Director, Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program (BBNEP)

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Boston, MA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program (BBNEP), housed within the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management, is a federally funded, science-based partnership dedicated to protecting and restoring the water quality and ecological health of Buzzards Bay and its watershed. Working collaboratively with municipalities, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and state and federal partners, BBNEP provides funding, technical assistance, and strategic leadership to advance water quality improvement, habitat restoration, and coastal resilience initiatives throughout the region. The BBNEP seeks a self-directed, goal-oriented, and strategically minded Director who can continue the NEP’s growth by maintaining productive partnerships with local municipalities, community partners including the Buzzards Bay Coalition, the Buzzards Bay Action Committee, local institutions of higher education, state agency partners and the EPA, while forming new collaborations to advance our mission. The Director (Environmental Analyst V) provides strategic leadership and overall management of the Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program. This position is responsible for overseeing program operations, budget and fiscal management, staff supervision, partnership development, and implementation of the Buzzards Bay Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan. The Director works closely with local, state, and federal partners to advance science-based watershed protection initiatives and ensure the continued success and growth of the program.

Requirements

• Applicants must have at least six years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, technical or professional experience in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health
• Of which at least four years must have been in a professional capacity
• Of which at least two years must have been in a supervisory, managerial or administrative capacity
• An Associate's degree with a major in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required technical or professional experience.
• A Bachelor's degree with a major in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required technical or professional experience.
• A Graduate degree with a major in environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health may be substituted for a maximum of three years of the required technical or professional experience and one year of the required professional experience.
• Educational substitutions will only be permitted for a maximum of one year of the required professional experience.
• No substitutions will be permitted for the required supervisory, managerial or administrative experience.

Nice To Haves

• Proven leadership experience supervising staff, mentoring teams, managing complex projects, and building collaborative partnerships across agencies, organizations, and community stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of federal and state environmental regulations, including the Clean Water Act, and experience applying environmental policy in local government settings.
• Excellent communication and public engagement skills, including the ability to translate technical science for diverse audiences, conduct community outreach, prepare reports, and deliver public presentations.
• Extensive knowledge of environmental science, coastal and marine ecology, climate adaptation, resilience planning, and coastal zone management principles.
• Demonstrated innovation, adaptability, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to respond effectively to changing conditions, develop creative solutions, and work collaboratively with diverse partners to achieve shared goals.
• Strong financial and administrative management skills, including budget development, grant writing, federal grant administration, and strategic program planning.
• Experience in coastal, urban, or regional planning, including knowledge of planning principles, land use, community organization, and policy development in coastal environments.
• Technical expertise in environmental monitoring, water quality assessment, watershed management, groundwater hydrology, habitat assessment, and related scientific disciplines.
• Experience in management and staff development, including mentoring, professional growth, capacity building, and creating opportunities for employee advancement and success.
• Enthusiastic, positive attitude and commitment to public service.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to BBNEP staff, Steering Committee, and subcommittees to guide implementation of the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) and associated action plans.
• Lead long-range strategic planning, organizational development, and EPA five-year program evaluations, including CCMP updates and continuous program improvement.
• Identify and advance opportunities for program growth, innovation, and partnership development aligned with BBNEP’s mission and watershed priorities.
• Serve as a primary technical resource supporting municipalities, watershed organizations, community groups, and agencies in implementing CCMP priorities.
• Maintain and strengthen partnerships with local, state, federal, and tribal partners, including collaboration with the Buzzards Bay Coalition and Buzzards Bay Action Committee.
• Ensure EPA National Estuary Program compliance, including annual work plans, budgeting, performance reporting, grant management, and other federal requirements.
• Oversee fiscal management and long-term financial sustainability, including budget development, resource allocation, and securing supplemental funding and in-kind support.
• Lead development and implementation of science-based environmental initiatives addressing water quality, habitat restoration, stormwater management, nutrient reduction, low-impact development, and coastal resilience.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff, and oversee contractors and consultants to ensure effective program delivery and organizational performance.
• Represent BBNEP as chief spokesperson at regional and national forums, including EPA, ANEP, and partner organizations, communicating program priorities and accomplishments.
• Oversee technical information systems, including GIS, environmental data management, and public-facing tools that support analysis, decision-making, and CCMP implementation.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing organizational culture that supports staff engagement, professional growth, and operational excellence.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits
• outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package
• work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future

What This Job Offers

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