Science and Policy Director

About the Organization

Heal the Bay is one of the most recognized environmental nonprofit groups in LA for a reason: we have been keeping Southern California's coastal waters and watersheds safe, healthy, and clean for people and marine life since 1985. Using education, science, advocacy, and community action, we raise awareness and make progress with practical solutions to often-complex problems. We conduct hundreds of beach and community cleanups each year, informing people about the root causes of pollution along the shorelines and in their neighborhoods. We advocate for strict water quality regulations that protect the health of both humans and the animals that call local creeks, rivers, and Santa Monica Bay home. We operate the award-winning Heal the Bay Aquarium at the Santa Monica Pier, inspiring visitors to become stewards for the region’s most important natural resource: clean water. We also educate and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards, with more than 100,000 students joining us each year for school field trips, science-based classroom presentations, and events. Learn more about us at

About the Position

The Science & Policy Director is a key leadership role at Heal the Bay, responsible for advancing our mission of making coastal waters and watersheds in Greater Los Angeles safe, healthy, and clean. Reporting to the CEO, the Director manages a team of scientists, engineers, and policy experts to drive strategic goals, with a focus on water quality, resource protection, aging infrastructure, and environmental justice. Key responsibilities include working with the CEO to develop the overall strategic vision for achieving Heal the Bay’s science and policy goals. Independently, the Director is responsible for developing advocacy campaigns, overseeing research and regulatory analyses, and representing Heal the Bay in public forums. The Director also collaborates with external partners and manages departmental performance. Candidates should have a strong background in environmental policy and science, with expertise in water quality, climate change and its impacts on Los Angeles’ coastline and water supply, and environmental justice. Coastal and ocean policy experience is a plus. The ideal candidate will have at least five years of experience leading a team. Heal the Bay offers a dynamic, mission-driven environment where science, education, community action, and advocacy are at the core of our work.

Expectations and Responsibilities

1. Lead science, policy, and advocacy efforts on water quality and coastal resources , integrating solutions for biodiversity conservation, stormwater capture, ocean acidification, and climate resilience, all in alignment with Heal the Bay’s strategic initiatives.
2. Cultivate and maintain partnerships with government agencies , decision-makers, advocacy groups, and environmental stakeholders, with a focus on promoting equitable policies that address biodiversity loss, climate change impacts, and stormwater management.
3. Track and analyze policies, regulations, and legislation at regional and state levels related to water quality, biodiversity protection, climate adaptation, and ocean acidification, and make informed recommendations to further Heal the Bay’s mission.
4. Develop, review, and provide feedback on scientific, technical, and regulatory documents.
5. Develop and lead campaigns to pass legislation , get regulations adopted, or implement programs that help Heal the Bay achieve our mission.
6. Create compelling advocacy materials (fact sheets, policy briefs, web content) that center biodiversity, climate justice, and water equity, ensuring outreach to diverse and historically underrepresented communities.
7. Collaborate with department directors on inter-departmental projects that integrate Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity (JEDI) principles into Heal the Bay’s overall strategy.
8. Oversee grants and budgets , contributing to fundraising efforts that support biodiversity protection, climate resilience, and equitable access to clean water.
9. Engage Heal the Bay’s Board of Directors , providing updates on key biodiversity, climate, and water justice issues, and offering guidance on policy decisions that align with the organization's mission.
10. Manage Department staff , lead, mentor, and develop a team of scientists, policy experts, and educators, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
11. This position requires a strong focus on administrative tasks , including managing schedules, coordinating meetings, processing documents, and maintaining organized workflows to support the department's efficiency.

Experience and Skills

1. Deep commitment to Heal the Bay’s mission and the protection of environmental health in Southern California.
2. Extensive experience in environmental science , policy, or law, with 5+ years in environmental policy, water management, coastal/ocean management, or related fields.
3. Advanced degree preferred , demonstrating expertise in environmental disciplines.
4. Comprehensive knowledge of California water issues , including legal, policy, and technical aspects of stormwater management, water supply, and environmental justice.
5. Strong leadership and interpersonal skills , with the ability to inspire staff, volunteers, and partners in advancing Heal the Bay’s policy and scientific initiatives.
6. Commitment to promoting equity and inclusion within the organization and the broader environmental community and needs an individual who can positively contribute to a collaborative and inclusive culture.
7. Proven ability to thrive under pressure , managing multiple projects while meeting tight deadlines.
8. Excellent organizational, analytical, and project management skills , coupled with strong problem-solving and communication abilities.
9. Willingness to work beyond regular hours , including occasional weekends, to meet the needs of the organization.
10. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, project management tools, and ability to learn other software systems as needed.
11. Passion for water conservation, ocean health, and the communities that rely on them.

Compensation

This is a full-time, salaried position with health, dental, vision and vacation benefits. Participation in weekend and evening events and regional and statewide travel are needed.

How to Apply

No phone calls please. Applications will be reviewed immediately and on an ongoing basis in the order they are received. This position will be hired ASAP and remain posted until filled.

Heal the Bay is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status and we strongly encourage applications from individuals that reflect the diversity of Los Angeles County. If you don’t meet all of the preferred skills above, you are still encouraged to apply and will be considered based on diverse and equivalent skills and experience.

Heal the Bay complies with AB 1008, the Fair Chance Act, during the hiring process. Once a conditional job offer has been made the candidate will be asked to complete a Live Scan criminal background check. A thorough assessment of conviction history will be considered including: the nature and gravity of the criminal history, the time that has passed since the conviction, and the nature of the job the candidate is seeking.