Plastics pollution in the ocean is at a crisis level and yet the growth in plastics production is accelerating. Ocean Conservancy has launched a campaign to reduce the production of virgin plastics by focusing on increased transparency and accountability for the impacts of plastics production and use throughout its life cycle. The Director for the Climate and Plastics Initiative will report directly to the Program Director for Climate Policy and will be responsible for refining, implementing, and managing Ocean Conservancy’s new initiative focused on the connection between stemming plastic production and addressing the climate crisis. The ideal candidate will have experience running a public advocacy campaign, engaging with the financial sector and/or financial policy on issues of climate change, plastic waste, and/or sustainability, and a proven track record of managing multiple work streams that contribute to a cohesive strategy, managing cross-disciplinary teams, and reporting on metrics, successes and lessons learned.

The Director of the Climate and Plastics Initiative is responsible for managing the multiple work streams that are part of the climate and plastics strategy, including financial sector, public policy, and communications. The core of the initial strategy for this body of work is focused on leveraging changes within financial institutions so experience in or engaging with the sector is preferred. Because this body of work crosses multiple conservation programs and departments, experience and willingness to be part of a matrix structure and manage cross-disciplinary teams without complete direct supervisory authority is highly preferred. The Director will also play an integral role in fundraising for this initiative.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leading and refining campaign strategy: Assess the campaign strategy and sharpen, goals, objectives and projects as needed.
• Engaging with financial and/or corporate sector: Lead implementation of strategies for engaging with the financial sector to effect change related to how climate impacts are accounted for and climate risk and risks related to plastics production are assessed and disclosed.
• Leading cross-disciplinary team(s): Lead a cross-disciplinary team(s) to deliver on the climate/plastics strategy. Provide clarity around team purpose and deliverables and individuals’ roles and responsibilities.
• Managing multiple work streams: Ensure all work streams that are part of the strategy advance quickly and efficiently; work streams include the financial sector, public policy, and communications.
• Communicating: Serve as an externally-facing spokesperson for the climate and plastic initiative with media, public policy makers, and decision makers. Ensure internal communications related to the strategy are efficient and effective.
• Fundraising: Work with Ocean Conservancy’s Resource Development department to identify potential revenue streams and raise funds for this work. This could include fundraising from foundations, governments, multi-lateral institutions, and individual donors.