Science and Policy Director, Heal the Bay – California
Organization: Heal the Bay
Position Title: Science & Policy Director
Location: Santa Monica, California
Hours and Compensation: $65,000 to $85,000 based on experience
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Description: Heal the Bay is a regional environmental nonprofit organization dedicated to making Santa Monica Bay and Southern California coastal waters safe and healthy for people and marine life. Progress toward the mission is achieved by effectively combining the use of science, advocacy, community outreach, and public education to create positive change in our local environment.
Position Summary:
Heal the Bay is looking for a leader who is passionate about water quality, watershed health and ocean health, and who is committed to proactively improving Southern California’s environment. The Science and Policy Director will be responsible for leading a team of scientists and policy advocates to achieve the organization’s strategic goals.
The Science and Policy Director will provide strategic direction to department staff on research, policy and regulatory analysis, and legislative campaigns. They will represent Heal the Bay at public meetings and in stakeholder groups – advocating for strong water quality and ocean health-related policies and regulations. Must be motivated, articulate, organized and a strong problem solver. Candidate must be able to apply technical expertise to solving environmental problems within the Santa Monica Bay watersheds and LA’s local coastal waters. A strong water quality, water supply and regulatory background with experience in the policy arena is preferred. A large focus of this position will be advocating for science-based integrated water management approaches to improving water quality. Coastal and ocean related policy experience is also a plus. Must have over five years of managerial experience. Heal the Bay offers a casual work environment and collegial atmosphere.
Responsibilities: Functions Include:
o Provide science, policy, and advocacy leadership on water quality and coastal resources issues that implement Heal the Bay’s strategic initiatives;
o Manage a team of six scientists and policy experts;
o Create and maintain relationships with government agency staff, local and statewide decision-makers, advocacy groups, scientific researchers and other environmental stakeholders;
o Track specific water quality, water supply, and coastal and ocean health related policies, regulations, legislation and other issues at regional and state levels, and recommend Heal the Bay positions on these issues;
o Analyze and provide written comments on scientific, technical, regulatory, and policy documents related to water quality, water supply, watershed health, and ocean health;
o Ensure that deadlines are met for written comments and other products;
o Conduct research and stay informed on policy efforts and scientific developments regarding water quality, water supply, integrated water management, watershed health, and ocean health;
o Develop and implement Heal the Bay campaigns to advance clean water, local water supply, and a vibrant coastal and ocean environment;
o Distill technical information into easily understandable written materials and oral presentations;
o Develop advocacy and communications materials (such as fact sheets, web content, policy briefs, newsletter articles, op-eds, etc.);
o Represent Heal the Bay’s positions at public meetings, hearings, stakeholder groups, media events and other forums;
o Develop policy brief topics and work with appropriate staff to conduct research and analysis and write issue papers;
o Work closely with other Heal the Bay department directors on inter-departmental projects and programs;
o Seek and manage project grants, including budget management and grant reporting;
o Lead weekly Science and Policy Department meetings and weekly meetings with individual department staff, as well as co-chair a quarterly Science and Policy Advisory Committee made up of Heal the Bay board members and other interested community members.
Qualifications: Experience and Skills Required:
o Passion for Heal the Bay’s mission and environmental health in the greater Los Angeles area;
o Strong technical background in environmental or related sciences, and 5+ years’ experience in environmental policy, water management, coastal and ocean management, or a related field required;
o Advanced degree is required;
o Broad understanding of scientific, regulatory and policy issues relating to water quality, water supply, watersheds, and coastal resources in Southern California, including the Clean Water Act, Porter Cologne Act, California Coastal Act, Marine Life Protection Act, Marine Life Management Act, CEQA and NEPA is required;
o Existing relationships with local and state decision-makers and environmental stakeholders preferred;
o Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, and ability to inspire staff, volunteers, and partner groups about Heal the Bay’s science and policy work;
o Excellent written and oral communication skills;
o Ability to excel under pressure and meet deadlines, while balancing multiple projects;
o Excellent organizational, analytical, project management, problem solving, and communication skills;
o Ability to work independently and cooperatively with colleagues, as a team player;
o Occasional evening and weekend work is required;
o Must have a valid driver’s license;
o Must love water and the ocean.
How to Apply: Please forward cover letter, resume and salary requirements to:
www.healthebay.org/jobs to apply online.
No phone calls please.
