Program Officer - Balance Blue

With a vision for a vibrant and vital ocean for future generations, the New England Aquarium (NEAq) promotes responsible growth of the "blue economy"; one that safeguards ocean habitats, species, and ecosystems. BalanceBlue Lab is a critical part of the NEAq ecosystem that amplifies ocean health and conservation by engaging private-sector partners and market-based solutions for greater visibility, support, and mission impact. We are a resource for supporting innovators, industry, and investors in making informed decisions to deliver "the ocean we need for the future we want." To that end, NEAq's BalanceBlue Lab drives entrepreneurs, corporations, and ocean industries towards ocean-friendly practices, sustainability goals, and climate adaptation strategies. Based on deep technical and scientific expertise in our Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life (ACCOL), NEAq is committed to guiding, validating, and convening to help build a more resilient blue innovation ecosystem. We seek an individual who will act as ocean health subject matter expert and Program Officer for the BalanceBlue Lab program.

This is a full-time regular position offering a comprehensive benefits package. The schedule will be Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. The schedule will be mostly remote, but candidates should be flexible to work onsite about twice a month based on business needs. Remote days are only available for residents of MA, RI, NH, ME, NY and VT.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead data collection and analysis, write reports, prepare presentations, and contribute to the research and communication efforts on relevant ocean health subject matters that support efforts for industry, innovators, and investors to take action on ocean-related issues, promoting responsible use and ocean health and sustainability. Topics may include ecosystem restoration, biodiversity, marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR), environmental economics, sustainable food from the ocean (aquaculture or wild fisheries), marine debris (plastics, circular economy), and renewable ocean energy.
• Liaise with companies to create metrics and support adoption of environmentally responsible practices (e.g., evaluating and advising corporations and startups on their environmental performance based on impacts to the ocean, and developing an ocean health framework with outside expertise).
• Serve as the BalanceBlue Lab's internal point of contact for questions about the program, supporting the program through necessary joint work with finance, development, and ACCOL operations teams.
• Produce and/or source information needed for social media and media requests, write grant reports and proposals, and represent NEAq at public events.
• In coordination with the BBL Chair/Sr. Grants Accountant/ACCOL, assist with tracking financial and grant reporting for BalanceBlue Lab and development of program budget. Serve as liaison with Administrative Team on BalanceBlue-related contracts, warrants, payments, and expense allocations on various projects. Assist with other program-related requests, as needed.
• Assume project management duties and support efforts surrounding new innovation development/investor education.

Provide technical expertise including:

• Developing new assessment tools and approaches for assessing ocean health impacts.
• Reviewing claims and collateral impacts associated with subject matter.
• Researching market-based solutions related to ocean health.
• Reviewing and producing summary reports, memos, position statements or other deliverables.
• Translating scientific concepts and materials for business audiences.
• Contact and develop open lines of communication with the business community, scientists, and policymakers.
• Attend and present work at conferences or other public forums.
• Provide leadership within the team and ACCOL in subject matter area by participating on steering committees, boards, and/or technical committees.
• Provide topic-area expertise and mentorship for early-stage blue innovation companies, including conducting due diligence, facilitating customer discovery interviews, data gathering, and validating environmental impact metrics.
• Support funding activities of the program, such as developing/reviewing statements of work and funding proposals.
• Support institution-wide policy and educational activities.
• Understand the roles and responsibilities of the team and contribute to similar deliverables in the blue innovation space as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, environmental economics and four years of related professional experience in ocean or environmental health, or bachelor's degree in another field and five years of professional experience preferably in ocean or environmental health.
• A genuine interest in, and passion for, the important ocean and marine animal conservation mission of the NEAq.
• Strong writing and copywriting skills.
• Attention to detail with demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret data to make informed decisions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree, e.g., MS, MBA, JD.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.
• Results-oriented and a proven ability to successfully handle multiple projects and meet critical deadlines.
• Strong basic technical/scientific understanding around the most pressing global and/or regional ocean conservation issues, especially in relation to focus areas from past positions; ability to quickly digest and interpret technical information from scientific teams.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment and with colleagues from other NEAq departments, members of the broader NEAq community, and additional stakeholder groups outside of NEAq (regulators, industry representatives, corporations, entrepreneurs, impact investors and conservationists).
• Personal commitment to the growth and team building environment of the ACCOL and integration with broader NEAq.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, and to travel extensively (locally and nationally).
• Strong understanding related to sustainability measurements or environmental best practices in a business setting.
• Ability to understand and translate scientific data for business audiences.
• Project Management experience.

New England Aquarium is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC. Here we foster a culture of respect, diversity, and inclusion. We strive to engage and inspire a broad audience with our efforts to protect the blue planet, and we believe a diverse workforce provides experiences, skills, and perspectives that enrich our programs, strengthen problem-solving, add creativity, and enhance our work environment.

Experience Required

• 4 Years