Coral Species Survival Manager

Florida Aquarium • Full-time • Tampa, Florida • 3w ago

Position Summary

The Coral Species Survival Manager will collaborate closely with the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Species Survival Commission’s (SSC) Coral Specialist Group, The Florida Aquarium’s (TFA) Coral Conservation Program, relevant government and non-governmental organization (NGO) stakeholders, and the broader conservation community. The primary goal of this position is to coordinate the IUCN Assess-Plan-Act model, which includes assessing extinction risk, identifying conservation needs, planning effective and coordinated measures, and mobilizing action to protect coral species. This role will significantly enhance understanding of the global conservation needs of corals and will serve as a vital foundation for prioritizing conservation efforts, facilitating essential actions, and implementing policies designed to protect these species.

Essential Position Functions

Support and coordinate efforts between the Coral Species Survival Center (Center) and the SSC Network throughout the Species Conservation Cycle.
- Create and implement the Center's work plan, shared target setting, and annual reporting.
- Coordinate and manage consistent and productive meetings with stakeholders from various cultures and across different time zones.
Use globally recognized, consistent tools to systematically inform and identify species and ecosystem conservation priorities.
- Receive and deliver training, as appropriate, in the use of IUCN SSC tools. To include:
  - Complete ‘Introduction to the IUCN Red List’ online course, & pass with 75+%
  - Undertake other Assess training such as Green Status, Key Biodiversity Area Identification etc.
- Undertake, oversee &/or catalyze priority assessments, conservation plans and action mobilization in line with the Center’s work plan.
Collaborate, communicate, and plan effectively to ensure the unique skills, resources, and efforts of different stakeholders collectively deliver species recovery and protection through efficient, comprehensive, and effective efforts.
- Build and maintain quality relationships with TFA Team, the SSC Chair’s Office and Coral Specialist Group, relevant Government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to assist in identifying priority opportunities and achieving the Center’s key objectives.
- Strengthen collaboration among the wider conservation community to identify gaps, support collaboration, and maximize the relevance and impact of joint conservation activities and projects.
- Work with the IUCN SSC Conservation Planning Specialist Group (CPSG) to catalyze and facilitate priority multi-stakeholder conservation action planning using best practice tools and approaches. Including undergoing training, as appropriate to include:
  - Conservation Planning Facilitation training
  - Assess-to-Plan methodology
  - One Plan Approach and population modelling
- Gather and integrate knowledge and expertise in the creation and implementation of projects and initiatives on species-specific issues.
Support TFA, IUCN SSC’s Coral Specialist Group, Government, and other decision-makers in communicating and reporting on success in coral species conservation and the establishment and delivery of strong targets and policies for the conservation of coral species and reef ecosystems.
- Contribute to the development and review of communication as needed, including annual reporting of results to the SSC DATA Information system.
- Participate in targeted conservation campaigns for coral species requiring urgent conservation attention, mobilizing relevant experts, conducting appropriate communication and behavior change efforts.
- Support and/or implement and evaluate how the Center can engage the public on coral species conservation issues at local, national, regional, or global scales through the development of resources, including social media communications, blogs and podcasts, graphics, and other emerging communication techniques.
- Ensure that relevant strategic priorities and opportunities related to coral species conservation are appropriately communicated and integrated into TFA’s conservation strategy.
- Lead multi-stakeholder workshops and meetings, both in person and using virtual platforms (Zoom, Teams, etc.).
- Deliver various media and conference opportunities to the general public, the IUCN SSC community, and the wider conservation community.
Scale up the training, capacity, and long-term impact of coral species conservation efforts as well as ensure connections to community and human well-being.
- Identify key communities and stakeholders relevant to the Center’s work plan and establish capacity-building strategies to amplify the Center’s impact.
- Contribute to the strategic growth of the Center by helping to create or refine tools and processes for effective implementation of species conservation initiatives.
- Support the development of proposals and fundraising efforts for the Center.
Support TFA’s Shared Purpose by participating in a Community/Conservation Day of Action shift on an annual basis.
Perform other duties and/or special projects as required.

