Law and Policy Director

Company: Waitt Institute
Location: San Diego
Posted on: May 14, 2025

Job Description:

Hours: Full-time (with some nights and weekends)Compensation: $115,000 - $160,000 / year (Commensurate with experience)The Waitt Institute is a team of international experts working around the globe to protect the world's oceans and support coastal communities. The Institute collaborates with committed governments to create sustainable ocean plans to improve local livelihoods and economies while safeguarding marine life and ecosystems.The Law and Policy Director works across the Waitt Institute's portfolio of programs to promote ocean protection and sustainable policies. This position involves working closely with internal teams, external partners, consultants, academia, and government entities.The Law and Policy Director reports to the Institute's Executive Director and will involve significant international travel (approximately 30%). This role is supported by a Law and Policy Manager who reports to the Director.Responsibilities and TasksThe Law and Policy Director will advance Blue Prosperity initiatives, including establishing legally-binding frameworks to designate 30% fully protected marine protected areas. The Director will lead law, policy, and advocacy activities across all Waitt Institute programs, including scoping, analysis, training, and legal/policy drafting related to each country program. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Advising Waitt Institute, partner governments, and collaborators on legal, policy, and advocacy strategies to achieve Blue Prosperity commitments;
• Collaborating with government lawyers to develop appropriate legal, policy, and regulatory frameworks;
• Developing and executing comprehensive advocacy plans aligned with organizational goals and local contexts;
• Managing legal, policy, and advocacy consultants;
• Drafting legal, policy, advocacy strategies, work plans, and related documents;
• Coordinating with program, communications, fisheries, marine spatial planning, science, and blue economy teams;
• Supporting the development and maintenance of relationships with key stakeholders and decision-makers involved in Blue Prosperity programs.Professional QualificationsA successful Law and Policy Director will have:
  • 10+ years of relevant experience, including international work and preferably experience with island nations;
  • Skills in managing/supporting complex projects;
  • Experience leading diverse, geographically dispersed teams;
  • A JD from an accredited university; advanced certifications are a plus but not required;
  • Experience navigating politically or socially sensitive issues;
  • Ability to work well independently and in teams;
  • Experience hiring, supervising staff and consultants, creating budgets, and achieving project goals on time.Personal Attributes
    • Strategic, thoughtful, highly organized, and detail-oriented;
    • Reliable, responsive, and comfortable working across time zones;
    • Effective at advocating on sensitive issues;
    • Collaborative and efficient in team environments with tight deadlines;
    • Creative problem-solver with realistic expectation management;
    • Capable of executing projects within budget;
    • Excellent time management and prioritization skills;
    • Culturally competent and adaptable to different cultural contexts.Company BenefitsUnlimited Paid Time Off - Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision options - Health Savings Account - 401(k) match up to 6%Additional InformationApplicants are asked to provide information on citizenship/employment eligibility, highest education level, age (must be 18+), languages spoken fluently, desired salary, and references. The optional personal data collection complies with legal regulations and is not used for employment decisions.
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Keywords: Waitt Institute, Escondido , Law and Policy Director, Executive , San Diego, California