Data Manager - Program Manager

IFAW Branding•Yarmouth, MA

About The Position

The IFAW Marine Mammal Rescue (MMR) team is based on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, a global hotspot for cetacean single and mass strandings. Each year, the team responds to an average of 350 marine mammal strandings, generating volumes of data. The Data Manager (DM) plays a critical leadership role in overseeing all aspects of data management. As a senior member of the MMR team, the DM supports the effective development and implementation of IFAW’s programmatic strategies within the Marine Mammal Rescue Program in line with IFAW’s institutional and programmatic strategic plans. The Data Manager manages all databases for IFAW’s Marine Mammal Rescue Program. This role oversees and coordinates data entry, archival, analyses, and dissemination. This position manages one to two direct reports (part-time technicians), other Biologists and Technicians as assigned, oversees interns when they are engaged in data-related tasks, and directly mentors one intern per session. Reporting to the MMR Program Director (PD), the DM will support monitoring, evaluation and learning processes within their focus area. The DM works closely with the PD to manage project budgeting and expenditures related to data collection and curation. The DM also collaborates with other program managers and staff on program-wide tasks (e.g., researcher requests and publications). As with all MMR team members, the DM will participate in all aspects of stranding response, as needed. The DM will also represent the program and organization in internal and external communication efforts and donor engagements, as needed, and when duties allow.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree preferred; MS/PhD or other advanced degree in marine mammal biology, marine biology, or other biological science or related field ideal
At least 5 years directly relevant experience in marine mammal stranding response, animal care, field biology, or closely related field
Extensive experience with SQL based relational database management (e.g., MS Access) required, and ideally R, Python, or a similar language
Ability to work with and perform statistical analyses on complicated datasets with varying quality, formats, and sample sizes
History of peer-reviewed publications in a relevant field
Demonstrated experience in leading projects from multiple funding sources and with detailed reporting requirements; good project management skills with an ability to manage a large workload and prioritize appropriately
Ability to lead field and project teams comprised of staff, interns, volunteers, and colleagues with various skills and experience levels
Ability to adapt to working in varied environments and to handle fast-paced and high stress situations
Strong attention to detail
Strong problem-solving skills; ability to effectively analyze problems and provide creative, workable solutions.
Excellent organizational and team-building skills.
Excellent communicator, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to interact harmoniously and communicate effectively with people (both internally and externally) from varying educational, social, and cultural backgrounds.
Ability to communicate complex scientific data and analyses to a variety of stakeholders (e.g., scientists, policy makers, donors, and the general public)
Ability to communicate to the public through the media and to act as a spokesperson, where appropriate (requirement).
Able to work interdependently, optimizing the skills available within the team.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite is required
Must be of good physical fitness, able to swim, and lift/carry 50lb
Must be at least 18 years old and legally eligible to work in the U.S.
Must possess a valid driver's license and must pass DOT medical exam upon hiring
Experience with or willingness to learn driving of large trucks, trailers, and vessels

Responsibilities

Oversee timely data entry for the MMR team and ensure data accuracy and quality control are maintained and appropriate
Manage relational database development and enhancement to store data related to stranding response, case information, morphometrics, treatments, examination, diagnostics, sample storage and dissemination, human interaction documentation, etc.
Coordinate and oversee data usage for internal (e.g., cross-programmatic data, impact summaries, annual reports, internal research and analysis) and external (e.g., National Stranding Database, Unusual Mortality Events, research or educational requests, media requests) purposes, as well as funder reporting
Ensure that stranding data are entered, verified, and uploaded to the NOAA Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program National Database within 30 days of case report, per IFAW’s Stranding Agreement
Update and maintain data collection and management protocols as needed, in collaboration with Program leadership
Coordinate MMR’s Researcher Review Group, leading regular meetings and acting as the primary contact for external research requests
In coordination with the team’s Veterinarian, manage MMR’s Internal Research and Science Group, leading regular meetings, maintaining program priorities, ensuring progress and supporting applicable staff on current projects or publications in peer-reviewed journals
Track publications, presentations, trainings, and workshops that involve MMR participation, authorship, or co-authorship
Act as the agency representative for data management-related activities for the regional stranding consortium, network meetings, and working groups
Assist in grant proposal preparation, writing, and management throughout the grant lifecycle, including drafting of reports
Manage assigned project budgets, ensuring they are effectively planned, maintained, and monitored
Work with the IFAW Communications team, as needed, to represent the program for internal and external audiences
Assist the Development team with donor engagement, as needed
Supervise Biologists and Technicians when assigned data management activities
Support other team members, as time and duties permit
Participate in rotational coverage of response Point of Contact (POC) and field positions; includes rotation coverage of weekends and some holidays
Participates in all aspects, including the Incident Commander role, of live and dead marine mammal field response, animal care, diagnostics, and necropsy