The Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell) seeks a strategic and visionary leader to serve as its next Chief Operating Officer (COO). Woodwell is a non-profit climate science research center internationally recognized as a leading authority in shaping climate policy and pioneering innovative research collaborations across the globe. The center is home to renowned scientific minds leading the charge for transformative research and the translation of knowledge into meaningful action. As Woodwell increases its reach and impact, the next COO will be a transformational leader, driving operational excellence across a rapidly growing organization.
Founded in 1985 by ecologist Dr. George Woodwell, the center has grown into a leading nonprofit focused on climate science and policy. Part of the Woods Hole scientific community in Massachusetts, it bridges research and actionable solutions. Over time, it expanded globally, conducting work in ecosystems like the Arctic, Amazon, and Congo Basin. Renamed in 2020 to honor its founder, Woodwell partners with over 20 countries, governments, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to advance science-based strategies for a sustainable, equitable future.
Woodwell has been in a phase of rapid expansion in both its staff and operations to meet the increased challenges of the climate crisis. The organization is in the early phase of implementing a new scientific impact framework, including an organizational restructuring of its senior leadership team, to position the COO to lead Woodwell’s strategic business decisions and manage the day-to-day operations of the center. The COO will ensure accountability across teams and collaborate with leadership on exploring new high-impact opportunities. Reporting to the President & CEO, the incoming COO will be instrumental in the effort to scale operations, diversify revenue streams, and strengthen Woodwell’s reputation as a leader in climate research and policy impact.
The outstanding candidate will have a proven track record in driving strategic planning and change management, translating vision to operational reality, ensuring operational excellence and oversight, and demonstrated experience in exercising financial leadership, and expanding new revenue streams. They will have excellent communication skills with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders and partners, and they will bring a passion for environmental issues, and an appreciation for scientific research and mission-driven organizations.
Work Environment
The functions of this role are conducted indoors
Hours Of Work
- This role is paid on a salary basis.
- Typically, full-time employees work 40 hours during a Monday through Friday workweek. However, this is a salaried position. Therefore, the individual is expected to work as required to complete the duties of the position. This may mean weekend hours and/or hours beyond 40 per week.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
EEO Statement
Woodwell Climate is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, mental, or physical disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, familial status, veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. Woodwell is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for all individuals in employment practices, services, programs, and activities. Our commitment to equal employment opportunities shall include employment, upgrading, promotion, demotion, transfer, leaves or other absences from work, layoff, compensation and benefits, selection for training or other education, professional opportunities and conflict resolution.
