Science & Policy Director

Job Announcement 

SCIENCE & POLICY DIRECTOR 

Overview: 

Heal the Bay is one of the most recognized environmental nonprofit groups in LA for a reason: we have been keeping Southern California's coastal waters and watersheds safe, healthy, and clean for people and marine life since 1985. Using science, advocacy, education and community action, we raise awareness and make progress with practical solutions to often complex problems. Heal the Bay conducts its work under four pillars; public health, climate change, biodiversity, and equity and environmental justice. We are best known for our advocacy for strong water quality regulations that protect the health of both humans and the wildlife that call local creeks, rivers, and Santa Monica Bay home. In addition to our science and policy work, Heal the Bay hosts hundreds of beach cleanups and operates the Bay Aquarium at the Santa Monica Pier, inspiring visitors to become stewards for the region’s most important natural resource: clean water. We also educate and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards, with more than 10,000 students joining us each year for school field trips, science-based classroom presentations, and events. Learn more about us at www.healthebay.org/our-impact.  

Position Summary:  

The Science & Policy Director is a key leadership role at Heal the Bay, responsible for advancing our mission of making coastal waters and watersheds in Greater Los Angeles safe, healthy, and clean. 

Reporting to the CEO, the Director manages a team of scientists and policy experts to drive strategic goals, with a focus on inland and coastal water quality, biodiversity, climate change and environmental justice. Specifically, Heal the Bay’s current strategic science and policy priorities include:  

• Climate Disaster Response - Leading regional efforts to protect public and marine health from contamination from the January megafires
• Safe to Swim - Reducing bacteria and other pollution from reaching coastal waters by advocating for stormwater capture and serving as the watchdog for water quality regulations and NPDES permits. 
• Protecting Biodiversity - Reducing single-use plastic production and use through local and state policy and accelerating the transition to reusable wares. 
• Coastal Resilience – Ensuring the coast and coastal waters can survive and thrive in the face of climate threats such as sea level rise, ocean acidification, and climate disasters. 

Key responsibilities include working with the CEO to develop the overall strategic vision for achieving Heal the Bay’s science and policy goals. Independently, the Director is responsible for developing advocacy campaigns, overseeing research and regulatory analyses, and representing Heal the Bay in public forums. The Director also manages relationships with policymakers in Los Angeles and collaborates with external partners.  

Candidates should have a strong background in environmental policy and science, with expertise in one or more of the following areas: water quality, ocean and coastal policy, climate change and its impacts on Los Angeles’ coastline, and environmental justice. The ideal candidate will have at least five years of experience leading a team. 

Heal the Bay offers a dynamic, mission-driven environment where science, education, community action, and advocacy are at the core of our work. 

Roles and Responsibilities: 

• Lead science, policy, and advocacy efforts on water quality and coastal resources, integrating solutions for biodiversity, climate resilience, and environmental justice in alignment with Heal the Bay’s strategic goals.
  • Cultivate and maintain partnerships with government agencies, decision-makers, advocacy groups, and environmental stakeholders, with a focus on promoting equitable policies.
  • Track and analyze policies, regulations, and legislation at regional and state levels.
  • Develop, review, and provide feedback on scientific, technical, and regulatory documents.
  • Develop and lead campaigns to pass legislation and regulations and implement programs that help Heal the Bay achieve our mission.

• Collaborate with department directors on inter-departmental projects that integrate, and Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity (JEDI) principles into Heal the Bay’s overall strategy.
• Oversee grants and budgets, contributing to fundraising efforts.
• Engage Heal the Bay’s Board of Directors, providing updates on science and policy issues and offering guidance on policy decisions that align with the organization's mission.
• Manage department staff; lead, mentor, and develop a team of scientists and policy experts, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

Experience and Skills Required: 

• Deep commitment to Heal the Bay’s mission and the protection of environmental health in Southern California.
• Extensive experience in environmental science, policy, or law, with 5+ years in environmental policy, water management, coastal/ocean management, or related fields.
• Relationships with policymakers in Los Angeles and Sacramento.
• Advanced degree preferred, demonstrating expertise in environmental disciplines.
• Comprehensive knowledge of California water issues, including legal, policy, and technical aspects of stormwater management, ocean/coastal issues, and environmental justice.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire staff, volunteers, and partners in advancing Heal the Bay’s policy and scientific initiatives.
• Commitment to promoting equity and inclusion within the organization and the broader environmental community.
• Proven ability to thrive under pressure, managing multiple projects while meeting tight deadlines.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and project management skills, coupled with strong problem-solving and communication abilities.
• Willingness to work beyond regular hours, including occasional weekends, to meet the needs of the organization.
• Proficient in basic software, including Microsoft Office Suite, project management tools, and ability to learn other software systems as needed.

Application Information: 

This is a full-time, salaried position with health, dental, vision and vacation benefits. Participation in weekend and evening events and regional and statewide travel are needed.