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Blue Economy Director

           

Location: San Diego, CA 

Hours: Full time (with some nights and weekends)

Compensation: Commensurate with experience

 

Care about the environment and want to make a difference? You will be joining a team of international experts working around the globe to protect the world’s oceans. The Waitt Institute is working with 10+ national and territorial governments to create sustainable ocean plans to will help improve local livelihoods and economies while safeguarding the marine life and ecosystems. 

 

The Waitt Institute is hiring a pragmatic senior executive who is looking to foster ocean-based private sector growth and economic development in developing and developed States and Territories. This position will work directly with partner governments, the private sector, and academia to develop economic strategies, business plans, and funding pathways. 

 

Like to travel? This position will involve significant international travel (30-50%).        

 

Responsibilities

  • Assess and prioritize economic growth opportunities for small island states

  • Design business plans capable of generating revenue streams from one or more ocean sectors 

  • Foster dialogue with on-site partners including high-level politicians, civil servants, and industry stakeholders 

  • 30-50% travel required

 

Qualifications

Professional Qualifications

  • 20+ years in private sector development, sustainable finance, strengthening value chains or economic diversification - preferably in ocean-related industries 

  • Experience creating investment opportunities – preferably in developing countries

  • Extensive network of economic development institutions or private sector incubators

  • Experience in facilitation, gaining buy-in and building consensus with governments and private sector institutions in developing or emerging economies 

  • Reliable, responsive, comfortable working across time zones

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in business, finance, or related field, MBA preferred

 

Personal Attributes

  • Ability to inspire, trust, lead and facilitate with strong interpersonal skills and move from ideas to outcomes

  • A superb professional and pragmatic personal presence

  • A natural leader and creative problem solver

 

Company Benefits

Unlimited Paid Time Off | Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision options | Health Savings Account | 401(k) match up to 6%

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