Overview

The Marine Conservation Action Fund (MCAF) seeks a Program Officer to work collaboratively with the MCAF Program Manager and Director to document, implement, and advance best practices for effective, equitable, and locally-led community-based ocean conservation and progressive, trust-based approaches to philanthropy. Working under the supervision of the MCAF Program Manager and Director, the Program Officer will provide communications, data management and synthesis, and operational support to advance the program’s growth, impact, and influence on ocean conservation and philanthropy. This position will be central to a highly collaborative team that is trusted and well-received by ocean conservation leaders internationally.

MCAF is a small grants and fellowship program that supports the efforts of local conservation leaders spearheading community-based ocean conservation projects in low- and middle-income or “majority” countries. Founded in 1999, MCAF provides financial and professional resources, and promotes learning exchange, capacity sharing, networking and community-building to support leaders and their organizations in advancing effective, equitable, and inclusive conservation. MCAF pursues a relationship-based and participatory approach to philanthropy and the program’s growth and direction have been informed by listening to and learning from the global community the program serves. This Program Officer will be integral to supporting this continued learning and evolution and in amplifying MCAF’s reach and impact.

This is a full-time regular position offering a comprehensive benefits package. The schedule will be Monday-Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm with a predominantly remote schedule. Candidates should be open to occasional travel for meetings or events. Remote days are only available for residents of MA, RI, NH, ME, NY and VT.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Leads the collection, management, and synthesis of MCAF project data and collaborates with the MCAF Program Manager and Director to monitor, evaluate, and report on the program’s reach and impact and promote learning exchange. Compiles regular summaries of outcomes, patterns, and findings. Drafts communications of outcomes for key stakeholders.
2. Leads the collection and synthesis of best practices in advancing ocean conservation, equity and progressive approaches to philanthropy learned from the global MCAF Community through sources such as social media, media, formal reports, academic papers, conferences, surveys, informal correspondence, and communities of practice. Provides regular summaries of key findings to support the continued growth and learning of the MCAF Program and the promotion of best practices among its peers and key stakeholders.
3. Oversees MCAF Program Social Media presence. In collaboration with the Marketing and Communications team, leads the management of MCAF social media platforms, including the creation and sharing of content, using equitable and inclusive language, that promotes and elevates the mission and impact of the MCAF Program as well as the work of MCAF fellows and project leaders; promotes for MCAF events.
4. Collaborates with the MCAF Program Manager and Marketing and Communications team in creating content for blogs, newsletters, and other MCAF communications outputs and projects.
5. Tracks spending across program budgets and compiles data for budget reports.
6. Leads coordination with the Center Operations, Development, and Finance Teams on contracts, warrants, payments, and expense and gift allocations on various projects.
7. Coordinates acquisition and delivery of language translation and interpretation services.
8. Gathers data to coordinate with MCAF Program Manager for the process of vetting inquiries and proposals.
9. Leads coordination of logistics management, scheduling, and execution of virtual and in-person MCAF events to promote community-building and learning exchange.
10. Represents MCAF in various internal and external programs and initiatives including conferences, stakeholder meetings, committees, communities of practice and other relevant forums.
11. Takes and distributes notes during meetings.
12. Performs other job-related tasks as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Training and Experience

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of experience (Master’s degree and 3 years of experience is preferred)
• Experience or degree in natural sciences or conservation preferred
• Demonstrated ability to draft emails, blogs and social media posts, and communicating information to the public in a clear and engaging way.
• Experience communicating, collaborating and building relationships with diverse stakeholders from a range of backgrounds
• Experience developing new ideas for a program
• Experience managing multiple projects with distinct deadlines

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Willingness to take on additional tasks for the team during a period of high growth for the program.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• General understanding of global marine or environmental issues for drafting communications and social media posts
• Proficient in administrative functions such as tracking projects in Excel using Outlook for meeting scheduling and correspondence.

Preferred Qualifications

• A passion for working with ocean conservation leaders from across the globe.
• Experience working with international programs or projects.
• Experience working with diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
• Experience with event planning support.
• Experience working with philanthropic organizations.
• Spanish or French fluency is a plus.

For more information and to apply online please visit: http://neaq.applicantpro.com/jobs/

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.