About Monterey Bay Aquarium
With a mission to inspire conservation of the ocean, the Monterey Bay Aquarium (the Aquarium) is the most admired aquarium in the United States, a leader in science education, and a voice for ocean conservation through comprehensive programs in marine science and public policy. Everything we do works in concert to protect the future of our blue planet.
Founded in 1984, the Aquarium is known for our focus on local and global research and conservation efforts, excellence in exhibits and educational programs, and animal husbandry techniques. Frolicking sea otters, fast-swimming sharks, pulsating jellies and waddling penguins – the Aquarium’s world-class exhibits and breathtaking scenery instill a love of the ocean in our visitors. With nearly 2 million visitors a year and over 200 exhibits and 80,000 plants and animals, the Aquarium is a window to the wonders of the ocean.
Scientists at the Aquarium are rebuilding sea otter populations, transforming fisheries and aquaculture around the world, and working to protect California’s ocean. Our policy experts are moving the needle on legislation to address climate change and end plastic pollution. The Aquarium’s Seafood Watch team is shifting the global marketplace to make seafood more sustainable.
Education is a top priority at the Aquarium. Since 1984, more than 2.5 million students have visited for free. Our life-changing teacher and youth development programs are helping young people find their voices as ocean conservation leaders and will ensure a healthy future for the ocean.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium has taken a strong, public stance and made a significant investment in promoting diverse voices in ocean science and conservation. For too long, Black people, Indigenous people, and people of color, as well as LGBTQIA+ people, have been underrepresented in marine science and conservation fields.
Learn more about Monterey Bay Aquarium at https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/.
The Opportunity
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is seeking a creative and strategic professional for this inaugural role to lead the development and execution of strategic partnerships that elevate the Aquarium’s brand, generate revenue, amplify conservation efforts, and deepen engagement with local communities. This person will be responsible for establishing and managing relationships with mission-aligned organizations, from mass-market brands to niche partners. As well as uplifting and strengthening relationships within our local community. They will be a key strategic advisor, overseeing co-branded partnerships, sponsorships, product licensing, and popular culture integration, ensuring alignment with the Aquarium’s values and goals. They will also serve as a strategic partner to teams in building relationships with mission-aligned organizations, industry leaders, influencers, and community groups. This role will guide a senior team of partnerships professionals, fostering collaboration, growth, and high performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and execution of high-impact, mission-aligned partnerships that drive brand awareness, revenue growth, and further the Aquarium’s conservation efforts across diverse audiences.
- Lead the ideation and execution of high-visibility partnerships, including co-branded initiatives, sponsorships, product licensing, and entertainment and popular culture integrations.
- Cultivate strategic partnerships with major corporations, entertainment industry leaders, influencers, and community organizations, ensuring alignment with the Aquarium’s mission and values.
- Design and implement strategies to uplift and engage the local community and support community-led efforts.
- Lead strategic negotiations with key external stakeholders and oversee contracts, ensuring favorable terms and long-term value for the Aquarium.
- Lead the team in executing daily work plans and managing workflow. Oversee project priorities and ensure alignment with strategic partnerships goals. Facilitate team access to necessary resources and support.
- Develop and oversee the annual strategic partnerships plan, budgets, and resource allocation to align initiatives with organizational goals, ensuring efficient use of resources, measurable impact, and ongoing team development.
- Conduct regular performance assessments and provide constructive feedback. Mentor and coach team members, guiding their professional growth and supporting career development.
- Develop and enforce policies to protect the brand’s integrity, including clear guidelines for external vendors, agencies, and collaborators, ensuring that all strategic partnerships adhere to the Aquarium’s brand values, institutional standards, and legal requirements.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will have the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics:
- BA/BS in marketing, business, communications, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
- Minimum of nine to twelve years of professional experience, including strategic partnerships, brand activations, sponsorships, or related fields.
- Minimum of four years of supervisory experience, with a demonstrated ability to lead and mentor diverse teams.
- Proven success in managing external agencies, vendors, and partners to deliver high-value strategic partnership outcomes.
- Demonstrated leadership skills in inspiring and driving staff towards shared goals while fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment.
- Exceptional analytical skills, with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
- Experience connecting strategic partnerships with broader consumer, cultural, and business trends to achieve increased revenue and mission impact.
- Ability to independently make sound business decisions aligned with the institutional strategic plan and effectively communicate them to diverse audiences, including executive leadership.
- Ability to work within and uphold Monterey Bay Aquarium’s core values.
- Demonstrated commitment to Monterey Bay Aquarium’s leadership competencies, including equity, collaboration, and innovation.
- Nonprofit experience preferred, with a deep understanding of mission-driven organizational dynamics.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $140,000 - $180,000 with a generous benefits package. The exact salary that will be offered to the Director of Strategic Partnerships will be determined based on a consideration of the successful candidate’s skills, experience, and aligned with Monterey Bay Aquarium’s compensation policies.
Contact
Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group has been exclusively retained for this engagement, which is being led by Erin Reedy and Shannon O’Neill. Submit a compelling cover letter and resume by filling out our Talent Profile. All inquiries are strictly confidential.
Monterey Bay Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.