Job Description

Economic Development Manager

Location: La Jolla, CA

Hours: Full time (with some nights and weekends)

Compensation: Commensurate with experience

The Waitt Institute is a team of international experts working around the globe to protect the world’s oceans and support coastal communities. The Institute works with committed governments to create sustainable ocean plans to help improve local livelihoods and economies while safeguarding marine life and ecosystems. The Waitt Institute’s Blue Economy (BE) team aims to facilitate development of economic and financing opportunities that support sustainable marine management and conservation, and provide benefits for local communities, governments and private sector actors. To implement its mission, the BE team is seeking a Blue Economy Development manager. Within the BE team’s matrix structure, this individual will provide technical expertise and leadership in economic development and investment, as well as programmatic management and coordination. 

The Economic Development Manager reports to the Blue Economy Director and works across the Waitt Institute’s portfolio of programs to achieve ocean protection and sustainable ocean policies. This position will work closely with internal teams as well as external partners, consultants, academia, and government partners. The position may involve significant international travel. 

 

Responsibilities and Tasks 

• In support of program strategies, lead or support the identification and implementation of economic and business opportunities to drive sustainable development, prioritizing revenue creation, job creation, economic diversification and other benefits to key stakeholders such as communities and governments. 

Supporting tasks

• Lead, support, and/or coordinate analyses of blue economic development projects and investments, including engagement with third-party specialists as needed to help identify and/or assess blue economic development options
• Articulate benefit flows related to various blue economy development options including financial flows, jobs, and potential conservation/management benefits
• Identify possible roles for the Waitt Institute to play in supporting implementation/development of priority economic and financing opportunities and projects
• Build network of potential partners that can support implementation of economic development opportunities
• Engage potential partners as needed to unlock economic development opportunities

Program management

Key task

• Managing the Blue Economy Team’s engagement in one or more portfolio programs (partner countries)

Supporting tasks

• Working closely with Waitt Institute program leads, local program leads, and other partners, to develop, coordinate and implement project strategies and work streams
• Developing strategic objectives to meet overall BE team program goals, in collaboration with program partners and Waitt Institute leadership and program leads
• Developing program work plans and budgets in coordination with program managers and Waitt Institute management

Other tasks

• General work planning and strategy development
• Supporting the assessment of costs and funding for marine management and conservation
• Liaising with partners to implement complementary strategies to support blue economy and finance initiatives

Professional Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in private sector, economic and/or community development and program management, potentially including sustainable venture development and analysis
• A master’s degree in development economics, environmental economics, business, or a related field with a focus on sustainable economic development
• Experience and track record of success in international, rural and/or community development
• Experience working in culturally diverse situations and a middle- or low-income context 

Personal Attributes

• Strategic, thoughtful, highly organized, and detail-oriented
• Reliable, responsive, and comfortable working across time zones
• Excellent communication skills, including strong presentation skills
• Ability to advocate thoughtfully and effectively on sensitive issues
• Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently in a team environment with tight deadlines
• Ability to creatively solve problems while managing expectations
• Ability to execute projects on budget
• Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize competing tasks
• Culturally competent and able to execute projects in different cultural contexts

Company Benefits

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

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