Overview

WCS saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. Started in 1895 (as the New York Zoological Society), WCS has a long history of ocean conservation and exploration, from its role in the first international wildlife treaties of the 1910s, the earliest deep-sea dives in the 1930s, the first land-sea parks of the 1950s, to the discovery of whale song in the 1970s. Today, the WCS Global Marine Conservation Program supports the conservation of coastal seascapes, coral reefs, mangroves, and iconic marine species, such as sharks, rays, and marine mammals, in the waters of 24 countries around the world. WCS focuses on protecting areas with the greatest biodiversity and aggregations of marine wildlife, as well as important habitats and fisheries on which coastal communities depend. WCS is based at the Bronx Zoo, and operates the four zoos and the New York Aquarium in New York City, collectively visited by 4 million people annually. For more information about the Marine Program, visit www.wcs.org/Marine.

Position Overview

The primary objective of the Program Officer position is to provide general programmatic, financial, communications, and administrative support to the Global Marine Conservation Program. The program staff consists of a core team of seven New York-based staff and a large team of 250+ field-based staff across 24 countries. The Program Officer will be part of the WCS’s Global Marine Conservation team based at the headquarters of WCS at the Bronx Zoo in New York City. This is a full-time position.

Position Responsibilities

General

  • Support WCS’s marine conservation portfolio, activities, and senior leadership across HQ and regional programs. This includes programmatic and administrative work for WCS Global Marine Conservation, which comprises of global marine initiatives relating to marine mammals, sharks and rays, coral reefs, fisheries, and marine protected areas.
  • Support Global Marine Conservation staff in New York in program implementation, including: preparation and management of consultancy contracts and sub-grant agreements; processing payments for invoices, reimbursements, stipends, and other paperwork; assisting in procurement orders, mail, etc.
  • Coordinate and provide logistical support for Global Marine Conservation personnel and activities, including: organize meetings and travel; assist with presentations; coordinate marine insurance; assist with forms for human resources, payroll and other departments; manage all marine files and data, etc.
  • Regularly meet with administrative staff across WCS, including other programs in Global Conservation, to coordinate administrative processes.

Finance and Grants Management

  • Support finance, grant and budget management on centralized grants and programs, specifically to assist in the preparation and review of proposals, reports and budgets.
  • Oversee tracking for Global Marine Conservation grants in coordination with the Global Marine Conservation Program Manager and other WCS departments and regional offices, and track compliance with deadlines, guidelines, and requirements.
  • Support the Program Manager in general finance and operations, including compiling financial reports, accounting adjustments, monitoring expenses and revenue, and setting up new grants in the accounting system.

Communications

  • Write and edit reports and communications relating to Global Marine Conservation activities for internal and external audiences, including staff, donors, and general public.
  • Support the web-based and social media presence and public face of Global Marine Conservation, in conjunction with Public Affairs and Communications Departments.
  • Manage the Global Marine Conservation digital file system and image library and serve as point person for distribution of promotional materials.
  • Serve as primary programmatic lead and point of contact for media and communications among HQ and regional programs, including other divisions of WCS, such as the Zoos and Aquarium, Communications and Media Production, Public Affairs, Education, etc.

Minimum Qualifications and Skills

  • BA or BS required.
  • 2-4 years of experience in project or non-profit management; grant writing, budgeting and reporting desirable.
  • Ability to work in a team (which is largely based outside of the NY office).
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with an ability to work with a wide variety of people from different backgrounds and cultures.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills, including responsiveness to multiple, simultaneous projects and demands; ability to set and follow priorities, and to meet deadlines.
  • Strong writing skills required. Ability to produce clear and concise communications.
  • Commitment to follow through and quality control; excellent attention to detail.
  • Proactive and good problem-solver.
  • Understanding of general conservation issues desirable, but not mandatory.
  • Foreign language fluency desirable, but not mandatory.
  • Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Suite and social media platforms.

To Apply

To apply, email CV and cover letter to marineprogram@wcs.org and apply online at https://www.wcs.org/about-us/careers.aspx/.  Preference will be given to applications received by July 13, but the position will remain open until filled. WCS is an equal opportunity employer
and encourages applications from diversity candidates.