Program Director, Launchpad

WHO WE ARE

Ocean Visions is a science-based, not-for-profit conservation organization launched in 2019 to develop innovative solutions to conserve and restore the ocean. We occupy a distinct and critical role in the global response to climate change and ocean degradation. We are an ocean-focused organization working exclusively on climate disruption as the primary driver of ocean harm, and we work on systemic challenges where solutions are least developed, most complex, or politically difficult—but potentially transformative.

We work with and across diverse sectors and disciplines to identify, co-design, evaluate, and support implementation of solutions to counter and reverse climate impacts in the ocean. We provide diverse forms of support for the development, testing, and application of solutions, and for creation of the enabling social and political frameworks needed for their success. Our work is grounded in robust science, and we continually seek to improve our understanding of the complexity of the challenges to the ocean posed by climate change.

Ocean Visions works on an interdependent four-part strategy to directly address the causes and impacts of climate disruption, from an ocean lens:

1. REDUCE: Identify and advance high-leverage ocean-based opportunities for a just transition to a low carbon economy
2. REMOVE: Identify and advance ocean-based pathways for cleaning up legacy carbon pollution from the air and ocean
3. REPAIR: Identify and advance interventions to avoid catastrophic loss of critical marine ecosystems and passing of dangerous tipping points
4. REACH: Support the growth of a global community to develop and advance innovative ocean-climate solutions

LAUNCHPAD

Effectively countering the scale and pace of climate disruption demands a rapid expansion of viable solutions. And there are a host of people with potentially transformative ideas to contribute. Yet many promising ideas struggle to advance beyond initial stages due to limited access to expertise and infrastructure, technical challenges, low levels of support, and lack of innovation ecosystems to provide frameworks for research, development, and deployment. These gaps hinder progress at a moment when time is a critical constraint.

Launchpad is Ocean Visions’ platform to connect innovators and researchers working on underdeveloped or high uncertainty solutions with tailored, interdisciplinary assistance (paid by Launchpad) that can help to better test and optimize and advance their ideas, while seeking to ensure that the work is grounded in scientific integrity and informed consideration of environmental, social, and governance implications.

Launchpad is expanding from its original focus on marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) technologies to provide tailored technical assistance and expert advising to early-stage innovators across the Reduce, Remove, and Repair programs.

Through Launchpad, Ocean Visions seeks to increase the evaluation of innovative ideas and technologies to counter climate disruption in the ocean, help advance those that have viability and generate shared learning that informs broader field-building efforts.

THIS ROLE

The Director will lead Launchpad, with responsibility for overall program strategy, day-to-day execution, growth, and integration across Ocean Visions. As a cross-cutting function that spans the organization’s Reduce, Remove, and Repair programs, this role works closely with those program leaders to ensure Launchpad advances core priorities and delivers high-impact support to innovators.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the programmatic design for the expansion of Launchpad as described above
• Lead implementation of all the primary functions and activities of the Launchpad program
• Create processes to identify and recruit innovators, researchers, nonprofits, and companies working on ocean-climate solutions
• Match selected innovators with appropriate advisors and ensure productive collaborations
• Recruit and maintain a robust pool of advisors with deep expertise across a wide range of relevant disciplines
• Engage the member institutions of the Ocean Visions’ Network via the recruitment of expert advisors and other resources that can help to advance Launchpad services to innovators
• Develop and manage partnerships with select accelerators, incubators, funders, and other organizations that may be able to offer complementary support services
• Contribute to overall organizational strategy and learning
• Fundraising for Launchpad operations, including cultivation of funders in collaboration with Ocean Visions’ development team
• Represent Ocean Visions and Launchpad in relevant external forums and partnerships

In the first 12 months, the Launchpad Director will:

• Design and launch Launchpad support models for Reduce and Repair alongside updated support for Remove
• Establish criteria and processes for selecting innovators from varied backgrounds, including academia, non-profits, and start ups
• Recruit a deep and varied pool of expert advisors from the Ocean Visions Network and beyond
• Formalize advisor recruitment, matching, and engagement workflows
• Secure and manage at least 3 new strategic partnerships or funding relationships

The Launchpad Director will report to the Chief Program Officer (currently the CEO) and work closely with the Chief Scientist, program leaders, and cross-cutting teams.

PROFILE

The ideal candidate is a strategic, creative, collaborative leader with deep experience in innovation, early-stage technology, cross-cutting program management, and a strong interest in emerging ocean–climate solutions. The candidate should be comfortable working across scientific, technical, and policy domains, able to work under uncertainty, and skilled at facilitating collaboration among diverse actors. This role requires excellent judgment, well-developed interpersonal skills, and a deep commitment to advancing responsible, science-based climate solutions.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree (Master’s or MBA) or equivalent experience in a relevant field such as environmental science, engineering, or innovation management.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in innovation, preferably related to ocean or climate technologies and solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex programs and to work on multiple initiatives at the same time.
• Strong understanding of environmental risk assessment and mitigation.
• Excellent oral and written communications
• Excellent collaborative and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other productivity tools for a collaborative, remote team.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with start-ups, nonprofits, and/or academic research teams.
• Familiarity with a wide range of ocean-based climate solutions and associated environmental considerations.
• Ability to operate effectively in areas of scientific and institutional uncertainty.
• Proven track record in fundraising and stakeholder engagement.

LOCATION, HOURS, AND TRAVEL

This is a regular full-time remote position based in the United States. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and available to work standard business hours of a continental U.S. time zone. Must be willing and able to travel nationally and internationally, up to 20% time, with or without reasonable accommodation.

COMPENSATION

The salary range for this position is $125,000-$145,000/year, with starting salary to be set commensurate with the candidate’s specific skills and experiences. Salaries ranges at Ocean Visions are determined through market analysis updated annually to ensure that Ocean Visions remains competitive and equitable. Ocean Visions offers a highly competitive benefits program including dental, vision, and health insurance; 4 weeks’ paid vacation, paid sick time; funds for home office maintenance; a 403(b) plan with employer contribution; parental leave; and more.

TO APPLY

Please apply by uploading your resume and cover letter . The cover letter should provide a clear statement of why you are applying for this position and your match with the required and desired qualifications. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PDT February 8th to be considered. Candidate review will begin shortly thereafter, and screening interviews will be scheduled in mid-February. Finalists will be asked to provide names and contact information for professional references.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Ocean Visions is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status.

Ocean Visions offers a highly competitive benefits program including dental, vision, and health insurance; 4 weeks’ paid vacation, paid sick time; funds for home office maintenance; a 403(b) plan with employer contribution; parental leave; and more.