Associate Director of Conservation Partnerships

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND

The Maritime Aquarium’s mission is to ignite a connection to Long Island Sound and the ocean to enrich the lives of all people and inspire action to protect our blue planet. For 37 years, the Aquarium has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Norwalk and the region. The second largest family attraction in Connecticut, and 50 miles from New York City, the Aquarium hosts nearly 450,000 guests annually. Its primary exhibits take guests on a voyage from the shallow salt marshes and estuaries to the depths of the Long Island Sound and the ocean beyond, culminating with habitats for sharks and harbor seals.

Altogether, the Aquarium is home to more than 8,000 animals and 285 species in 75 exhibits. A new 4D Theater offers a unique sensory film experience for guests. Its education programs introduce nearly 50,000 students, campers and scouts to marine and STEM education. The Aquarium is recognized as a top aquarium in the nation and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It is an active participant in the local and regional community. The strength of the Aquarium is its 85 full-time staff, and part-time and seasonal staff, in addition to our volunteers.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Associate Director of Conservation Partnerships plays a central role in the success of the

Aquarium’s Conservation department, with the responsibility of building and managing a network of

collaborative relationships across Long Island Sound (and beyond) in support of our work. In this role,

the Associate Director will serve as a key link between the work of the department and that of the

region, ensuring alignment between departmental, institutional, and broader collaborative goals. The

Associate Director will work closely with the VP of Conservation and Director of Research to set

program objectives to meet institutional goals as articulated in the Conservation Action Plan and in

support more broadly of the Aquarium’s strategic plan, An Aquarium Without Walls. The ideal candidate

will have exceptional “people skills,” be adept at fostering strong relationships with partners, be able to

navigate complicated relationships and situations, and be a skilled communicator. Importantly, the

Associate Director must also have a strong background in ecology and conservation and be able to

represent the details of the project portfolio to various audiences.

Reports To: Vice President of Conservation

Salary Range for this role: $80,000 - $84,000

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plays a critical role in the management and cultivation of external partners in close coordination
• with the VP of Conservation
• Represents the Aquarium at external meetings and events such as committees, coalitions, and
• work groups, research collaborations, and conferences at the direction of the VP
• Supervises the department’s grants team and supports them in relationships with sub-awardees
• and other grant partners to ensure positive, productive, and timely adherence to grant-funded
• project goals and deliverables
• Support the research team in management of relationships within specific projects, including
• participating in standing project team meetings
• Work closely with the Director of Research and VP on new project development, ensuring
• alignment between internal goals, maintenance of strong partner relationships
• Contribute to writing of reports and publications
• Prepare and deliver public presentations at community events and scientific conferences
• Mentor and supervise the department grants team (2 positions), including 1 direct report
• Support Conservation staff on overall program implementation as needed, including participating
• in field and lab research when needed

QUALIFICATIONS

5+ years of relevant experience required

Bachelor’s degree in ecology or related field required; Advanced degree strongly preferred

Previous field research experience required

Project and people management experience required

Prior experience working at a non-profit/with grant-funded projects preferred

Excellent written and oral communication skills required

Excellent organization skills required

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Powerpoint, Outlook) required

The Maritime Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.