Executive VP, Ocean Conservation Strategy

U.S. Bankruptcy Court - District of CT; Boston, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) seeks a Vice President for Ocean Conservation to lead a high-impact program advancing New England’s ocean health, biodiversity, and sustainable fisheries. The role emphasizes strategic direction, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative leadership across science, policy, and advocacy.

The VP will guide a 10+ member team, develop partnerships with communities, and work with development and finance to shape budgets and grant proposals.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years in ocean law and policy
• Substantial litigation experience preferred
• Law degree and active bar membership in good standing in New England or reciprocity
• Experience in applying ocean conservation statutes (Magnuson-Stevens Act, ESA, MMPA, Antiquities Act) desirable
• Experience managing people and projects
• Ability to navigate complex policy and programmatic initiatives
• Proven track record building new initiatives/teams

Responsibilities

• Lead and implement the vision and strategy for CLF's Ocean conservation work
• Foster inclusive management practices and healthy workplace culture
• Build partnerships with communities most impacted by ocean issues
• Cultivate philanthropic support; prepare grants, budgets, and reports
• Manage a multi-million dollar program budget (~$1.8 million)
• Coordinate with communications on campaigns, messaging, and materials
• Represent CLF before partners, officials, and stakeholders

Skills

Ocean law & policy

Litigation experience

Law degree & bar admission

People management

Policy & program navigation

Initiative building

Collaborative leadership

Networking

Fundraising

Financial management

Communications

Diversity, equity & inclusion

Education

JD and Bar admission (NE state)

Job description

Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) seeks a Vice President for Ocean Conservation to lead a high-impact program advancing New England’s ocean health, biodiversity, and sustainable fisheries. The role emphasizes strategic direction, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative leadership across science, policy, and advocacy.

The VP will guide a 10+ member team, develop partnerships with communities, and work with development and finance to shape budgets and grant proposals.