Director, Program Impact

Global Fishing Watch

. Shape the strategic direction and implementation of work combating IUU fishing and supporting the 30x30 global target and High Seas Treaty .

Posted 10/30/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesLead💰 $160,000 - $180,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive experience in fisheries management and ocean governance, with a strong ability to lead diverse teams and manage complex, multi-million-dollar programs. Proficient in developing strategic partnerships and implementing effective marine conservation initiatives.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Fisheries ManagementHigh-Level Multilateral DiplomacyFinancial ManagementProject ManagementMarine Conservation

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Marine Spatial PlanningBudgetingFinancial ReportingGrant ManagementStrategic Planning

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsPlanning and CoordinationTeam LeadershipPerformance Management

Tools & Technologies

Maritime Domain Awareness ToolsVessel Tracking TechnologiesAISVMS

Industry Keywords

IUU FishingMarine BiodiversityBBNJ AgreementFAO AgreementInternational Treaty Bodies

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Shape the strategic direction and implementation of work combating IUU fishing and supporting the 30x30 global target and High Seas Treaty
Grow partnerships in reach, quality, effectiveness, and impact
Co-develop regional and thematic strategies covering IUU fishing and marine biodiversity
Oversee regional programs in Africa, Latin America, and the Mediterranean
Line-manage the Heads of Africa and Latin America, Senior Manager Mediterranean, Pacific Program Officer, and Senior Manager Biodiversity Program
Manage direct and indirect reports numbering more than 15
Integrate regional and thematic strategies with international policy, applied research, analysis, capacity development, Science, Technology, Communications, and Fundraising teams
Lead strategic and financial development and oversight of regional and thematic delivery programs
Identify and pilot repeatable implementation models using open data and technology
Inform long-term organizational strategy and prepare briefings for the Senior Executive Group
Identify changing ocean governance and fisheries-management issues
Translate strategic priorities into funded delivery plans and develop multi-year strategies and budgets
Establish OKRs, manage performance, identify capacity gaps, allocate resources, and coach staff
Develop concept notes and funding proposals
Manage partner relationships and sub-grant reviews, negotiations, and performance monitoring
Govern departmental budgets, monitor expenditures, prepare forecasts, and ensure donor compliance
Support financial and narrative reporting and demonstrate value for money
Represent Global Fishing Watch at international conferences, roundtables, and senior bilateral meetings
Develop partner engagement strategies and support public communications and media work
Develop and track program metrics and learning objectives with the MEL team
Integrate monitoring data and feedback into adaptive management
Report to the Chief Impact Officer

Requirements

What you’ll need

At least 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in fisheries management, ocean governance and policy, marine conservation, marine spatial planning, or a closely related field
Proven track record in high-level, multilateral diplomacy, state-level negotiations, and direct governance experience within RFMO contexts and international treaty bodies
Track record of designing and managing complex projects across multiple geographies or institutional contexts
Familiarity with international and regional fisheries and marine governance frameworks, including the BBNJ Agreement and FAO Agreement
Familiarity with maritime domain awareness tools and vessel tracking technologies such as AIS and VMS
Strong track record managing multi-million-dollar grant-funded programs
Substantive senior-level management experience leading diverse, dispersed, multicultural teams
Experience developing and leveraging partnerships across nonprofit, academic, government, and private-sector institutions
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Strong financial management skills, particularly budgeting and financial reporting
Ability to maintain and contribute to project management systems, track deliverables, and ensure accountability
Excellent planning, coordination, and reporting skills
Bachelor's degree in environmental studies, public policy, science, or a related field
Native or highly proficient in English
Willingness and ability to travel internationally frequently
Must be legally authorized to work in the hiring country without visa sponsorship for at least two years after the start date, or for the entire duration of a fixed-term contract
Student-visa holders must be eligible for full-time employment and maintain valid work authorization for at least two years or the contract duration
Candidates relying on a spouse's visa for work authorization are not eligible

Benefits

Comp & perks

Pension/retirement benefits
Health and other benefits commensurate with similar-level employees in the country of employment
Remote work arrangement
Flexible approach to working hours
Frequent international travel
Inclusive and accessible recruitment process
Accommodation or adjustments during the recruitment process