Science & Policy Director

HEAL THE BAY • Santa Monica, CA

1d • $120,000 - $140,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Science & Policy Director is a key leadership role at Heal the Bay, responsible for advancing our mission of making coastal waters and watersheds in Greater Los Angeles safe, healthy, and clean. Reporting to the CEO, the Director manages a team of scientists and policy experts to drive strategic goals, with a focus on inland and coastal water quality, biodiversity, climate change and environmental justice. Specifically, Heal the Bay’s current strategic science and policy priorities include: Clean Water & Public Health – Protecting the health of people and coastal waters by reducing urban runoff, stormwater, wastewater, nutrients, and other sources of pollution; advancing stormwater capture and watershed solutions; providing trusted water-quality information; and serving as a watchdog for water-quality regulations and NPDES permits. Marine Ecosystem Protection & Restoration – Protecting and restoring healthy marine ecosystems and biodiversity through science, policy, MPAs, responsible resource management, and applied conservation and restorative aquaculture. Oversee Heal the Bay’s conservation and restorative aquaculture work at the Aquarium/Research & Discovery Center, ensuring projects are scientifically rigorous, mission-aligned, and connected to broader restoration and policy priorities. Climate & Coastal Resilience – Integrating climate change into Heal the Bay’s science and policy priorities and advancing solutions that strengthen the resilience of coastal and watershed ecosystems and Greater Los Angeles communities. Pollution Prevention – Reducing plastics, DDT and other legacy contaminants, and emerging and industrial pollutants through science-based policy, advocacy, source reduction, and systems change. Science-Based Response to Emerging & Acute Threats – Helping Heal the Bay identify and respond appropriately to emerging or acute threats to coastal ecosystems and public health, including sewage releases, oil spills, wildfires, and other significant pollution events. Key responsibilities include working with the CEO to develop the overall strategic vision for achieving Heal the Bay’s science and policy goals. Independently, the Director is responsible for developing advocacy campaigns, overseeing research and regulatory analyses, and representing Heal the Bay in public forums. The Director also manages relationships with policymakers in Los Angeles and Sacramento and collaborates with external partners. Candidates should have a strong background in environmental policy and science, with expertise in one or more of the following areas: water quality, ocean and coastal policy, climate change and its impacts on Los Angeles’ coastline, and environmental justice. The ideal candidate will have at least five years of experience leading a team. Heal the Bay offers a dynamic, mission-driven environment where science, education, community action, and advocacy are at the core of our work.

Requirements

• Deep commitment to Heal the Bay’s mission and the protection of environmental health in Southern California.
• Extensive experience in environmental science, policy, or law, with 10+ years in environmental policy, water management, coastal/ocean management, or related fields.
• Relationships with policymakers in Los Angeles and Sacramento.
• Advanced degree demonstrating expertise in environmental disciplines.
• Comprehensive knowledge of California coastal water issues, including legal, policy, and technical aspects of stormwater management, ocean/coastal issues, and environmental justice.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire staff, volunteers, and partners in advancing Heal the Bay’s policy and scientific initiatives.
• Commitment to promoting equity and inclusion within the organization and the broader environmental community.
• Proven ability to thrive under pressure, managing multiple projects while meeting tight deadlines.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and project management skills, coupled with strong problem-solving and communication abilities.
• Willingness to work beyond regular hours, including occasional weekends, to meet the needs of the organization.
• Proficient in basic software, including Microsoft Office Suite, project management tools, and ability to learn other software systems as needed.

Nice To Haves

• At least five years of experience leading a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead science, policy, and advocacy efforts on water quality and coastal resources, in alignment with Heal the Bay’s strategic goals.
• Cultivate and maintain partnerships with government agencies, decision-makers, advocacy groups, and environmental stakeholders.
• Track and analyze policies, regulations, and legislation at regional and state levels.
• Develop, review, and provide feedback on scientific, technical, and regulatory documents.
• Develop and lead campaigns to pass legislation and regulations and implement programs that help Heal the Bay achieve our mission.
• Manage department staff; lead, mentor, and develop a team of scientists and policy experts, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Collaborate with department directors on inter-departmental projects that integrate, and Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity (JEDI) principles into Heal the Bay’s overall strategy.
• Manage relationships with funders and help identify new funding sources, oversee grants and budgets, and manage the department's budget.
• Engage Heal the Bay’s Board of Directors, providing updates on science and policy issues and offering guidance on policy decisions that align with the organization's mission.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement contributions, and paid time off.
• Heal the Bay covers 90 percent of employee medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums.
• Full-time employees are also eligible for life insurance and participation in the organization’s Simple IRA retirement plan.
• Employees receive paid vacation and Heal the Bay recognized holidays in accordance with organizational policy.
• In accordance with California labor law, employees are eligible to accrue and use up to 72 hours of paid sick leave per calendar year after completing 30 days of employment.

What This Job Offers

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