Economic Development Manager

Economic Development Manager

Location: La Jolla, San Diego California

Hours: Full time (with some nights and weekends)

Compensation: $85,000 - $115,000 / year (Commensurate with experience)

The Waitt Institute is a team of international experts working around the globe to protect the world's oceans and support coastal communities. The Institute is seeking an individual to lead economic and financial modeling, data collection management, and analysis. This position will report to the Blue Economy Director and will work closely with internal teams with some liaising with external partners, academia, and government partners. This position may involve domestic and international travel, up to 10% time.

As a global team, the Waitt Institute is committed to being diverse, culturally competent, and inclusive, and we recognize that these core values enable our success. We seek to employ talented advocates for the ocean and coastal communities, and we welcome all applicants.
 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Financial and Economic Data Collection, Management, Modeling, and Analysis (85%)
  • Develop dynamic economic and financial models to better understand the costs and benefits, and potential financing streams, related to conservation and sustainable economic development planning. 
  • Conduct research on relevant economic and financial topics, including blue economic development pathways, quantification of potential economic benefits, and conservation-related costs, financing, and benefits.
  • With guidance from the Blue Economy team, lead the collection of data from external and internal sources pertinent to Blue Economy and Finance objectives and work streams.
  • Manage information, data, and source material to ensure accessibility, including through innovative use of AI platforms.
  • Contribute to or lead development of reports, presentations, talking points, and other communications materials summarizing economic and financial data, findings and recommendations.
  • Provide technical support and advisory to other related analyses and assessments.
  • Contribute to the timely progress and completion of deliverables and initiatives related to Blue Economy programs and initiatives.
  • Collaborate with program teams and partners to ensure integration of economic and financial considerations.
  • Lead technical and, at times, administrative oversight of relevant third party consultancies.
• General (15%)
  • Contribute to the development of Blue Economy team strategies, processes, templates, and tools.
  • Ensure efficient execution of program activities and administration where required.
  • Successfully collaborate within the organization, and with partners and collaborators, and ensure timely communication and engagement.

• Applied experience developing basic and dynamic financial and economic models and projections, including sectoral economic growth projections, proforma business financials and DCFs, among others.
• Highly proficient data and information collection, management, synthesis and analysis
• Demonstrated proficiency with data management software and tools, including Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets and others; experience with AI data and information management tools a plus.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a fast paced team with multiple shifting priorities and objectives.
• Experience with sustainable economic development, conservation finance, and/or green/blue business development is a plus.
• Experience and/or understanding of key Blue Economy sectors a plus (e.g. ecotourism, fisheries, aquaculture, and/or others)
• Masters degree and/or 4-6 years experience in fields related to environmental economics, finance, and business.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic, thoughtful, highly organized, and detail-oriented
• Reliable, responsive, and comfortable working across time zones
• Excellent communication skills, including strong presentation skills
• Ability to advocate thoughtfully and effectively on sensitive issues
• Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently in a team environment with tight deadlines
• Ability to creatively solve problems while managing expectations
• Ability to execute projects on budget
• Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize competing tasks
• Culturally competent and able to execute projects in different cultural contexts

Company Benefits

Unlimited Paid Time Off | Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision options | Health Savings Account | 401(k) match up to 6%