Vice President for Marine Operations

Job Summary

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is the world's leading, independent non-profit organization dedicated to ocean research, exploration, and education. The Institution is at a transformational time in its history. In this age of growing global environmental crises, WHOI is poised to address the most challenging issues facing humanity with a renewed sense of urgency. The ocean is a defining feature of our planet and crucial to life on Earth, yet it remains one of the planet’s last unexplored frontiers. WHOI scientists and engineers take on difficult questions in challenging environments in order to expand our knowledge of this critical part of the earth system.

The WHOI community is dedicated to understanding all facets of the ocean and raising awareness of its complex connections with Earth’s climate, land, and life. WHOI knows the value of basic research and education as well as the critical importance of leveraging scientific knowledge to ensure society’s long-term welfare, to help guide human stewardship of natural resources, and to increase appreciation for the importance of the ocean to global climate, humanity, and the planet.

Founded in 1930 on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, WHOI today is made up of nearly 1,000 employees, including more than 500 scientists, engineers, and technicians. The organization’s facilities are located on two campuses in Woods Hole, covering 233 acres, 77 buildings, and two docks. As it approaches its 100th year, WHOI is committed to engaging a broader network of stakeholders in its mission and to cultivate new sources of funding.

Organized into five academic departments, several topical research centers, and the Marine Policy Center, WHOI investigators conduct research that addresses pressing science questions covering a wide range of topics related to ocean science, technology, and policy. These questions require interdisciplinary thinking, a combination of science and engineering, and teams focused on important topics such as the warming ocean, the carbon cycle and its relationship to Earth’s climate, the mapping of the ocean’s biodiversity, and understanding the impact of ocean changes on coastal communities.
Known for ocean exploration and discovery at sea, WHOI operates two seagoing research vessels--the R/V Atlantis and the R/V Neil Armstrong--the coastal research vessel Tioga, and the human-occupied submersible Alvin. WHOI also develops and deploys a broad range of autonomous and remotely operated underwater vehicles.

WHOI scientists and engineers collaborate closely to explore the farthest reaches of our ocean planet, designing vehicles to probe deep into the ice-covered seas, collecting samples to understand life around hydrothermal vents, and developing models and sensors to help predict the next big seafloor earthquake. Investigators from all departments are deeply engaged in collaborative research to better understand and predict Earth’s changing climate and its impact on the ocean and our lives. WHOI also has a longstanding and growing relationship with the U.S. Navy, engaging in research in support of national security and developing technology with dual use in scientific and other applications.

WHOI leads a number of national initiatives including the Ocean Observatories Initiative, a multi-institution, NSF-funded program of sustain ocean observation with a budget in excess of $50 million per year, and is home to national facilities, including the National Deep Submergence Facility (NDSF) and the National Ocean Sciences Accelerator Mass Spectrometry Facility (NOSAMS).
WHOI offers doctoral degrees in partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), as well as M.S. degrees for students from the U.S. Navy. Typical enrollment is 130 students total. The MIT-WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography/Applied Ocean Science and Engineering has a history of training future leaders, with many of the over 1,200 alumni occupying leadership positions worldwide in ocean science and related fields. Additionally, at any given time, over 60 postdoctoral researchers are hosted across WHOI's five departments. WHOI offers a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program, which hosts 25-30 undergraduates each summer funded by NSF and other government and private funds.

ABOUT WHOI MARINE OPERATIONS
Working in conjunction with the world’s best ocean scientists and engineers, the WHOI Marine Operations professionals have enabled some of the most iconic accomplishments in ocean exploration and research. The quality and scope of service provided remains unrivaled, extending across ship operations, diving, scientific sensor and sampler deployment, remotely operated and autonomous vehicle operation, and project management. Underpinning all aspects is a deep and steadfast commitment to safety and reliability. Excellence in all of these aspects makes the Marine Operations team an active, equal partner in oceangoing scientific research. A highly skilled team of professionals manage vessel operations, shore operations, vessel scheduling and clearances, scientific support services, scientific diving, a community winch pool, the WHOI Pressure Test Facility, a sensor calibration facility, vessel chartering, the Martha’s Vineyard Coastal Observatory and the WHOI small boat program. Marine Operations also has highly skilled project managers that manage vessel shipyard periods, vehicle development programs and the redevelopment of the WHOI waterfront.

FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
The bulk of funding for WHOI’s annual operating budget of approximately $300 million comes from government grants and contracts, with the balance coming from its approximately $450 million endowment and private philanthropy (individuals, foundations, industry)—an increasingly important source of funds.

Job Description

The Vice President for Marine Operations (VP) at WHOI is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic oversight and management of WHOI’s extensive marine assets and operational infrastructure. This position directs a multidisciplinary team of approximately 150 staff, including engineers, technicians, and operational personnel, ensuring the safe, efficient, and innovative use of the institution’s fleet of research vessels, submersibles, and marine laboratories. The VP oversees all facets of marine facilities management, including vessel operations, maintenance, logistics, regulatory compliance, and the coordination of shipboard science support, enabling cutting-edge oceanographic research worldwide.

