Senior Director, Shipping

The Ocean Conservancy; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Ocean Conservancy seeks a Senior Director, Shipping to lead our climate shipping program from a remote or hybrid location. You will drive strategy, analytics and funding, coordinating cross‑functional teams and external partners to decarbonize shipping globally.

The role demands 10+ years in conservation advocacy with strong leadership, international policy experience and ability to engage funders. Travel may be required in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in conservation advocacy or related fields, climate/shipping preferred.
• Experience in international policy forums.
• Strong leadership, team management and mentoring.
• Ability to work collaboratively across diverse networks.
• Willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the climate Shipping team.
• Shape shipping emissions strategies and metrics.
• Represent the organization at public forums and events.
• Engage with funders to grow the program.
• Collaborate with teams across the organization.
• Monitor trends in climate and shipping policy.
• Oversee budgets and project work plans.

Skills

Leadership

Policy development

International policy

Stakeholder engagement

Cross-functional teamwork

Communication skills

Event leadership

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

POSITION TITLE: Senior Director, Shipping

DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM: Climate

REPORTS TO: Vice President, Climate

STATUS: Regular, Full Time, Exempt

LOCATION: Remote or Hybrid from AK, CA, DC, FL, MD, OR, TX, VA, WA, WV

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 Senior Director for Shipping reports directly to the Vice President, Climate and provides strategic leadership to implement the institution’s shipping emissions and shipping conservation priorities and funding. The Senior Director will execute, manage and coordinate projects related to the Ocean Conservancy’s shipping work.

The Senior Director will manage a team and is responsible for overseeing and implementing the institution’s climate strategy regarding decarbonizing the shipping sector in the United States and globally. This position is responsible for developing a broader, holistic shipping strategy for Ocean Conservancy that identifies activities Ocean Conservancy can undertake to help make the shipping sector more sustainable for the ocean. The Senior Director for Shipping is also responsible for working with the Vice President of Climate, the Director of Shipping and the Development team to engage with potential funders to grow the program.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and manage the climate Shipping team.
• Support the Vice President for Climate in leading the design and implementation of the institution’s shipping emissions strategies and policy priorities, including establishing goals, desired outcomes and metrics to measure conservation impact.
• Represent the institution confidently and effectively at public forums, conferences, coalition meetings and government engagements, including conceptualizing and managing relevant events.
• Conduct outreach to media and stakeholders, including representing Ocean Conservancy on priority policy recommendations in coordination with the Director of Shipping.
• Supervise work and performance of climate Shipping team and outside consultants as needed.
• Partner with Development team to raise funding for the shipping work and the organization as a whole.
• Collaborate with members of the climate team, other conservation teams, Development, Strategic Communication and External Affairs to advance the mission of the institution.
• Monitor and remain up to date on analytical approaches, climate and shipping analysis and data to inform organizational strategy, advocacy and decision-making, including emerging trends, policies, and opportunities related to climate mitigation and shipping.

• Prepares and monitors the status of relevant project work plans and budgets, including monthly financial statements.

REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

• 10+ years of experience in conservation advocacy or related fields, with a strong preference for work on climate and shipping.
• Brings a creative, open and innovative approach to policy development, generating new ideas and solutions in this evolving field.
• Experience in international policy forums and negotiations.
• Highly collaborative with an appreciation of the benefit of a multi-disciplinary team approach; willing to take on a variety of tasks to further the program goals.
• Ability to delegate effectively when appropriate.
• Strong leadership and management experience, including supervising teams and guiding cross-functional collaboration, with a solutions-orientated and collaborative approach. A leadership and mentoring style that supports and rewards the growth of staff.
• Experience providing leadership within coalitions and diverse networks.
• A creative, collaborative team player adept at working across lines of difference.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively across organizations and stakeholder groups, while maintaining professionalism and composure.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proven ability to run public events and convenings in the U.S. and other counties, and represent the institution in external engagements, including senior government level meetings.
• Ability to multitask, work independently and handle a fast-paced work environment in good humor.
• Some travel required.
• Strong passion for Ocean Conservancy’s passion and values.

EDUCATION/TRAINING

• Bachelor degree required.
• Advanced degree in related field preferred, such as a Master’s degree in public policy, environmental management, energy, law, climate science, economics, international affairs or a related discipline.

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 expected salary range for this role is $170,000 - $185,000 annually. We would welcome the opportunity to connect with potential candidates whose salary requirements may be outside of the expected range.

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.