Managing Director - Urban Ocean Lab

Multiplier; San Francisco (CA); Remote; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

This innovative firm is seeking a Managing Director to lead a pivotal organizational transformation at Urban Ocean Lab. The role involves strategic leadership, team management, and deep engagement with local and federal policy landscapes. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in climate policy, proven fundraising success, and a passion for equity and environmental justice. Join a mission-driven team dedicated to shaping actionable, equitable policies that address the challenges faced by coastal communities in the face of climate change. This remote position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Retirement Savings

Generous Paid Leave

Qualifications

• 10+ years of leadership experience in government or nonprofit sectors.
• Deep understanding of climate change policies and urban resilience challenges.

Responsibilities

• Co-lead organizational strategy and manage daily operations.
• Cultivate relationships with city officials and community leaders.

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising

Policy Analysis

Strategic Thinking

Communication

Education

Master's Degree in Public Policy

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Compensation : $160,000 - $180,000 / year

Description

About Urban Ocean Lab

Urban Ocean Lab (UOL) is a national think tank shaping climate and ocean policy for the future of coastal cities. We work with scientists, policymakers, designers, and community organizations to craft actionable, equitable policies that respond to the challenges coastal communities face due to climate change. In the face of uncertain and diminishing federal support, UOL's work has become even more vital-navigating the pace, scale, and complexity of policy shifts and ensuring that cities can lead with integrity, equity, and resilience.

UOL is an independent operating project of Multiplier, a nationally recognized nonprofit that accelerates impact for sustainability-focused initiatives.

UOL is at a pivotal moment of organizational transformation. The Managing Director will play a critical leadership role in positioning UOL for its next phase-translating vision into strategy and strategy into execution. This person will manage the daily operations, build a cohesive and agile team, deepen UOL's engagement with both local and federal policy landscapes, and clarify UOL's unique value proposition during a period of growth and realignment. The Managing Director will report to UOL's co-founders.

Key Responsibilities

• Co-lead the refinement of UOL's organizational strategy and theory of change in response to evolving federal and local policy dynamics in collaboration with UOL's co-founders.
• Guide an inclusive, iterative organizational development process, including revising staffing structures, hiring new team members, and evolving internal systems and culture.
• Support clarity of purpose and alignment around mission and values across the team, co-founders and advisory board.

Leadership & People Management

• Build, manage, and support a diverse, high-performing, mission-driven team.
• Establish strong internal communication, accountability, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Coach staff in goal-setting, professional development, and adaptive leadership.

Policy Impact & Thought Leadership

• Cultivate relationships with city officials, community leaders, nonprofit organizations, and policymakers to inform UOL's work and amplify its reach.
• Stay abreast of federal policy trends, funding streams, and decision-making frameworks that affect cities; ensure UOL's work responds to and influences these dynamics.
• Serve as a public representative of the organization, sharing insights and amplifying the needs of coastal cities.

Partnerships & External Engagement

• Deepen UOL's relationships with partner organizations, funders, and government institutions around coastal climate policy.
• Identify opportunities to elevate underrepresented voices and approaches in national climate discourse.
• Lead fundraising strategy, including foundation relations, major donor cultivation, and grants management.
• Oversee budget development and ensure strong financial management and reporting practices in partnership with Multiplier.

Who You Are

We know no single person will bring every qualification, and we encourage candidates from a range of backgrounds and experiences to apply.

Ideal candidates will bring :

• 10+ years of senior government, nonprofit or think tank leadership experience with a focus on climate or ocean policy, urban resilience, or systems change.
• Deep knowledge of the unique challenges and opportunities cities face in responding to climate change, particularly in the current federal policy environment.
• Track record of effective organizational leadership-building teams, managing change, and fostering a values-aligned culture.
• Strong relationships in or with local governments, federal agencies, or policy institutions.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and building external partnerships.
• Excellent communicator and strategic thinker, with a collaborative, inclusive leadership style.
• Passion for equity, environmental justice, and working with communities most affected by climate impacts.

Workplace, Compensation & Application

Workplace : Remote / work from home position, with strong preference for candidates based in coastal cities.

Compensation : The salary range for this position is $150,00 - $200,000, commensurate with experience. UOL offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, retirement savings, and generous paid leave.

How to Apply : To apply, please visit our Applicant Portal. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Priority will be given to applications received on or before May 7, 2025. Please include a cover letter in your application materials describing your relevant experience and qualifications. We respectfully request no follow-up calls or emails.

Urban Ocean Lab celebrates diversity and is committed to building teams and partnerships that represent a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. UOL is also committed to providing an environment of mutual respect that is free from discrimination and harassment. Individuals who are BIPOC, women, LGBTQIA+, disabled, or from historically underrepresented communities are warmly encouraged to apply.

UOL prohibits discrimination in its governance, programs, and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, marital status, amnesty, status as a covered veteran, because all or part of an individual's income is derived from public assistance, or for any other factor that is not based on merit.