work schedule including evening and weekend work when required.
• International and domestic travel required from time to time.

Inclusion and Diversity: Ocean Wise is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are a company where diverse backgrounds, experiences and viewpoints are valued. Ocean Wise does not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, age, ethnic or national origin.