Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter as one document to [email protected] with “Program Operations” in the subject line.
Position Description
The Associate Director of Program Operations ensures that CORAL’s strategies are delivered effectively and consistently across its network of regional hubs. This senior role provides operational leadership to make sure field programs are well-managed, properly resourced, and achieving measurable conservation results.
The Associate Director of Program Operations is a strategic, culturally adept and systems-oriented leader who will manage and support a seasoned team of conservation experts in the operations of multiple program sites and hubs, ensuring alignment with CORAL’s values, global strategy and operational standards. Working between strategy and implementation, the Associate Director supports the growth and performance of multiple hubs. Collaborating with Regional Program Directors and cross-departmental teams, this role aligns operations with CORAL’s Values, Theory of Change, and Strategic Plan. The Associate Director promotes effective program delivery, sound financial management, and risk control while encouraging collaboration and shared decision-making across teams.
This position is ideal for an experienced conservation or nonprofit operations leader with international experience. It also helps evolve CORAL’s hub-based model to ensure consistency, innovation, and scalable impact.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
Program Delivery and Operations (70%)
- Oversight of implementation of conservation programs across CORAL hubs, ensuring alignment with goals and standards.
- Manage and mentor 3–5 Regional Program Directors to deliver on plans, budgets, and reporting.
- Promote consistency in systems, processes, and compliance across all hubs.
- Provide operational guidance and co-manage hub consultants to improve efficiency.
- Lead coordination meetings to share learning, solve problems, and strengthen accountability.
- Lead metrics reporting and data collection to support adaptive management and planning.
Strategy and Collaboration (20%)
- Partner with senior leaders to operationalize new initiatives and evidence-based learning.
- Translate strategic and scientific findings into actionable plans and budgets.
- Align regional operations with global priorities and staffing plans.
- Support the scaling of successful pilot models across hubs.
Systems and Risk Management (10%)
- Strengthen systems for program planning, delivery, and evaluation.
- Oversight of risk management, compliance, and donor reporting.
- Improve program management tools and workflows for efficiency and growth.
Core Competencies & Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Advanced degree in environmental management, conservation, or related field, or equivalent experience.
- At least 10 years of progressive experience in conservation program management or nonprofit operations.
Leadership and Management
- Proven success leading multi-site teams and complex programs.
- Skilled at connecting strategic vision with practical implementation.
- Experience in planning, budgeting, monitoring, and risk mitigation.
- Strong understanding of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) systems and adaptive management.
- Effective at managing change and promoting organizational agility.
- Highly organized and able to balance competing priorities.
- Capable of translating strategy into actionable guidance for teams and partners.
- Inclusive leadership and team building, collaborative problem solving, cultural awareness and emotional intelligence with the ability to adapt to different decision making and communication styles.
Interpersonal and Team Skills
- Excellent mentor and team builder able to lead global, diverse teams.
- Culturally aware and collaborative communicator, skilled at engaging diverse communities and partners with curiosity, humility, adaptability, and respect.
Communication and Technical Skills
- Familiarity with coral reef conservation, marine protected areas, or wastewater initiatives preferred.
- Strong writing and analytical skills for documentation and reporting.
- Skilled cross-functional communicator with experience integrating science, development, and operations.
- Proficient in management tools; Salesforce or similar systems preferred.
Ethics and Commitment
- Sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive information.
- Deep commitment to CORAL’s mission and community-driven coral reef conservation.
Compensation and Work Schedule
This is a full-time exempt position compensated within a salary range of $115,000 -$130,000 annually. CORAL offers a compensation package including medical benefits, 401k matching, unlimited paid time off, 12 holidays, Employee Assistance Program, and more.
We offer a flexible working schedule where the successful candidate can set their own working hours as long as they are able to attend necessary meetings.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter as one document to [email protected] with “Program Operations” in the subject line.
Please note that due to the volume of applications expected, we are not able to respond to each individual applicant. The position will be open until filled, an immediate start date is preferred.
The Coral Reef Alliance is committed to workforce diversity. Qualified applicants will receive full consideration without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, health status, or national origin.