Partnerships & Project Manager (PPM)

Job Summary

Job Description

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is the world's leading independent non-profit organization dedicated to ocean research, exploration, and education. The Institution serves as a global hub for cutting-edge marine science, advancing knowledge that informs policy, industry, and public understanding of the ocean's critical role.

WHOI is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Partnerships and Project Manager (PPM). The Partnerships and Project Manager (PPM) plays a pivotal role in managing partnerships with industry and corporate entities, overseeing project management, and leading strategic planning efforts to significantly increase non-governmental funding for research. Reporting to the Chief Innovation Officer, the PPM is responsible for managing the lifecycle of funded projects, ensuring alignment with WHOI's strategic goals, and supporting partnership development. Additionally, the PPM will take on initial responsibilities of the Deep Blue Resource Center, including supporting Principal Investigators (PIs).

This position is based onsite in Woods Hole, MA, with expectations of travel locally, regionally, and beyond. This is a part-time position with the opportunity to grow into a full-time role based on the candidate's success in meeting key objectives, including external funding generation, partnership development, and project management. We are seeking a proactive individual who can demonstrate impact and help shape the future scope of this role.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Oversee the project management lifecycle, including planning, execution, monitoring, and closing of funded programs. Ensure alignment with WHOI's strategic goals

• Coordinate with internal teams to ensure appropriate allocation of resources for funded projects, optimizing the use of WHOI's capabilities to attract and retain partners

• Facilitate collaboration and communication between corporate partners and WHOI's scientific and engineering staff to ensure successful partnerships.

• Lead project management through all five steps of the PMBOK guide: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing

• Ensure that the Principal Investigator (PI) and their associates are making good progress on the work and that this progress is effectively communicated to the funder

• Support the identification and pursuit of new partnership opportunities with corporations, foundations, and other potential funders. Develop strategies to attract and secure long-term funding

• Support strong relationships with partners to drive long-term funding opportunities. Act as a key liaison between corporate partners and WHOI's scientific and engineering staff

• Support WHOI at key industry events and forums to promote research initiatives and attract potential partners

• Support the implementation of hosting symposiums and forums, covering diverse research areas of industry interest

• Support initiatives that promote innovation and explore new funding models and opportunities

• Participate in joint strategic planning sessions to align priorities and develop integrated strategies that support business development goals

• Establish and monitor performance metrics to evaluate the success of partnership initiatives and funded projects, providing data-driven insights that support business development efforts

• Regularly contribute to and support maintenance of a tracking system for all funded projects, providing regular updates and reports to stakeholders, which is crucial for maintaining transparency and trust with partners

• Partner with the SHIP Business Support Specialist (CRM owner) to actively contribute to and report on the CRM system, tracking and maturing leads and opportunities across all sectors

• Develop and implement a support program for Principal Investigators (PIs), including providing information on grants, tracking deadlines, offering coaching, organizing pitch sessions, and providing writing assistance

• Manage the Deep Blue Resource Center, ensuring PIs have access to necessary tools, training, and guidance which will be conveyed in person, virtual and with a strong internal web presence. The Center, housed in SHIP, will provide comprehensive support program for PIs to enhance their success in securing funding by providing information on available grants and programs, tracks deadlines, offers coaching, organizes pitch sessions, provides writing assistance, etc.

• Assist PIs with grant applications, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to maximize their funding opportunities

• Support communication strategies to promote funding opportunities and successes, enhancing WHOI's visibility and attractiveness to non-governmental funders

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in ocean science, marine policy, or a business field

• 5+ years' experience in project management, industrial funders & corporate philanthropy relationship management, and partnership development

• Strong organizational and communication skills

• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams

• Experience with both CRMs and website development

• Demonstrated leadership and ability to work effectively in a complex, multidisciplinary research environment

Preferred Education & Experience:

• PMP or other project management certification

• Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in ocean science, marine policy, environmental science, or a closely related field; OR an MBA or equivalent degree with demonstrated experience in science-driven or mission-oriented organizations

• A combination of scientific knowledge and business acumen is highly desirable

Travel:

• <25% annual travel

• Onsite presence in Woods Hole, MA, with expectations of travel locally, regionally, and beyond

Additional Job Requirements

WHOI accepts applications on a rolling basis - applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure full consideration. While we will continue to review applications until the position is filled, and early applicants may have an advantage in the selection process.

EEO Statement

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.