Job Description
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.
Job Tags
Full time, Part time, Seasonal work, Work at office, Local area