Position Posted: Program Director

Posted: November 20, 2024

Type: Full time
Location: Virtual, with preference for Washington DC
(US ET / London time zones preferred)

Organization Description
Dynamic Planet helps build conservation economies – that is economies that restore nature rather than
deplete it. We are part of a growing effort to help effectively and equitably protect 30% of the planet by
2030 (30x30) with strong local socio-economic benefits and fit-for-purpose sustainable financing. To
meet this ambitious goal, Dynamic Planet works at the invitation of governments, businesses and NGO
partners, such as National Geographic Pristine Seas and other organizations invested in fully or highly
protected marine areas (MPAs) with and for local communities. Our team supports high-impact partners
from government, business, and civil society to build regenerative seascapes.

Campaign Description
To achieve 30x30, the world needs to quadruple current ocean protection in the next 6 years. Fully or
highly protected MPAs have been proven to restore marine life and provide new economic opportunities
via ecotourism, enhanced fisheries, and food security around them, and help mitigate global warming. If
managed and reinvested well, MPAs are regenerating ‘fish factories’ that can pay for themselves and
provide economic benefits to locals in tourism and fishing in perpetuity. MPAs are engines of ocean
regeneration that yield multiple benefits to humanity.

We are embarking on a novel, high profile, multi-year global campaign to scale coastal marine
conservation in an unprecedented way - by building a global hub to catalyze action by local leading
groups. The campaign goals are: 1) to accelerate the establishment of new nearshore MPAs to help fill the
gap to 30% and 2) strengthen the level of protection of existing MPAs (by banning bottom trawling within).

The campaign will communicate the benefits of MPAs, reform national policies, and equip coastal
communities to create and manage new MPAs on their own - and contribute to 30x30. The co-founders of
the campaign have published pioneering scientific papers that have contributed directly to the global
agreement to protect 30% of the planet by 2030. The initiative will kick off with a special feature
documentary in theaters and on National Geographic/Disney+ with audience-specific content available for
local campaigning. The campaign will include a strategy to raise awareness through global, high-profile
screening events and a film festival circuit with prominent leaders. With guidance from in-country
coalition partners, the initiative will equip local communities with the necessary tools and resources to
establish their own MPAs. We also aim to promote peer-to-peer learning networks to accelerate the
adoption and increase the effectiveness of these locally managed MPAs. This is an opportunity to
significantly contribute to global outcomes as we shift traditional markets from extraction to regeneration
as a solution to the combined climate, biodiversity, and equity crises.

Position Description - Your Responsibilities and Impact

Reporting to the CEO, we are seeking a strategic, entrepreneurial, and experienced Program Director to
join our leadership team. This key role will be responsible for program development and cultivating and
managing strategic partnerships with international conservation, fishing, and tourism organizations to
foster collaborative relationships, and drive outcomes for global coastal conservation. Key
responsibilities include:

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 ● Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy with each priority country, in collaboration with
lead delivery partners, to use new tools and resources of the initiative to scale coastal MPAs. This
includes conservation plan, policy strategy, team building, budget development, business plan, and
other aspects of implementing the initiative.
● Identify and establish new partnerships in new priority countries with key local actors and groups
involved in coastal MPA creation, securing partnership agreements that ensure mutual benefit and
alignment with overall goals. Local actors and groups include conservation organizations, fishing and
tourism businesses and associations, academic institutions, and corporate partners.
● Lead and manage partner engagement, regularly communicating with partners, organizing exchange
events, and facilitating access to technical assistance as needed.
● Track time-bound progress to understand partnership effectiveness with key metrics and outcomes,
assess needs, and support for next level of development; develop solutions between Dynamic Planet
and in-country teams along with the leadership team.
● In collaboration with Communications, develop and implement strategies and tactics to engage,
empower, and spotlight campaign partners including film screenings, training workshops, and media
outreach.
● Represent the initiative and support partners at meetings, conferences, and events to promote our
mission and expand our network of effective international partners working with coastal
communities.
● Stay on the cutting edge of trends and developments in the international ocean conservation sector,
identifying new opportunities and best practices for partnership growth and effectiveness.

Skills & Experience Required

● Mid-career partnerships program builder with proven track record (10+ years) in project and
partnership development with international non-profit and / or environmental sectors.
● Significant experience building and maintaining partnership networks for the purposes of learning
and collective impact; demonstrated understanding of trust and incentives that hold partners and
coalitions together through strong service leadership.
● Demonstrated ability to understand the big picture and deliver on mapping strategies and steps within
realistic timelines, mitigating risks with foresight, and pivoting where necessary.
● Sophisticated understanding of political-economic contexts and human behavior to apply strategic
thinking skills with ability to identify opportunities, innovate, and adapt quickly to changes and
unexpected events.
● Critical thinking skills with a proven ability to deliver pragmatic and professional outcomes across
multiple work streams, balancing multiple priorities at any given time.
● Record of outstanding interpersonal and social skills to build strong, trusting relationships and
networks across cultures, geographies and partner levels (government, policy, business, and
community audiences).
● Experience managing diverse teams; excellent time management of self and others, with a record of
meeting others’ deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced, multi-cultural environment.
● Excellent writing and verbal communication skills in English – other languages are a bonus.
● Excellent project management and organizational skills with high attention to detail and tone.
● Strong ability to work virtually and effectively across time zones and cultures.

Desired Characteristics

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● Experience working across sectors internationally in the nonprofit and/or environmental sector,
favoring experience in international ocean and coastal protection, regenerative coastal economies, or
related issues.
● Knowledge of best practices for partner and project management systems and software (including AI
trends) that incorporate consistent partner communication, implementing and maintaining program
plans, timelines, and agreements.
● Advanced degree in International Relations, Natural Resources Management, Business
Administration, Non-Profit Management, or related fields.
● Demonstrated commitment to supporting local communities and promoting equity, diversity, and
inclusion internally and externally.
● A collaborative, humble spirit, effective at engaging stakeholders and collaborators with good
judgment, common sense, and keen discretion.

Timeline, Compensation & Benefits

● Immediate start with a competitive, flexible package commensurate with experience.
● Full-time contract with 3-month probation period converted upon mutual agreement.
● Opportunity to significantly contribute to novel global outcomes as we shift traditional markets from
extraction to regeneration as a solution to the combined climate, biodiversity, and equity crises.
● Opportunity to join a creative, entrepreneurial, world-class, yet humble team, working with a global network
of innovators and changemakers including government, business, and community leaders.

How to apply
Please send to jobs@dynamicpla.net with Program Director in the subject line:
● a concise cover letter explaining how your experience directing a program through the
development and implementation of partnerships could serve this important global coastal
initiative (maximum 1 page)
● a CV/resume (maximum 2 pages)
● name and contact information of 3 references

Dynamic Planet is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that
embraces and values diversity and inclusion. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply. If you
have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application. We
will then work with you to identify the best way to assist you through the recruitment process.

Thank you!