General Purpose:
The Director of Animal Rescue is responsible for managing and providing oversight and strategic direction to the Aquarium's Animal Rescue Program and partnerships. Directs planning, budgeting, implementation, and evaluation of Animal Rescue programs. Responsible for oversight of Animal Rescue staff and associated program activities, including live animal care, rehabilitation, and triage (multiple sites), stranding and incident response, stranding research, and outreach & education. Responsible for developing Animal Rescue's strategic direction in concert with internal/external partners and aligning with the National Aquarium's strategic priorities; assists with the development and implementation of science-based conservation initiatives for marine mammals and sea turtles. Represents the National Aquarium to state and federal agencies, the public, and partner conservation programs.
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1. Supports the strategic development and growth of Animal Rescue, Animal Care and Welfare, and the National Aquarium through effective communication and collaboration.
a. Supports the strategic development of Animal Rescue, including developing and evaluating priorities for growth and opportunities to increase program impact and effectiveness; ensure that the strategic direction of projects is in line with NA objectives and business plans.
b. Provides development and technical resources for all institutional projects (educational programs, exhibits, facility upgrades, etc) relating to Animal Rescue and ensures environmental, animal care, and quarantine needs are met.
c. Responsible for being a leader within Animal Care and Welfare to support strategic direction, growth, and division goals/projects; represents ACW and Animal Rescue for organizational projects/initiatives.
d. Prepares and distributes necessary internal written reports, memos and other inter-departmental correspondence. Evaluates effectiveness of techniques and identifies opportunities to enhance communication with other departments.
2. Enhances collaboration with internal and external (federal, state, regional, etc) stakeholders to develop, implement, and evaluate projects that advance the conservation of identified regional populations, species, communities, or systems; supports science-based conservation and policy initiatives.
a. Works with pertinent internal departments (External Affairs, Conservation, etc) to fulfill National Aquarium strategies related to marine mammal and sea turtle conservation.
b. Maintains knowledge of regional and national issues relating to marine mammal and marine turtle conservation, natural/manmade disasters, stranding response/rehab, and unusual mortality events.
c. Facilitate the creation of formal and informal collaborations with other groups and institutions to advance mutual conservation goals, including multi-institutional relationships/partnerships.
3. Responsible for fiscal management of the annual operating budget for Animal Rescue and developing and implementing fundraising efforts.
a. Lead fundraising efforts, in conjunction with Development department, to support annual operating budget, including writing grant proposals and reports and building relationships with funders.
b. Supports Animal Rescue section staff in expanding competitive grant programs and strengthening scientific productivity.
4. Maintains direct liaison relationship with pertinent governmental agencies, regional, and national stranding networks.
a. Collaborate with federal, state (MD Department of Natural Resources) and local municipalities in all matters relating to National Aquarium Animal Rescue activities.
b. Monitors our compliance with regards to government and professional guidelines/standards and verifies that NAI is operating within all mandates/regulations with regards to stranding/rehab activities, and live animal care.
c. Ensures timely reporting on government and non-government contracts, cooperative agreements, MOUs' and mutual aid. Oversees application/renewals of government permits relative to operation of department.
d. Serves as Aquarium representative to professional associations, societies, institutions and various committees. Represent National Aquarium at regional/national conferences.
5. Oversee operations of all program activities within Animal Rescue.
a. Live animal care, rehabilitation, and triage (multiple sites)
i. Oversee all aspects of the care and welfare of live animals undergoing rehabilitation and triage; direct major capital projects relating to Animal Rescue, as necessary.
b. Stranding and incident response
i. Oversee the regional preparedness and response to stranded animals in the field, and response to and management of events of national significance.
c. Stranding research
i. Oversee the management and analysis of stranding and rehab data/records, and field and on-site research that support the programmatic and conservation initiatives.
d. Outreach and education.
i. Direct all aspects of Animal Rescue outreach and education programs to ensure strong conservation and engagement outcomes, planning, implementation and evaluation
e. Manages staff in the department; establishes clear goals and standards for staff performance and systems of accountability. Recruit, retain and oversee the supervision of qualified staff, volunteers, and interns.
f. Responsible for the continuity of operations for all Animal Rescue programs, including coverage of Stranding Hotline and animal husbandry duties as needed.
6. Adheres to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures
7. Complies with NAI's environmental objectives and goals by contributing to internal conservation initiatives. Participates in one conservation event per year.
8. Other duties as assigned or required.
Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements:
Required:
• Master's degree in marine science, conservation biology, or related field, or equivalent professional experience
• 10 years related progressive experience.
• At least 5 years' experience in program administration, including personnel and budget management, short and long-term goal setting, program development and evaluation.
• Employees assigned to this position must possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator's license, have an acceptable driving record, and possess the ability to drive a variety of vehicles.
Preferred:
• PhD in marine science, conservation biology, or related field preferred
• 24-hr HAZWOPER certification
Competencies:
The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in leadership, volunteer management, and familiarity with nonprofit organizations, governance, and fundraising. Excellent interpersonal and communications skills, including writing, editing, and the ability to work sensitively and productively with a diverse team. Demonstrated capacity to enthusiastically communicate and execute a progressive science vision that advances the Aquarium's long-term goals. Thorough understanding of marine mammal and sea turtle health, conservation issues, and relevant science. Outstanding oral and written communication skills with ability to convey science to the public in a compelling fashion. Excellent leadership skills, with demonstrated ability to create and lead motivated and effective teams as well as work with colleagues in a team-oriented environment. Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to work effectively with a very diverse audience, including but not limited to Aquarium staff and volunteers, guests, members of the public at large, Aquarium and academic colleagues, donors, and board members. Experience and comfort speaking to the news media. Experience writing grant proposals and successfully competing for public and/or private research funding.