Company Description Ocean Wise is a global non-profit conservation organization focused on inspiring action to protect and restore the world’s oceans. Guided by a vision of healthy, flourishing marine ecosystems, Ocean Wise develops programs, partnerships, and community initiatives that turn science-based knowledge into practical solutions. The organization encourages individuals, businesses, and governments to adopt small but impactful changes that collectively regenerate ocean life for future generations. Prospective team members join a mission-driven organization where their work contributes directly to long-term environmental sustainability and ocean conservation.
Role Description The Director, Fisheries & Seafood is a full-time, hybrid role based in Vancouver, BC, with flexibility for part-time work from home. This role leads Ocean Wise’s fisheries and seafood strategy, overseeing program design, implementation, and evaluation to advance sustainable seafood practices globally. The Director manages key stakeholder relationships, including industry partners, governments, Indigenous communities, NGOs, and scientists, to align efforts around responsible fishing and aquaculture. Day-to-day responsibilities include directing research initiatives, guiding certification or advisory programs, setting annual objectives, managing budgets, and supervising a multidisciplinary team. The Director also represents Ocean Wise in public forums, contributes to policy discussions, and ensures that fisheries and seafood programs reflect the organization’s conservation priorities and scientific standards.
Qualifications
- Experience in fisheries science, marine conservation, or seafood sustainability, including familiarity with wild capture fisheries, aquaculture practices, and ecosystem-based management.
- Proven leadership and people management skills, with a track record of guiding teams, developing talent, and fostering an inclusive, collaborative work environment.
- Strategic planning and program management capabilities, including setting objectives, overseeing complex projects, monitoring outcomes, and managing budgets.
- Stakeholder engagement and partnership-building skills, with experience collaborating with industry, government, Indigenous communities, NGOs, and scientific experts.
- Strong communication skills, including the ability to translate technical information into accessible content for diverse audiences, and represent the organization in public and media settings.
- Background in policy, regulatory frameworks, or market-based approaches related to fisheries and seafood is highly beneficial.
- Relevant advanced degree (e.g., in marine biology, environmental science, resource management, public policy, or a related field) or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Commitment to ocean conservation, equity, and ethical, evidence-based decision-making, with the ability to work effectively in a mission-driven, non-profit context.