Minimum Requirements - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Minimum Bachelor's level degree in e.g., project management, conservation biology, zoology, botany, ecology, natural resources management, or related fields.
2+ years of relevant work experience.
Excellent stakeholder relationship skills. Ability to work as part of a team, confidence in interacting with experts and external partners, and ability to facilitate discussions towards shared outcomes with sensitivity to multicultural approaches.
Demonstrated experience and a good understanding of the practical aspects of biodiversity conservation actions, endangered species protections, and policy.
Demonstrated experience in project management, planning, and project implementation.
International stakeholder management experience, multilingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience.
Ability to effectively manage teams to deliver results, initiate new initiatives, and manage adaptively.
Advanced and competent user of standard word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and database software and electronic communication technology (e.g. Outlook, Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, conference calls, etc.). Working knowledge of social media and mobile apps.
Experience with administration, including data management, attention to detail and numerical skills.
Fluency in English is a requirement. Fluency in other languages is desired.

Desired Qualifications

Experienced in managing partnerships and projects across time zones.
Working knowledge of coral conservation needs, protections, and policies.
Experience in fundraising and/or demonstrated success in proposal writing is desirable.
Working knowledge of the IUCN and IUCN SSC Network (structure and stakeholders)
Self-motivated with attention to detail.
Ability to multitask, handle high-pressure situations, and meet tight deadlines.
Demonstrated effective interpersonal and organizational skills.
Demonstrable experience in scientific and public engagement.
A commitment to the worldwide role of accredited aquariums, zoos, and botanic gardens.
Excellent written and oral communication, presentation, diplomacy and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work well in a global team to problem solve, self-manage and problem-solve.
An eagerness to expand personal knowledge-base and adapt to new challenges
Ability to travel and to work flexible hours, particularly when managing meetings across time zones.
A basic understanding of Global Information Systems (e.g., ArcMap, QGIS), or a willingness to learn these skills within 6 months of hire.

Competencies

Stakeholder Service Orientation — Listening to and understanding stakeholders (both internal and external) and anticipating and evaluating stakeholder needs; making stakeholder satisfaction a high priority in all areas of responsibility.
Interpersonal Skills/Teamwork – Works collaboratively within a team and across countries for the Center’s success. Demonstrates a positive attitude and initiative, seeks to understand before being understood. Fosters a positive, supportive, and encouraging work environment. Demonstrates respect for other’s opinions and cultures, trusts in their abilities, and recognizes their contributions.
Professional/Technical Knowledge – Remains current on developments in the field within and outside the organization; maintains proficiencies.
Customer Service Orientation — Listening and understanding the customer (both internal and external) and anticipating and evaluating the customer’s needs; making the customer’s satisfaction a high priority in all areas of responsibility.
Planning and Organizing — Utilizing advanced project management skills to establishing a course of action with specific long-range goals for the Center; setting priorities, identifying funding opportunities, and collaborating with stakeholders efficiently and effectively; using adaptive management strategies to develop and implement contingency plans as needed.
Judgment — Deciding on and committing to an action on the examination of the facts at hand; finding creative solutions to situations and opportunities that arise; taking strategic risks when necessary.
Concern for Detail — Pays attention to every portion of any task, down to the smallest item
Communication (oral and written) — Effectively expressing ideas verbally and non-verbally and actively listening to individuals and groups; preparing and focusing presentations to the characteristics and needs of the audience; expressing ideas clearly and concisely in written form, through memoranda, letters, reports, and other documents.
Information Gathering and Monitoring — Effectively collects relevant data using questioning or research techniques to monitor and manage projects and people

Typical Physical Requirements

Extensive communications with stakeholders at different times throughout the 24-hour day via digital platforms such as Teams and Zoom.
Ability to travel (car, boat, plane, truck) as needed — locally, nationally, and/or internationally
Flexibility in working varied days, including weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed
Sitting (up to 2 to 8 hours per day)
Standing (up to 8 hours per day)
Walking (up to 3 hours per day)
Bending/Stooping, Squatting, Kneeling — Occasionally
Climbing stairs — Occasionally
Reaching above shoulders — Occasionally
Pushing/Pulling, Carrying, Lifting (up to 50 lbs.) — Occasionally
Exposure to marked changes in temperature and humidity
Excellent vision for proofing and detail work
Coping with demands (stresses that are associated with the job and/or the work environment) so that acceptable levels of performance and overall contribution are maintained