Conservation Programs Manager

National Aquarium • Baltimore, MD

1d • $58,660 - $71,399 • Onsite

About The Position

The National Aquarium is seeking a Conservation Programs Manager to oversee Conservation Programs work, including budget preparation, grant writing and management, work-plan implementation, management of paid and unpaid labor, multi-day field work, and data collection and analysis. The manager tracks technical and financial aspects of programs, communicates results through technical and general-audience presentations, evaluates project results, prepares summary reports with detailed financial reporting, and coordinates multiple projects that are in different phases.

The manager oversees Conservation Programs staff and fellows; supports grant and contract proposal development, submission, and reporting under the Director of Conservation Programs; and manages assigned grants and projects. The role leads project planning and implementation, including SOP development, field-work coordination, data documentation, safety protocols, partner coordination, post-event follow-up, and reporting. The position supports organizational conservation priorities and works across multiple programs, including habitat restoration and community conservation initiatives. It is based on-site in Baltimore, Maryland, and requires readiness to work outdoors in varied terrain and weather, with travel and occasional weekend, evening, or holiday work as necessary.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science or a related field, with a strong background in tidal wetlands ecology and biodiversity; alternatively, related science coursework and thorough knowledge of environmental science, estuaries, and tidal wetland ecology demonstrated through at least 2 years of progressively responsible hands-on experience.
• At least 1 year of experience writing grants and managing projects, including demonstrated experience managing field-work reporting and budget tracking.
• Significant analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to communicate conservation initiatives to the general public, present to colleagues, and interact with media.
• Strong written, oral, and presentation skills, including fluency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to set and shift priorities and efficiently manage and conduct multiple projects or activities concurrently.
• Preparedness to work in varied outdoor terrain and weather conditions.
• Willingness to travel and work weekends, evenings, and holidays when necessary.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to speak and understand Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily responsibilities and manage the Conservation Coordinator, Conservation Technician, and Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps fellow to execute conservation programs and projects.
• Support development, submission, and reporting of grant and contract proposals under the Director of Conservation Programs and in collaboration with Development staff; ensure alignment with funding agency guidelines and requirements.
• Manage assigned grants and projects, including coordinating implementation, tracking deliverables and deadlines, monitoring expenditures, and completing grant obligations on time.
• Implement grant-funded projects according to grant requirements and departmental guidelines.
• Lead the creation and management of project SOPs and coordinate intensive multi-day field work.
• Oversee conservation technicians, coordinators, interns, and volunteers to ensure project deliverables are completed on schedule and within budget.
• Lead project-level data collection, analysis, and documentation; coordinate on-site media activities with Aquarium staff; and implement safety protocols.
• Lead post-event follow-up, document project metrics, collect and assess staff, partner, and volunteer feedback, and prepare summary reports.
• Support grant reporting by compiling financial and programmatic information and evaluating outcomes against objectives and grant requirements.
• Manage multiple programs and projects concurrently, plan effectively, meet deadlines, and communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Collect, record, and share Conservation Programs data in support of organizational priorities, including the Strategic Plan and Conservation Action Plan.
• Work with existing partners and develop new partnerships to maximize the impact of the Aquarium’s conservation programs.
• Support the company mission and adhere to organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.
• Care for and maintain equipment, supplies, and vehicles associated with field projects.
• Comply with safety protocols and take proactive measures to prevent unsafe work practices.

Benefits

• Four weeks of paid time off.
• Six paid floating holidays.
• Up to four weeks of paid family leave.
• Health care coverage for single and family plans after 30 days of full-time work.
• Conservation day leave.
• 401(k) plan with employer match.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager