Seafood Watch Director, Sustainable Seafood Initiative

The mission of the Monterey Bay Aquarium is to inspire conservation of the oceans.

Position Summary:

• The incumbent oversees the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Sustainable Seafood Initiative, a division of the Center for the Future of the Oceans (CFFO). The initiative includes consumer outreach, research, and major seafood buyer components. Specifically, the incumbent works with staff to develop and implement a strategic plan that integrates our work in transitioning the seafood purchases of large-volume buyers toward ocean-friendly sources, our commitment to scientific rigor in developing seafood recommendations, and our strength in consumer outreach and related initiatives.  
• Principal duties include: 
  • Leading the evolution of the initiative by developing strategic plans and annual work plans and budgets 
  • Supervising the science and outreach team managers so that the work of the initiative is integrated and coordinated
  • Soliciting and negotiating with representatives of major seafood buyers to empower significant commitments to sustainable sources
  • Supporting new efforts such as the development of a bona fide aquaculture certification and labeling program
  • Building and maintaining productive relationships with the diversity of partners involved in the worldwide Seafood Choices movement
  • Overseeing all of the Aquarium's communications efforts regarding sustainable seafood, including media contacts and the website.
• The incumbent will serve as the primary spokesperson for the Monterey Bay Aquarium on issues of sustainable seafood at external venues, during our annual Cooking for Solutions event, in response to media inquiries and at other special events.  
• The Director is responsible for cultivating and maintaining a diverse Board of Advisors, hosting the annual Board meeting, and spearheading sub-committee to tackle programmatic questions and issues as they arise.  
• The incumbent is also responsible for helping raise the funds necessary to support the Sustainable Seafood Initiative, working with the CFFO Vic-President and the Aquarium's Development staff to secure large grants and business sponsorships, report activities and outcomes to funders, and administer a budget in excess of $1 million annually in collaboration with the science and outreach managers.

Essential Functions:

• Oversees and is accountable for leading all aspects of the Sustainable Seafood Initiative.  
• Regularly updates and implements the initiative's strategic plan and annual work plans.  
• Supervises the Science Manager and Outreach Manager.  
• Develops and maintains partnerships with major seafood buyers and other business partners to secure and deliver on commitments to sustainable seafood.  
• Maintains a leadership role in the broader Seafood Choices movement and helps develop new initiatives such as a bona fide certification and labeling program for sustainable aquaculture.  
• Manages the Initiative's Board of Advisors and its annual meeting and the work of relevant sub-committees.  
• Ensures that program messages are in accordance with aquarium standards and consistent with the broader Seafood Choices Initiative.  
• Reviews and approves all program media and marketing collateral.  
• Fields media inquiries and outreach with support from the Aquarium's Communications Division and the Sustainable Seafood Initiative staff.  
• Participates in special events including the annual Seafood Summit, Cooking for Solutions, the Sustainable Foods Institute and in activities during National Seafood Month.  
• Represents the Aquarium in professional venues and meetings as needed (e.g. Making Waves project, Seafood Summit, meetings with major seafood buyers and others as identified.  
• Prepares annual reports to funders detailing program results.  
• Manages the financial well-being of the initiative including budget development, tracking, and grant-writing.  
• Other management level responsibilities as required.

Required Knowledge / Experience:

• Graduate degree in the sciences, management or business  
• Minimum of 5 years experience in program management  
• Knowledge of seafood resource and sustainability issues is critical  
• Experience with market-based conservation initiatives is ideal  
• Experience in soliciting conservation-minded commitments from major corporations is preferred  
• Expertise with collaboration among a network of non-governmental organizations is essential  
• Skills in diplomatic and tactful negotiations are vital  
• Ability to build relationships with a diversity of partners is important  
• Strong supervisor and planning skills are required  
• Outstanding written and verbal communications skills are pertinent

To Apply:

Interested applicants, please submit a cover letter, and resume by email or postal mail to:

Monterey Bay Aquarium
Attn MAURICIO MADUENO
Human Resources
886 Cannery Row
Monterey CA  93940-1085

Electronic mail:  No attachments, please.

An Equal Opportunity Employer /Committed to Diversity