Director of Student and Educator Programs, OceanX Education

Director of Student and Educator Programs, OceanX Education

About OceanX

OceanX is a nonprofit working to unlock the ocean’s sustainable potential. Through a dual focus on science and education, we’re building a new paradigm where humanity and the ocean mutually thrive. Our approach is fueled by exploration, leveraging advanced research, multimedia educational programs, cross-sector partnerships, and advanced technology to help transform how people understand and value the ocean. Our work strives to fortify biodiversity and increase the sustainable use of ocean resources to help ensure the ocean remains a foundation for human wellbeing and potential. OceanX is a nonprofit operating program of Dalio Philanthropies.

Position Summary

OceanX Education is seeking an experienced Director of Student and Educator Programs to lead its on-ship programs and initiatives for both educators and students. This role is responsible for the design, implementation, oversight, and evaluation of new and existing educational programs and initiatives, including the Young Explorers Program, and new residencies and fellowships onboard the OceanXplorer. The Director of Student and Educator Programs will lead strategic planning and implementation for this programming. They will also closely collaborate with various stakeholders to enhance educational outcomes and ensure program alignment with organizational goals.

Duties and Responsibilities

Program Development and Management:

• Design and implement novel and existing educational programs for both educators and students, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and educational standards.

• Work closely with other OceanX and OceanX Education teams to ensure on-ship educational programming leverages other work throughout the organization, including OceanX missions and projects in marine science, media, public programming, and digital programming.

• Oversee the development and delivery of cutting-edge science and media curricula and skills training for university undergraduate and graduate students for use during the Young Explorers Program and other experiential programs, including hands-on learning experiences.

• Oversee the development and execution of new multi-disciplinary residencies and fellowships in science, media, and art.

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of these programs, including scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation.

• Evaluate program effectiveness through assessments, feedback, and data analysis, making necessary adjustments to improve outcomes.
  

Strategic Planning:

• Work with OceanX Education APAC Regional Director to develop long-term strategies for educator and student programs, including setting goals, defining key performance indicators, and measuring success.

• Collaborate with senior leadership to integrate program strategies with overall organizational goals and initiatives.
  

Team Leadership:

• Lead and manage a team of program coordinators and support staff, including hiring, training, and performance evaluations.

• Foster a collaborative and supportive team environment to achieve program objectives.
  

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build and maintain strong partnerships with local governments, educators, student groups, school administrators, and community partners to help integrate OceanX Education programming into local environments and ensure maximum impact.

• Represent the organization at conferences, workshops, and other events to promote programs and establish partnerships.
  

Resource Development:

• Work with the OceanX partnerships team to identify and pursue funding opportunities, including the preparation of grant proposals to support program initiatives.

• Manage program budgets and ensure efficient use of resources.
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in education, communications, marketing, environmental science, marine biology, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).

• Proven experience (8+ years) in educational program management, teaching, and/or nonprofit management.

• Entrepreneurial experience, either developing programs or courses from a ground-up approach.

• Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a team.

• Excellent communication skills, including writing, public speaking, and presentation abilities.

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including donors, partners, volunteers, and the media.

• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans, programs, and measurable impact outcomes related to student and educator learning.

• Commitment to environmental conservation and education.

• Willingness and ability to travel up to 30% locally and internationally to support programs and activations, both on and off the vessel.

• Flexibility to work outside standard hours, including evenings or weekends, to accommodate meetings with US-based stakeholders and attend events.
  

Personal Attributes

• Highly independent, self-starter

• Ability to think strategically but with a strong operational lens, problem solving to make innovative ideas come to fruition

• Comfortable with ambiguity, and the ability to shape programs and partnerships in a variety of ways, navigating that ambiguity

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Machine-like approach to design and planning

• Determined, resourceful and practical

• Strong work ethic

• Low ego and team-player

• Maintains high standards and is results oriented

• Operates with high level of discretion and ethics
  

EA Licence 15C7529

EA Personnel R1985185