Blue Ocean Institute inspires a closer relationship with the sea through science, art, and literature. We promote conservation solutions from a place of compassion and understanding for people and ocean wildlife and share information and ideas that enlighten personal choices, instill hope, and help restore life in the ocean. Our pioneering seafood program, the first of its kind in the country, translates in-depth scientific research and complex information about ocean wildlife, fishing, and aquaculture, into accurate and easy to understand materials to assist consumers, retailers and chefs in selecting ocean friendly fish and shellfish. Our seafood rankings are based on the best available science and derived through our cutting-edge, robust, quantitative scoring system.

The Seafood Program Director will develop and implement a program to expand Blue Ocean Institute's pioneering seafood education and outreach initiatives and build widespread awareness of sustainable practices. We seek a creative, strategic thinker with an entrepreneurial flair, collaborative spirit and strong interpersonal skills. This is a senior staff position that will be instrumental in developing innovative products, engaging new sectors in the sustainable seafood movement, and forging partnerships with businesses and nonprofits. We're looking for a committed conservationist and dynamic team player who will lead the seafood program and contribute to strategic planning and other organizational initiatives.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a strategic plan to expand Blue Ocean's sustainable seafood program and develop inspiring, creative products that reach new audiences;
• Maintain and strengthen our partnerships with other non-profits; build strategic partnerships with culinary and environmental organizations, institutions, and businesses;
• Identify gaps in the sustainable seafood movement and create ideas and new outreach initiatives to address these;
• Supervise the Seafood Research Associate position to ensure high-quality fisheries research and a rigorous production schedule of evaluations, rankings, review, and editing for online posting and seafood guides;
• Produce and test our new online sustainable seafood curriculum for chefs in training and develop an outreach plan for distributing it nationwide to culinary institutes and restaurants;
• Work with the Executive Director to manage and carry out a new (one-year) consumer behavior pilot program to test sustainable seafood consumer behavior change
• Serve as a media spokesperson on sustainable seafood issues and respond to information requests from the media;
• Guide the organization's new website renovation with respect to sustainable seafood;
• Give presentations and host panel discussions at symposia, academic conferences, universities, and other public events about seafood and ocean conservation;
• Strengthen the seafood program's presence on the web through social media marketing such as blogs, podcasts, and YouTube;
• Provide support to the organization's fundraising efforts.

Qualifications:

Education: Master's or PhD in Environmental Management, Biodiversity Conservation or equivalent, with a focus on marine conservation and fisheries management a plus; or an MBA degree with a focus on sustainability and environmental issues.

Experience: A minimum of 4 years experience in conservation organizations or other work experience directly related to the environment, sustainability or biodiversity conservation; knowledge of species in seafood commerce and their role in ecosystems; proven track record in project management and development; an understanding of current and emerging marine conservation issues; experience in the seafood business or food sector is desirable. Publishing in peer-reviewed journals or other publications appreciated but not essential.

Skills: Successful candidate will have excellent speaking, writing and analytical skills; strong strategic and organizational expertise; ability to manage multiple programmatic activities; excellent computer skills, creativity and passion, attention to detail and an ability to meet deadlines. Should be familiar with fishing and aquaculture,seafood commerce, ecosystem and environmental issues in general. Dedication to making a difference on behalf of the oceans is essential.

Blue Ocean is located in East Norwich, New York on Long Island's north shore (just 35 minutes by train from Penn. Station, NYC and near Cold Spring Harbor and Huntington). Salary: $50-60K depending on experience, plus benefits.

Please send a cover letter and resume to:
Myra Sarli
Blue Ocean Institute
P.O. Box 250
East Norwich, NY 11732
Email: msarli@blueocean.org

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