ingful initiatives that dive deep on critical challenges to create measurable benefit for the ocean by catalyzing innovation, creativity, sustainable change, and radical collaboration. We are seeking a Program Coordinator to support our diverse work fostering the growth of new solutions that help address our plastic pollution crisis.

This role will support two key programs:

  • NextWave Plastics, a consortium of multinational companies working to rapidly decrease the volume of plastic litter entering the ocean by developing the first global network of ocean-bound plastic supply chains. The Program Coordinator will provide ongoing program management, event planning and facilitation support,  conduct research and analysis to  maintain a deep understanding of the ocean-bound plastics industry, and develop communications that effectively articulate the work of NextWave Plastics and its member companies.

  • The Tom Ford Plastic Innovation Prize, a two year innovation competition, followed by a three year market accelerator for finalists, designed to incentivize the development and adoption of alternatives to thin-film plastic. The Program Coordinator will support the prize in communicating with external stakeholders (including major brands, scientific experts, entrepreneurs, and investors), conducting basic research and landscape analyses, managing work with internal team members and external consultants around prize marketing and communications, and supporting effective project management.

This is a full time position based virtually that will work across geographically diverse teams.

Responsibilities

  • Program Coordination (75%):

    • Provide overall project management support, including project planning, maintaining internal systems (Asana, Google Drive, Salesforce, Tableau, etc.), and coordinating and/or managing workstreams and activities with internal and external stakeholders.

    • Plan and execute high-level meetings and events with NextWave Plastics members and Plastic Innovation Prize stakeholders.

    • Coordinate and/or contribute to content development and communicate needs to internal stakeholders and external marketing partners / channels for program websites, social media channels, etc.

    • Provide administrative, logistical and programmatic support for NextWave Plastics and the Tom Ford Plastic Innovation Prize in coordination with the Program Directors.

    • Work directly with the innovators and entrepreneurs participating in the Plastic Innovation Prize, serving as a key resource facilitating their ongoing participation in the prize.

    • Develop and/or maintain NextWave Plastics member resources and materials including templates, presentations, databases and tools.

    Research & Analysis (25%):

    • Perform ongoing research and analysis on topics related to plastic material innovation and corporate sustainability, including ocean-bound plastic and marine litter initiatives and opportunities.

    • Conduct landscape analyses, policy review, due diligence, and special topic research as needed to support effective execution of Lonely Whale programs and campaigns.

    • Summarize findings in accessible, member- and/or externally-facing reports and presentations.


Qualifications

  • Superb verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to write, edit, and communicate complex ideas effectively.

  • Strong project management skills including; the ability to manage competing priorities and multiple tasks, exhibit flexibility, and always deliver on or before deadlines.

  • Exceptional analytical, research and problem-solving skills, as well as proficiency in analyzing and presenting research and data effectively to inform decision-making.

  • Comfort presenting in front of large groups and interacting with professionals at all levels with ease, including Lonely Whale staff, NextWave Plastics member company representatives, and partner and peer organizations and entities.

  • A strong growth mindset, with a desire to learn, ask questions, and continuously improve, bringing an inquisitive and curious nature while being energized by gaining and processing new, interesting and useful information.

  • Passionate about reducing the impact of plastic waste on the ocean and the opportunity for product innovation, major brands and corporations, and the broader public to be part of the solution.

  • Knowledge of corporate social responsibility, sustainability, marine plastic pollution and the global recycling and waste management industry are a plus.

  • Experience using Tableau or similar data dashboards (preferred but not required).

Education and Work Experience

This position requires a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 3-5 years of work experience, with educational or professional background in environmental science, corporate sustainability, communications, or other relevant fields. Master’s degree preferred.

Physical and Other Requirements

  • Office Environment: Constant computer work requiring repetitive motion, prolonged sitting and sustained visual/mental demands. Occasional lifting, bending, pulling, collating, and filing, some of which may be heavy (>15 lbs.) and require use of carts.

  • Travel Environment: Occasional short, medium, and/or long-distance travel (up to 15% of time) which may require walking distances, lifting and carrying luggage and boxes (>25 lbs.) or prolonged periods of sitting in tight quarters.

  • Ability to occasionally work after hours and on weekends, and operate an automobile.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Lonely Whale maintains a strong policy of equal opportunity in employment. It is our objective to recruit, hire, and retain the most qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Our equal employment philosophy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, compensation, benefits, training, promotions, transfers, job benefits, and terminations.

To apply, send resume and cover letter to careers@lonelywhale.org with subject line- Program Coordinator.