Deputy Regional Director, New England Oceans Program

With world attention focused on both the environment and the economy, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is where policymakers and business leaders turn for win-win solutions. This leading green group, with programs from Boston to Beijing, has tripled in size over the past decade by focusing on strong science, uncommon partnerships, and market-based approaches. You can be part of a vibrant workplace that welcomes diverse perspectives, talents, and contributions, where innovation and a focus on results are a way of life.

Position Overview:

EDF's Oceans Program works to improve the health of the oceans via innovative and durable solutions to today's toughest fishery management challenges. The New England Oceans Program Deputy Regional Director will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies that advance these goals in New England, and will play an instrumental role in guiding our fisheries project teams to success in their endeavors.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who has expertise in fisheries and oceans policy and demonstrated success managing teams and affecting environmental policy change. The Deputy Director will report to the Director of EDF's New England Oceans Program.

Responsibilities:

The Deputy Regional Director will perform the following and other duties as assigned:

• Work with the Director of New England Oceans Program to supervise regional staff and consultants.
• Review and update, as necessary, the budget and strategic planning documents and work plans for all major program initiatives in the region. 
• Analyze complex fishery management programs to find ways to improve fisheries through both regulatory and non-regulatory measures.
• Develop and advance strategies to improve fisheries management through the New England Fishery Management Council.
• Forge alliances and build relationships with key players in New England fisheries and ocean management, including in the fishing industry and at the NEFMC, NOAA, state agencies, and NGOs.
• Help build regional coalitions and promote conservation leadership in the commercial and recreational fishing communities.
• Engage the media to effectively advance project objectives and communicate project results to a broad array of audiences.
• Enlist academic scientists, policy experts, and others to assist in finding new approaches to understanding and solving complex fishery management problems.

Qualifications:

The successful candidate will have the following minimum qualifications:

• Knowledge of federal and state ocean conservation laws and regulations
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage a growing program and staff
• Demonstrated ability to manage the operations side of a program, including budget management and contract administration
• Ability to use science, law, economics, and advocacy to initiate and win positive environmental change
• Experience achieving results in environmental policy and politics
• 8+ years of experience with significant time working with state and federal natural resource management agencies, state legislatures, or the U.S. Congress
• Demonstrated expertise in the biological, economic, and management issues related to major U.S. fisheries, especially commercial and recreational fisheries
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work constructively with nonprofit colleagues and partners, scientists and economists, industry leaders, regulators and public policy decision makers
• Bachelor's degree required with a J.D., master's, or Ph.D. in marine biology, natural resource economics, or related discipline highly preferred

Compensation: EDF offers an excellent benefits package and a competitive salary that is commensurate with experience. The desired start date for this position is September 2011. The position will be located in Boston, Massachusetts.

To Apply:

To be considered for this position, interested candidates must follow this link to submit a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements. CEA Recruiting is assisting EDF with this search. Please direct all applications and inquiries to CEA Recruiting. The position will remain open until filled.  

Environmental Defense Fund is an equal opportunity employer. EDF's Diversity Mission Statement can be viewed here.

CEA Recruiting works with leading environmental nonprofits, foundations, and businesses to recruit top talent and design effective organizational staffing strategies. For more information, visit CEA.