Officer, Lenfest Ocean Program (Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management)

Location US-DC-Washington
Program-Research & Science
The Pew Charitable Trusts

Overview:

The Pew Charitable Trusts is driven by the power of knowledge to solve today’s most challenging problems. Pew applies a rigorous, analytical approach to improve public policy, inform the public and invigorate civic life.

We are an independent nonprofit organization – the sole beneficiary of seven individual trusts established between 1948 and 1979 by two sons and two daughters of Sun Oil Company founder Joseph N. Pew and his wife, Mary Anderson Pew.

Our work lays the foundation for effective policy solutions by informing and engaging citizens, linking diverse interests to pursue common cause and insisting on tangible results. Our projects encourage efficient, responsive governments – at the local, state, national and international levels – serving the public interests.

With offices in Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Brussels and London and staff in other regions of the United States as well as Australia, Pew provides an exciting learning environment and the opportunity to work with highly talented individuals. We are a dynamic, rapidly evolving organization that values creativity and innovative thinking and fosters strong teamwork with mutual respect.

Environment
For the past two decades, Pew has been a major force in educating the public and policy makers about the causes, consequences and solutions to some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Our work is focused on reducing the scope and severity of three major global environmental problems:

Dramatic changes to the Earth’s climate brought about by the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases in the planet’s atmosphere;
The erosion of large terrestrial wilderness ecosystems that contain a great part of the world’s remaining biodiversity; and,
The destruction of the world’s marine environment.
Project Summary
The environmental science division (ESD) works to generate and synthesize scientific research to inform conservation policy and frame solutions to global environmental challenges. Within the Environmental Science Division, the Lenfest Ocean Program (www.lenfestocean.org) sponsors and communicates peer-reviewed research projects on timely marine policy issues, specifically focused on marine ecosystems, fisheries, and wildlife.

Position Overview
The Officer will work with the director of the Lenfest Ocean Program to develop, implement and monitor research projects proposed for support by the Lenfest Ocean Program, consistent with the Program’s strategic plan. These projects are typically in the natural sciences, but may include projects in economics and social science. The Officer’s project development activities include researching marine science issues, gathering input about key issues from a range of stakeholders, assessing potential grantees and partners, and evaluating a proposed project’s policy relevance. The Officer will also manage grants, including by communicating with grantees to ensure timely completion of deliverables. The Officer will be responsible for reviewing current scientific and policy literature, networking among scientists and key partners, and attending relevant professional conferences in order to advise the director on programmatic direction.

The position currently is approved through June 2025. This position reports to the Director of the Lenfest Ocean Program, and is located in Washington, DC.

Responsibilities:

Identify and develop policy-relevant project ideas for funding support in coordination with the director of the Lenfest Ocean Program.
Coordinate with Pew staff to complete grant-making processes, including drafting materials for internal approval and processing legal materials such as grant agreements.
Monitor the substantive progress and financial status of Lenfest Ocean Program-supported projects through financial and narrative reports as well as personal check-ins.
Evaluate and approve grants management documents, including no-cost extensions and budget modifications. Maintain communication with grantees to ensure timely completion of deliverables.
Manage external relationships with grantees and other key partners.
Participate in the development of policy outreach plans for supported projects in concert with other Lenfest Ocean Program staff, communications experts, and the grantee by evaluating the scientific and policy significance of project results.
Maintain a deep and broad knowledge of marine science and key emerging trends in marine policy and management, especially related to ecosystem-based fisheries management.
Participate as a member of the Environmental Science Division in team meetings, workshops and other events. Provide scientific/policy advice, perspective and input to team members as needed.
Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree in biological or environmental sciences preferred.
Minimum of eight years of professional experience in science, environmental issues, and/or public policy. Expertise in marine issues required, and knowledge of ecosystem-based fisheries management preferred.
Ability to innovate, including identifying new areas of work and critical networks of collaborators.
Ability to engage and build relationships with a variety of communities, including different scientific disciplines, decision-makers and stakeholders.
Demonstrated strong analytical skills, including an ability to synthesize large amounts of information and to focus quickly on the essence of an issue.
A strong commitment to producing measurable results.
Excellent written and oral communications skills, including an ease in communicating complex, technical concepts in a clear effective manner for a general audience.
A detail- and results-oriented style with a focus on process and achievement. Recognized ability to meet multiple deadlines by maintaining a high level of organization.
Respectful, collaborative and energetic working style, including the ability to develop and manage productive relationships with consultants, partners, grantees and others who contribute to the effectiveness of the Program.
Strong political awareness, with a non-partisan perspective and approach.