Manager, Conservation Cleanups

About the position The Conservation Cleanups Manager is responsible for the planning, management and implementation of key programmatic events including signature beach cleanups and global partner conferences. The Manager will work alongside members of the Ending Ocean Plastics Program (EOP) team to organize and deliver world-class volunteer events for Ocean Conservancy’s corporate supporters while simultaneously striving to engage communities and supporters around the world to grow the global recognition of the Ocean Conservancy brand. This position will be responsible for coordinating across time zones with employees in offices throughout the U.S., as well as a multitude of international cleanup partners.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute all International Coastal Cleanup ® (ICC) events, both domestic and international, including large meetings, conferences and signature beach cleanups.
• Manage event logistics from concept through execution and follow-up, ensuring seamless coordination across staff, vendors, volunteers, sponsors and local partners.
• Develop and maintain detailed project timelines, operational plans and run-of-show documents to ensure every event component is delivered on schedule and to the highest standard.
• Serve as the on-the-ground representative of Ocean Conservancy, engaging confidently with a wide range of stakeholders including volunteers, corporate supporters, sponsors and community leaders.
• Lead and facilitate all operational details of Ocean Conservancy signature cleanup events, ensuring logistics, equipment, volunteers and partner needs are met and managed with professionalism and efficiency.
• Own the stewardship and engagement of the ICC sponsor network, including communications with current and prospective supporters via email, phone, mail and video calls.
• Maintain strong collaboration across the ICC team and other Ocean Conservancy programs to ensure coordinated planning and successful execution of external events.
• Track and maintain event data and records, including volunteer participation, debris removal metrics and supporter engagement activities.
• Prepare customized post-event reports, summarizing quantitative outcomes and qualitative impact.
• Maintain timely and professional internal and external communications while traveling domestically and internationally.
• Identify opportunities to expand supporter engagement and enhance the impact of ICC events.
• Represent Ocean Conservancy with professionalism and exceptional service, maintaining respectful and responsive communication with partners, supporters and volunteers.

Requirements

• 3–4 years of experience in event management, customer service, project coordination or related roles required.
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in dynamic environments, shifting seamlessly between different audiences, settings and responsibilities throughout the day.
• Familiarity working with volunteers of all ages required.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to build positive relationships with partners, volunteers and stakeholders.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with diverse audiences of all ages, backgrounds and language abilities.
• Highly self-directed with the ability to take initiative and work independently while traveling or managing remote event logistics.
• Detail-oriented and highly dependable, responsible and organized.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly solve problems, meet goals and successfully execute tasks under high-stress situations.
• Solutions-oriented attitude.
• Expertise using the suite of Microsoft Office tools.
• Strong experience managing operational or event data using Excel or similar tools, including tracking metrics, reporting outcomes and maintaining organized databases.
• Passion for the marine environment and a commitment to eliminating trash from the ocean.
• Significant domestic and international travel required (2–4 trips/month), often on weekends; ability to work flexible and unpredictable hours, including evenings and extended periods during events.
• Valid driver’s license and passport required; ability to lift 50 lbs., work outdoors in varying weather, and assist with event setup and breakdown.
• Bachelor’s Degree and appropriate professional experience.

Nice-to-haves

• Previous experience living, working or traveling outside of the United States preferred.
• Bilingual capabilities preferred.