ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY

For more than 50 years, Ocean Conservancy has delivered effective, evidence-based solutions for the ocean and all who depend on it. Today, we continue to unite science, people and policy to protect our ocean from the greatest challenges it faces: climate change, plastic pollution and biodiversity loss. We are a 501(C)3 headquartered in Washington, D.C. that inspires a worldwide network of partners, advocates and supporters through our comprehensive and clear-eyed approach to ocean conservation. Together, we are securing a healthy ocean and a thriving planet, forever and for everyone.

POSITION SUMMARY

Ocean Conservancy believes that private sector companies have a critical role to play in addressing pressing ocean issues both by aligning core business practices with positive ocean outcomes, and by engaging their consumer audiences in ocean conservation work. We know that protecting the ocean is nearly a universal value, and we seek to engage in constructive, results-oriented collaborations with companies who want to protect the ocean today and for generations to come.

The Senior Director, Corporate Relations, is a senior leadership role responsible, in close partnership with the Chief Growth and Development Officer, for redesigning and restructuring Ocean Conservancys corporate engagement work with these principles in mind. Reporting directly to the Chief Growth and Development Officer this individual will partner on the reimagining and redeployment of an integrated, organization-wide corporate engagement strategy aligned with annual and long-term priorities.

The role requires a strong focus on optimizing private sector collaborations to drive conservation impact and issue visibility, along with risk management, brand alignment, and audience integration.

The ideal candidate will bring substantial experience in nonprofit or higher education corporate relations, with a fundamental understanding of the unique risks, rewards and opportunities inherent to the environmental sector. Success will require experience developing corporate engagement strategies, building partnerships, and supporting cross-departmental collaboration. They will be a results-driven leader with experience managing teams, setting goals, and stewarding complex partnerships, with the ability to manage budgets and guide partnership execution.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Planning & Leadership

• In partnership with the CGDO, redesign and implement a comprehensive, organization-wide corporate engagement strategy.
• Establish annual and multi-year targets for corporate revenue in collaboration with the CGDO.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the Chief Growth and Development Officer on corporate engagement, funding diversification, and risk mitigation.
• Work in partnership with other senior Development leaders to ensure corporate relations work is well-integrated with broader fundraising priorities.

Business Development & Partnership Management

• Cultivate and steward high-value corporate relationships to grow revenue, strengthen engagements, and support strategic collaboration opportunities.
• Identify and pursue new engagement opportunities including sponsorships, cause marketing, employee engagement, and co-branded initiatives.
• Ensure all corporate partnerships align with the organizations mission, values, and risk tolerance policies.

Cross-Functional Integration

• Collaborate with development, programs, communications, and policy teams to align corporate engagement work and support consistent internal coordination.
• Contribute to strengthening internal processes and tools that support corporate outreach and stewardship.

Team & Budget Management

• Lead and manage the corporate relations team.
• Oversee departmental budget and contribute to revenue planning and forecasting efforts.
• Track progress against goals and regularly report on key metrics to the CGDO, senior leadership; Board of Directors engagement as needed.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with corporate engagement strategies.
• Develop and maintain clear corporate engagement guidelines and vetting procedures to protect the organizations brand and reputation.

REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

• 10+ years of experience in corporate relations, institutional advancement, business development, or related fields in nonprofit or higher-education settings.
• Proven success implementing corporate engagement strategies and managing corporate partnerships.
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, contributing to revenue forecasting, and team leadership.
• Deep understanding of brand alignment, reputational risk, risk management, and ethical partnership considerations.
• Strong relationship-building, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Familiarity with CSR trends and corporate support models.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience leading professional staff teams.
• Experience contributing to the growth of corporate revenue streams toward $10M+ annually; with individual revenue goals of $5M+ annually.
• Experience with CRM systems and due diligence frameworks.

EDUCATION/TRAINING

MBA or advanced degree preferred.

COMPENSATION

Ocean Conservancy is committed to fair pay practices and posts expected salary ranges for each of its positions. Compensation will be commensurate with the candidates specialty skills, years of experience, location, and unique background. The expected minimum salary is $190,000. We would welcome the opportunity to connect with potential candidates whose salary requirements may be outside of the expected range.

TO APPLY

If you think youd be a great fit for the job and are interested in joining Ocean Conservancys team, please apply here. Please include a resume and cover letter in one file on your application.

HYBRID WORK ENVIRONMENT

Ocean Conservancy embraces a hybrid work environment, which allows our staff the flexibility to work virtually and in-person while building strong connections across the institution.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Ocean Conservancy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

We encourage applicants who have a diverse level and range of relevant skills and experiences to apply. A 100% match is not required. We want to support employees career growth and in return, our employees help Ocean Conservancy grow into a stronger, more inclusive institution.