The Associate Vice President of Content, Learning, and Engagement (AVP) provides strategic leadership to advance the mission of the Aquarium through unified content development and delivery; public and community engagement; learning-based programs; and well-aligned learning and engagement partnerships, grounded in data-based decision making.
The AVP is responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and evaluation of innovative, outcomes-based, and dynamic learning and community-focused programs for diverse audiences onsite and offsite, ensuring meaningful experiences and clear messaging. The AVP works collaboratively with other Aquarium leaders to advance division goals and support the organization's ongoing integration across conservation science, conservation action, and sustainable practices. The AVP contributes to organizational visioning and strategic planning; participates in donor cultivation and stewardship; informs and provides useful content for marketing; and engages with the Board, as appropriate, on topics relevant to the Aquarium's conservation learning, interpretation, and engagement work.
This is a full-time regular position offering a comprehensive benefits package. The schedule will be Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm with the option for a hybrid schedule, working some days on-site and some days remotely. Remote days are only available for residents of MA, RI, NH, ME, NY and VT. This position will require occasional travel for professional conferences, meetings, and activities.
Essential Functions
Division Leadership
- Oversee the development and delivery of impactful content in a unified way through onsite and offsite learning-based programs, guest and community engagement and experiences, and external outreach, ensuring alignment with organizational mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities.
- Oversee implementation of a community engagement strategy, including the need to maintain community relationships, provide culturally relevant programming, and bolster Aquarium-wide representation at community events.
- Oversee the development and management of the Division's labor and non-labor budget.
- Directly supervise the Division's leadership team; oversee hiring across the Division, and ensure staff participate in professional growth opportunities.
- Oversee development and monitor progress of Division goals to ensure they are achievable, well-managed, and aligned with the organization's strategic priorities.
- Oversee core business of the Division to ensure daily operations are efficient, decisions are transparent, and expectations are clear.
- Oversee impact evaluation to measure and interpret outcomes, program goals, efficacy, and objectives.
- Serve as primary Division contact for a small union bargaining unit negotiations, working closely with unit lead(s) and Talent & Culture.
- Create an atmosphere of teamwork, integrity, accountability, and trust among Division staff toward maintaining high morale; ensuring clear understanding of and value to organizational mission; fostering creativity and adaptability; and contributing to a positive organizational culture.
Collaboration and Representation
- Work closely with colleagues across divisions/departments to improve learning, engagement, guest experiences, and content development and delivery across the institution and its platforms to help ensure coordinated messaging, evolving content, meaningful interactions, and deeper relationships.
- Cultivate strategic relationships with education, academic, non-profit, and community-based professionals and organizations to enhance the Aquarium's conservation work, bolster the Aquarium's reputation, and connect diverse communities with the Aquarium and its mission.
- Represent the Aquarium on relevant local boards, councils, or working groups and at relevant meetings, conferences, and events
- Engage with Trustees and Ambassadors, as appropriate, to ensure their understanding and awareness of the Division's work and impact.
Revenue Support
- Contribute to the financial health of the organization through innovation and collaboration on mission-driven earned and contributed revenue streams, including by identifying new opportunities that generate revenue and broaden impact of the Division and the institution.
- Directly support fundraising by working with Development, Conservation Policy, and other relevant departments on developing proposals (government and non-government), cultivating prospects, and building relationships with funders.
Qualifications
Minimum Training and Experience
- Master's degree in environmental education, social science, science communication, museum studies or another related field required.
- 10-12 years of related experience.
- Demonstrated success leading complex, cross-functional teams with multiple workstreams, driving strategic priorities, aligning stakeholders, and delivering measurable results.
- Experience with project management, strategic planning, and results-oriented program execution, preferably related to conservation, education, interpretation, and/or community engagement programs
- Experience with program evaluation, data analysis, communicating program impacts, and/or making data-driven decisions
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
- Ability to build and maintain strong relationships, collaborate across an interdisciplinary organization, and interact with senior leaders, board members, and donors
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including proficiency with public speaking, presentations, and media interviews
- Understanding of local government and community dynamics, including pressing issues like coastal resilience
- Ability to work independently and demonstrate creativity, flexibility, and initiative
- Proficiency with MS Office Suite
- A genuine interest in and passion for the ocean conservation mission of the Aquarium
For more information and to apply online please visit: http://neaq.applicantpro.com/jobs/
The New England Aquarium is committed to an inclusive workplace culture and is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, as defined by the EEOC. Here, we foster a culture of respect and inclusion. We strive to engage and inspire a broad audience with our efforts to protect the blue planet. We believe that an inclusive workforce provides diverse experiences, skills, and perspectives that enrich our programs, strengthen problem-solving, add creativity, and enhance our workplace culture.
