The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) seeks an exceptional and collaborative conservation scientist who is motivated to use their skills to advance our mission to save the world’s coral reefs. CORAL has an aggressive vision for growth and increased conservation action throughout this decade to address the serious threats affecting coral reefs and the human communities they support.
The Conservation Science Director will lead a new area of work for the organization that builds upon our recent scientific findings and harnesses existing local conservation efforts to create networks in which corals can adapt to the effects of climate change. The Conservation Science Director will be growing the conservation science portfolio by identifying key conservation questions, forging new collaborations and partnerships to advance CORAL’s strategy, and cultivating new funding opportunities. The position will be based in Oakland, California, and report to Dr. Madhavi Colton, CORAL’s Program Director.
About the Coral Reef Alliance
CORAL is a non-profit, environmental NGO with a mission to save the world’s coral reefs. We work collaboratively with communities to reduce direct threats to reefs in ways that provide long-term benefits to people and wildlife. In parallel, CORAL is actively expanding the scientific understanding of how corals adapt to climate change and applying this information to give reefs the best chance to thrive for generations to come. This combined expertise uniquely positions us to achieve our mission by rallying the conservation community around scalable and effective solutions for coral reefs.
The CORAL team is dedicated, passionate, and outcome-oriented. Our work is guided by the values of partnership, innovation, sustainability, accountability and esprit de corps. CORAL has 30 team members across its main office in Oakland and project sites in Fiji, Hawai`i, Mexico and Honduras. Governed by an 11-member Board of Directors and supported by a flourishing group of conservation leaders and donors, CORAL has an annual budget that has grown to $4.0M
Ideal Candidate Description
The ideal candidate will be: (1) passionate about CORAL’s mission and values; (2) experienced in building science-based, collaborative conservation programs that result in high profile publications and updated conservation actions; (3) an accomplished fundraiser who has extensive experience raising money from institutional donors and through partnerships; (4) an exceptional synthesizer who can translate and share technical information through a variety of media; and (5) an accomplished verbal and written communicator who can weave concepts and programmatic elements into compelling narratives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with academic researchers to identify and answer key scientific questions about coral reef conservation at local and global scales, and lead efforts to share results with multiple audiences
- Launch a new programmatic wing at CORAL to apply the results from our recent scientific research to new areas around the world by forging collaborative partnerships
- Identify and engage key players in the coral reef conservation community—including NGOs, academics, governments, and funders—to develop common strategies and to collaboratively turn science into action
- Keep abreast of trends and approaches in coral reef conservation science and practice, and develop opinions about if/how CORAL’s work should (or should not) evolve in response
- Raise funds to support conservation science work, including by: developing and implementing fundraising strategies; cultivating and maintaining close relationships with funders; identifying and pursuing funding opportunities for CORAL and partners; and overseeing the development of proposals
- Ensure that CORAL’s existing science programs are on track to achieve outcomes for reefs and people, including by developing and coordinating reports, and synthesizing information to assist internal and external communications
- Grow CORAL’s brand by developing and maintaining relationships with conservation organizations, government entities, funders and academic researchers
- Share CORAL’s conservation and science work with a variety of audiences, including through peer-reviewed publications, case studies, speaking engagements, conferences, working groups, and the media
- Develop and maintain budgets and strategic plans for the conservation science portfolio, ensuring that activities are carried out within scope and on time
- Lead CORAL’s monitoring and evaluation work to assess all programmatic work and provide recommendations for optimizing performance
- Collaborate with CORAL’s Field Programs teams to facilitate cross-project learning and synergy
- Liaise regularly with CORAL’s Board of Directors including at board meetings and through regular committee calls
Professional Experience and Qualifications:
- A post-graduate degree (Ph.D. preferred) in conservation biology, ecology or related field, plus five years of non-academic professional experience
- A proven track record designing, financing, and implementing measurably successful conservation science programs that include the creation of collaborative partnerships between organizations, disciplines, and sectors
- Extensive experience synthesizing and publishing multi-disciplinary scientific findings, as well as translating science into conservation action
- Demonstrated success in fundraising, including cultivation of prospects and development of complex, collaborative proposals
- Experience developing and implementing monitoring and evaluation programs
- Excellent strategic thinking and demonstrated ability to synthesize information from diverse sources to inform priorities for action
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, including a track record of successful communications with individuals from a variety of disciplines, cultures and backgrounds
- Experience directing complex projects, including overseeing budget development and tracking, coordinating the work of colleagues and partners, and fostering cross-organizational cooperation
- Excellent time management skills and a proven ability to juggle multiple competing priorities while delivering quality results
- Deep knowledge of current approaches to coral reef conservation and relevant international policy
- Resourcefulness, proactive problem solving and a good sense of humor
- Legal authorization to work in the U.S.A.
Competitive salary and generous benefits that include medical, dental, vision and disability insurance, 401K match, paid vacation, and paid holidays.
To apply for this position, please submit in one document to [email protected] with Conservation Science Director in the subject line:
- A thoughtful cover letter describing personal interest in the position, relevant experience and qualifications, and salary requirements
- Résumé
- A two-page story or article about adaptation that showcases your creativity, ability to synthesize, communication skills, and grasp of science
Please note that due to the volume of applications expected, we are not able to respond to each individual applicant. The position will be open until filled; a start date in early 2020 preferred.
The Coral Reef Alliance is committed to workforce diversity. Qualified applicants will receive full consideration without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, health status, or national origin.