Ocean Conservancy (OC) envisions a healthier ocean, protected by a more just world. From the Arctic to the Gulf of Mexico to the halls of Congress, OC brings people together to find solutions for our water planet. OC creates evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. The organization champions evidence-based solutions to tackle the largest ocean conservation challenges and collaborates with partners to strengthen the health of the ocean for future generations. OC mobilizes citizen advocates to facilitate change and is committed to supporting efforts that benefit the people who depend on the ocean for food, jobs, and recreation. OC shapes the political agenda for the ocean so sound decisions are made that sustain our planet and improve lives.

The Arctic is warming four times faster than the planet, driving the melting of Arctic sea ice and changes to its ecosystems, marine life, and human communities. OC’s Arctic program works in Alaska and internationally to advocate for protection of Arctic waters through precautionary solutions that combine science, Indigenous knowledge, and participation of Arctic residents. OC’s experts work at the community, state, federal, and international level to craft and win policies designed for the Arctic to protect vital ocean habitat from risky industrial development and establish precautionary rules for commercial fishing, offshore energy development, industrial shipping and other new industries interested in Arctic resources. Through community partnerships, OC organizes marine debris cleanups on Alaska beaches and works to safely dispose of ocean plastics including derelict fishing gear. Throughout its Arctic work, OC partners with Alaska Native and Arctic Indigenous leadership to promote Arctic conservation solutions co-produced and co-managed with Indigenous experts, communities, and organizations.     

The Vice President for Arctic Conservation is responsible for leading OC’s efforts to conserve the Arctic, one of the most biologically productive ecosystems on earth and home to millions of people that rely on the abundance of the Arctic. The VP will ensure that the Arctic conservation team has the direction, resources, guidance, and support needed to achieve conservation goals and objectives that are consistent with ocean justice. This includes the following responsibilities 1) setting a vision and developing a strategy, 2) overseeing effective implementation of the strategy to achieve conservation impact, 3) managing teams, individual staff members, and budgets, 4) fundraising for the Arctic work and broader OC efforts and serving as an external ambassador, and 5) bringing a collaborative spirit to the work.

OC seeks a strategic, equity-driven, and relationship-oriented leader with robust experience and expertise in Arctic conservation and justice. The VP will have demonstrated success leading multiple strategies and projects, effectively engaging key stakeholders, and ensuring internal teams have the necessary plans and tools to realize impact. This leader will have a track record in evaluating strategies, programs, and campaigns while providing the necessary support to staff and other internal colleagues. The VP will have successfully led teams and created a positive, collaborative and equity-driven culture. This person will have demonstrated accomplishments at fundraising and being a voice of an organization and thought leader in the field.

The salary range for this role is $175,306 – $219,081. The preferred location for this role is Alaska followed by California, Oregon, and Washington. Other locations may be considered.