Overview
Join to apply for the MassBays NEP Director role at UMass Boston.
Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Partnership (MassBays) is one of 28 National Estuary Programs identified as Estuaries of National Significance under Section 320 of the Clean Water Act. Our area extends more than 1100 miles from Newburyport to Provincetown. We work with coastal municipalities, nonprofit organizations, state agencies, regional planning agencies, and the scientific community to protect and restore coastal habitats. MassBays emphasizes nimbleness in responding to opportunities and threats, and supports testing new habitat assessment and restoration approaches through the Healthy Estuaries Grant Program. MassBays operates through collaboration and, since 2023, has been based in the UMass Boston School for the Environment. The Management Committee (Board of Directors) operates under Structure and Operating Procedures that call for representation across multiple sectors related to the coastal ecosystem. MassBays relies primarily on federal funding through cooperative agreements with the U.S. EPA under CWA.
Position Summary
We seek an inspired and inspiring leader who can continue MassBays' growth by leveraging our setting in the UMass system, continuing productive partnerships with state and federal agencies, expanding MassBays' funding base, and establishing MassBays as a voice for sound coastal policies.
Responsibilities
* Direct and manage all aspects of the program's operations including fiscal management, short- and long-range planning, funds development, communications, and annual budgets and work plans.
* Supervise three direct staff and manage contracts with five Regional Service Providers; ensure Regional Coordinators, who work with MassBays Central staff, execute contracts effectively.
* Lead the development and implementation of initiatives and policies to support the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP), including water quality improvement, habitat protection and restoration, extreme weather, coastal resilience, and community engagement.
* Coordinate with the host entity (UMass Boston School for the Environment) and work closely with an EPA Region 1 Program Officer; staff the MassBays Management Committee and prepare quarterly agendas for Committee meetings.
* Develop and implement grant-funded initiatives and ensure compliance with NEP Funding Guidance and other federal guidance; prepare an annual workplan and budget integrating RSP and Central Staff activities.
* Prepare for and host five-year onsite Program Evaluations by EPA (next due June 2028).
* Maintain MassBays’ fiscal health by identifying and pursuing public and private funding and in-kind resources to support CCMP priority projects.
* Support and facilitate innovative management approaches and solutions on priority issues, including water quality, coastal habitat protection and restoration, extreme weather, coastal resilience, and community engagement.
* Cultivate partnerships to promote CCMP implementation and represent MassBays at national meetings and conferences as appropriate.
* Hire and supervise core staff; manage contracts with Regional Service Providers; and guide Regional Coordinators in contract implementation.
* Participate in 360-degree annual review by the Management Committee of the Director and host entity, and in biannual personnel reviews with the School for the Environment Dean as per SOPs.
* Maintain a mutually beneficial relationship with the School for the Environment, including opportunities to fund graduate assistants, participate in committees, and engage with University offices.
Qualifications
* At least eight to ten years of technical and organizational experience.
* Technical: Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred, in aquatic or marine sciences, coastal zone management, or environmental science/policy. Knowledge of physical oceanography, hydrology, botany, marine and estuarine ecology, aquatic chemistry, and/or laboratory analysis. Experience with water quality assessments, marine monitoring, and habitat assessment.
* Organizational management: Proven fundraising and organizational development experience; ability to lead organizations and partnerships to meet CCMP goals. Strong strategic, analytical, and communication skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Experience with budget development, federal grants management, and successful grant writing.
Application Instructions
Please apply online with your resume, cover letter, and list of three professional references.
Review of candidates will begin following the application closing date.
Salary information: Grade PSU 35 with a salary range of $100,000–$120,000, contingent upon qualifications and grant funding. The position is grant-funded with an end date of Jun 30, 2026, subject to renewal based on funding and university needs.
All official salary offers must be approved by Human Resources. UMass Boston is committed to inclusion and will provide reasonable accommodations for the hiring process upon request to HRDirect@umb.edu or 617-287-5150.
Equal Opportunity
UMass Boston is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact HRDirect@umb.edu or 617-287-5150.
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