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University of Massachusetts Boston

MassBays NEP Director

University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, us, 02298

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Job no:

527871;

Position Type:

Staff Full Time;

Campus:

UMass Boston;

Department:

SFE - Dean's Office;

Pay Grade:

35;

Date opened:

25 Jul 2025 Eastern Daylight Time;

Applications close:

19 Sep 2025 Eastern Daylight Time.

Overview About MassBays: The Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Partnership (MassBays) is one of 28 National Estuary Programs identified as Estuaries of National Significance under Section 320 of the Clean Water Act. Our area stretches more than 1100 miles from Newburyport to Provincetown; with assistance from Regional Service Providers we work with coastal municipalities, local and regional nonprofit organizations, state agencies, regional planning agencies, and the scientific community to protect and restore coastal habitats. We pride ourselves on being nimble in response to opportunities and threats, as well as supporting and testing new habitat assessment and restoration approaches through our Healthy Estuaries Grant Program. MassBays collaborates through a transdisciplinary approach, is based in the UMass Boston School for the Environment, and operates under SOPs that emphasize partnership across sectors related to coastal ecosystems.

MassBays relies primarily on federal funding through cooperative agreements with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under CWA §320, currently authorized by Congress through 2026. Legislative sponsors for reauthorization are in place and this action is a priority for the Association of National Estuary Programs (ANEP).

We seek an inspired and inspiring leader who can continue MassBays' growth by leveraging the UMass system, continuing productive partnerships with Massachusetts agencies and EPA/NOAA programs, forming new collaborations, establishing MassBays as a voice for sound coastal policies, and expanding MassBays' funding base.

Responsibilities

Direct and manage all aspects of the program’s operations, including fiscal management, planning, funds development, communications, and annual budgets and work plans.

Supervise three direct staff positions and manage contracts for five Regional Service Providers (RSPs); Coordinate with Regional Coordinators and MassBays Central staff under the guidance of the MassBays Director.

Lead development and implementation of initiatives and policies supporting the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP), including water quality, habitat protection/restoration, extreme weather, coastal resilience, and community engagement.

Coordinate with the host entity (UMass Boston School for the Environment) and work with EPA Region 1 Program Officer; staff the MassBays Management Committee and develop quarterly agendas.

Lead development and implementation of CCMP action plans; oversee five-year Program Evaluations by EPA and ensure compliance with reporting and program advancement as directed by EPA guidance.

Identify and pursue external funding and in-kind resources to support CCMP priority projects; manage and/or solicit contracts with RSPs and supervise Regional Coordinators.

Foster innovative management approaches and technologies on priority issues such as water quality, coastal habitat protection/restoration, extreme weather, and community engagement.

Cultivate partnerships to support CCMP implementation and represent Massachusetts coastal ecosystem needs at national forums and conferences when appropriate.

Participate in 360-degree annual review and biannual personnel reviews; maintain a mutually beneficial relationship with SFE and university offices.

Qualifications At least eight to ten years of technical and organizational experience are required. Technical: Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred, in aquatic or marine sciences, coastal zone management, or environmental science or policy. Knowledge of water quality assessments, marine monitoring, and habitat assessment; experience with physical oceanography, hydrology, botany, marine and estuarine ecology, aquatic chemistry, and/or laboratory analysis; experience in budget development and federal grants management; strong fundraising and organizational development experience; and proven ability to build and maintain partnerships with multiple stakeholders. Excellent strategic, analytical, and communication skills; ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Application Instructions: Please apply online with your resume, cover letter and list of three professional references. Review of candidates will begin following the application closing date. Only internal candidates in the Professional Staff Bargaining Unit will be considered during the first 10 business days; all other candidates will be considered after that period. SalaryRanges for the appropriate Pay Grade can be found at the following link: Grade: PSU 35. Salary Ranges. This is a grant funded position with a current end date of Jun 30, 2026, subject to renewal contingent on funding and university needs. All official salary offers must be approved by Human Resources. UMass Boston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and provides reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact HRDirect@umb.edu or 617-287-5150.

Applications close:

19 Sep 2025 Eastern Daylight Time.

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