Project Manager, Information Technology and Governance Project presso Ocean Conservancy

POSITION TITLE: Project Manager, Information Technology and Governance Project

DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM: Strategic Communications 

REPORTS TO: Chief Brand and Communications Officer

STATUS: Two-year Contract, Part-time (16 hours per week / 64 hours per month)                               

LOCATION: AK, CA, DC, FL, MD, OR, TX, VA, WA, WV 

ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY

For more than 50 years, Ocean Conservancy has delivered effective, evidence-based solutions for the ocean and all who depend on it. Today, we continue to unite science, people and policy to protect our ocean from the greatest challenges it faces: climate change, plastic pollution and biodiversity loss. We are a 501(C)3 headquartered in Washington, D.C. that inspires a worldwide network of partners, advocates and supporters through our comprehensive and clear-eyed approach to ocean conservation. Together, we are securing a healthy ocean and a thriving planet, forever and for everyone.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Project Manager, Information Technology and Governance Project will lead the internal planning, coordination, and execution of a multi-year enterprise technology upgrade initiative with a selected firm to improve our tech stack, enhance our cyber security, ensure compliance with data privacy laws, design a comprehensive information governance program, and train staff to ensure adoption of new technology, policies and protocols. 

This position will play a pivotal role in aligning technology improvements with organizational goals—ensuring on-time, on-budget, and high-quality delivery. The Project Manager will serve as the central point of coordination between external firms, technical teams, functional departments, and executive leadership, providing regular updates and fostering transparency throughout the transformation journey.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Leadership & Delivery

• With selected firm, develop and manage detailed project plans, timelines, milestones, and deliverables for the multi-year technology upgrade program.
• Coordinate cross-departmental teams, external vendors, and consultants to ensure project alignment and timely execution.
• Identify and proactively manage project risks, issues, and dependencies.
• Maintain project documentation, progress reports, and change management records.
• Support status meetings with selected firm to review milestones, risks, and action items and track accomplishments to the SOW, project schedule, and quality expectations.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Serve as the primary liaison between the selected firm, technical teams, functional departments, and executive leadership.
• Prepare and deliver project updates, dashboards, and presentations for senior leadership and board meetings.
• Working with the Director, Internal Communications, facilitate effective communication across the organization to promote understanding of project goals, progress, and impacts.
• Support process redesign and change management initiatives to ensure successful adoption of new technologies.
• Gather and integrate stakeholder feedback into project planning and execution.
• Work closely with VP, IT and Integrations, VP, Operations, and system owners across the institution to coordinate information sharing and alignment with regard to necessary upgrades and integrations across CRM, ERP, finance, and other enterprise platforms.

Budget & Vendor Management and Reporting

• Monitor project budgets and expenditures; provide accurate forecasting and financial reporting.
• Manage vendor contracts, deliverables, and performance.
• Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure project success and outcomes.
• Maintain vendor alignment to the Information Technology and Governance Project Statement of Work (SOW) across scope, schedule, and quality.
• Support development of executive and board-level reports summarizing project status, milestones, and ROI.
• Ensure lessons learned and best practices are documented and shared.

REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

• 7+ years of professional experience managing large or multi-year technology implementation, integration, or digital transformation projects; nonprofit or public sector experience preferred.
• Demonstrated success managing projects with significant visibility to senior leadership and governing boards.
• Exceptional project planning, organization, collaboration, and change management skills.
• Strong communication and presentation abilities, with experience preparing materials for executive and board audiences.
• Proficiency with project management and collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, Asana, or similar).
• Understanding of enterprise systems integration, data management, and digital transformation principles.
• Relevant professional certifications are a plus, with PMI Project Management Professional preferred but not required.

EDUCATION/TRAINING

Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Information Technology, Business Administration, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.

COMPENSATION

Ocean Conservancy is committed to fair pay practices and posts expected salary ranges for each of its positions. Compensation will be commensurate with the candidate’s specialty skills, years of experience, location, and unique background. The expected minimum hourly rate for this role is $65 per hour.   We would welcome the opportunity to connect with potential candidates whose salary requirements may be outside of the expected range.

TO APPLY

If you think you’d be a great fit for the job and are interested in joining Ocean Conservancy’s team, please apply here. Please include a resume and cover letter in one file on your application.

HYBRID WORK ENVIRONMENT

Ocean Conservancy embraces a hybrid work environment, which allows our staff the flexibility to work virtually and in-person while building strong connections across the institution. This position may require availability during Eastern Standard Time (EST) core work hours.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Ocean Conservancy 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.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

We encourage applicants who have a diverse level and range of relevant skills and experiences to apply. A 100% match is not required. We want to support employees’ career growth and in return, our employees help Ocean Conservancy grow into a stronger, more inclusive institution.