Strategic Partnerships Director — Ocean & Blue Economy

Aquatic Network; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental insurance

Employer-paid long-term disability

Voluntary insurance options

FSA / DCA and transit benefits

401(k) with employer match

Flexible in-person schedule

Job summary

SeaAhead, based in Cambridge, MA, seeks a Director of Business Development & Partnerships to own and grow commercial relationships. This senior role reports to the CEO and requires credibility to engage senior executives in blue economy, climate, or corporate innovation spaces.

You will drive sponsorships, public sector and foundation partnerships, and support investment due diligence. The ideal candidate has a proven track record closing partnerships, a strong network, and experience in

Qualifications

• 5+ years in business development, partnerships, or related commercial role with proven closure of partnerships or sponsorships.
• Existing network in blue economy, maritime, climate tech, ocean science, corporate innovation, or sustainability.
• Strong written and verbal communication; credible at executive level.
• Self-directed work style; comfortable in a small team with limited admin support.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end business development for the Pilot program; identify, qualify, and close corporate sponsors.
• Translate sponsor needs into intelligence that informs startup recruitment for each Pilot cycle.
• Manage sponsor relationships from outreach through engagement and renewal.
• Collaborate with the Program Manager to align sponsor expectations for each cycle.
• Identify and pursue broader institutional partnerships with corporations, research institutions, and government entities.
• Represent SeaAhead at conferences and events to maintain visibility in the blue economy.

Skills

Business development

Partnerships

Executive communication

Self-directed work style

Job description

SeaAhead, based in Cambridge, MA, seeks a Director of Business Development & Partnerships to own and grow commercial relationships. This senior role reports to the CEO and requires credibility to engage senior executives in blue economy, climate, or corporate innovation spaces.

You will drive sponsorships, public sector and foundation partnerships, and support investment due diligence. The ideal candidate has a proven track record closing partnerships, a strong network, and experience in