In addition to operational management, this role involves long-term planning and budgetary oversight for a multimillion-dollar asset portfolio encompassing WHOI’s advanced research vessels, underwater vehicles, and shore-side marine support facilities. The VP oversees an annual operating budget of approximately $60 million and serves as a critical liaison with federal agencies, funding bodies, and scientific collaborators to ensure adequate funding. The VP also seeks opportunities to create new capabilities and initiate special projects that align with the Institution’s strategic objectives and help build new business. The Marine Operations assets are of great interest to donors, and the VP is a key partner with WHOI’s VP of Advancement in fundraising Through leadership, innovation, and collaboration, the VP ensures WHOI maintains its position as a global leader in ocean science by providing world-class marine platforms and services.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to President and Director

Direct reports         

Director of Ship Operations

Director of National Deep Submergence Facility

Chief Scientist for Deep Submergence

Director of Scientific Services

Director of Ocean Imaging

Director Ocean Systems Laboratory

Dive Safety Officer

Senior Manager Marine Operations

Finance Manager

Other Key Relationships                   

Vice Presidents and members of the President’s Leadership Team

Department Chairs

Chief Science Officer

Chief Innovation Officer

Director of Government Relations

Director of Facilities   

IDEAL EXPERIENCE

• Proven executive leadership experience capable of maintaining WHOI’s #1 ship operator reputation.

• Highly regarded player in ship operations with a strong understanding of ships. Significant, demonstrable experience with sea-going research and operations, and technologies related to access to the sea.

• Demonstrated success as a strategic leader who can provide an impactful vision for the future of ocean research and science, emerging technologies, and the next generation of ships and marine operations.

• Confident, collaborative manager with strong project management skills who can empower a highly competent team, set high standards and hold people accountable, and ensure a positive work environment for a dedicated, diverse team.

• Deep knowledge of and passion for ocean science and technology.

• Financially savvy leader who has managed large, complex budgets and teams. Proven ability to align marine operations resources with an organization’s mission.

• Demonstrated success in working as part of a high-functioning team internally and collaborating well with other institutions, government entities, the local community, etc.

• Good communicator with the ability to represent and articulate the importance of WHOI's marine facilities within and outside the Institution.

• Significant, demonstrable experience working with federal agencies.

• Experience leading marine operations in a safety sensitive environment with robust regulatory requirements.

• Background in science is preferred but not required. Understands academic ocean research and embraces the value of academic research and the scientific process.

• Eligible to receive security clearance; US Citizen.

• Understanding a union environment would be helpful.

CRITICAL LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES

Strategic and Operational Acumen

As emerging ocean technologies present new frontiers for exploration and discovery, the new VP for Marine Operations must ensure that WHOI continues to hold a leading role in marine operations, supporting the Institution’s talented team of scientists and engineers.

• Forge an ambitious, bold strategy and roadmap for the future of WHOI’s marine operations and the facilities needed to support it.

• Cultivate and support an environment that promotes innovation, encourages collaborative synergies across the community, and leverages strategic partnerships with other academic, governmental, and private organizations.

• Identify and prioritize critical areas for investment in marine operations and facilities.

• Bring operational and financial acumen and savvy to set clear, prioritized goals informed by comprehensive input and resource alignment. Explore a range of revenue options to support the operations and ensure the long-term viability of the facilities and operations.

• Develop and retain high quality leadership within the marine operations staff, provide inspiration and motivation, and encourage efficiencies and teamwork.

• Promote the existing mission-driven culture that productively supports the success of the marine operations staff, their role within the WHOI community, and their interactions with the broader oceanographic community.

Leading Change and Driving Impact

As the academic research fleet is undergoing change due to emerging technologies and new players in the field of ocean science, it will be critical that the next VP for Marine Operations has the ability to adapt to a changing environment.

• Foster a culture of creativity and open discussion to support change and evolution. Create strategies for investing in and partnering on new technologies and platforms that will amplify WHOI’s impact. Ensure that WHOI continues to be a leader in the operation of technologies and assets to support science and engineering.

• Provide clear direction for the changes and resources necessary to execute the strategy, including actionable and measurable goals for individuals, teams, projects, etc.

• Develop new benchmarks and metrics to understand operations, measure impact, and create best-in-class solutions and implement them across marine operations.

• Be a leading voice in national and global discussions about the future of marine operations.

Collaborating and Influencing

With an abiding understanding of the importance of supporting science, engineering and discovery, the VP for Marine Operations must possess excellent interpersonal and leadership skills with the proven ability to build strong working relationships both internally and with a broad range of external stakeholders.

• Develop impactful relationships with the senior management team and collaborate across the WHOI community to leverage institutional strengths and support excellence in research and technological development.

• Create a collegial, hard-working, mission-oriented culture for the marine operations staff that nurtures collaboration, promotes teamwork and trust, and keeps a keen focus on everyone’s role in WHOI’s mission.

• As the external face of marine operations for WHOI, establish a broad network of relationships with leaders in this field (academic, government, commercial, etc) and look for opportunities to strengthen Marine Operations at the Institution. Represent WHOI in critical relationships with government entities, philanthropists, foundations, etc.

• Ability to engage effectively with the local maritime community.

• Build and nurture relationships with philanthropists and partners interested in supporting the Institution’s vision and strategy.

OTHER PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to communicate complex concepts effectively at all levels.

• Strong listening skills; will seek and respect staff input.

• Can make tough decisions.

• High emotional maturity.

• Calm in crisis.

• Excellent attention to detail and high reliability.

• Approachable.

• High integrity.

• Demonstrable passion for WHOI’s mission and vision.

Salary Range: $320,000 - $400,000

The salary range provided for this position reflects the expected minimum and maximum base pay for new hires. Actual level placement and compensation will be determined based on factors such as relevant skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as internal equity and market conditions. In addition to base salary, eligible employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package.

THE SEARCH PROCESS

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is being assisted in this recruitment by the international leadership advisory firm Spencer Stuart and welcomes nominations or expressions of interest. To submit comments, nominations, or expressions of interest, please send an email with any supporting materials to the confidential address: [email protected].

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. 

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.