Ocean Career: ORP Fisheries Program Manager

Fisheries Program Manager

The Fisheries Program Manager provides leadership for ORP's Sustainable Fisheries & Seafood Program by managing a diverse portfolio of projects that strengthen commercial fisheries, advance oyster aquaculture, support seafood market development, and improve science-based fisheries management throughout the Chesapeake Bay.

The Fisheries Program Manager will oversee established initiatives including ORP's successful derelict crab trap removal program and fisheries data modernization efforts while helping shape the future direction of the program through strategic partnerships and the development of new opportunities that strengthen sustainable fisheries, expand seafood markets, and support the long-term economic vitality of Maryland's seafood industry and coastal communities.

The successful candidate will be expected to expand ORP's fisheries portfolio by identifying funding opportunities, leading competitive grant proposals, and cultivating new partnerships.

This is a hands-on leadership position that combines project management, stakeholder engagement, scientific and technical expertise, business development, grant leadership, and industry collaboration within one of the nation's leading restoration organizations.

Program Leadership

• Lead ORP's Sustainable Fisheries & Seafood Program and manage a portfolio of federal, state, and privately funded projects.
• Maintain and expand ORP's successful derelict crab trap removal program while identifying opportunities to broaden fishing gear recovery efforts throughout Maryland.
• Develop and lead initiatives that advance goals for sustainable fisheries, strengthen seafood markets, support oyster aquaculture, and promote innovation across the Chesapeake Bay seafood industry.
• Collaborate with ORP's Restoration and Coastal Science teams on interdisciplinary initiatives.
• Identify emerging funding opportunities and lead the development of competitive grant proposals and cooperative agreements that expand ORP's fisheries program.
• Cultivate strategic partnerships with government agencies, foundations, industry, and nonprofit organizations to support long-term program growth.
• Represent ORP as a regional leader in sustainable fisheries and seafood initiatives.

Project Management

• Manage project scope, budgets, schedules, contracts, deliverables, and reporting requirements.
• Manage several supporting staff, coordinate project teams, consultants, contractors, and partner organizations.
• Ensure projects are completed on schedule, within budget, and consistent with ORP's product quality standards.

Fisheries & Seafood Initiatives

Current program priorities include:

• Leading continued development and implementation of electronic fisheries reporting systems and fisheries data modernization.
• Managing ORP's established derelict crab trap gear removal program while pursuing opportunities for expansion.
• Supporting innovation and business development within Maryland's oyster aquaculture industry.
• Evaluating emerging technologies, products, and business practices that improve the sustainability and profitability of Maryland fisheries.
• Developing partnerships and initiatives that strengthen seafood marketing, value-added products, consumer awareness, and market opportunities for sustainably harvested Chesapeake Bay seafood.
• Supporting collaborative efforts that connect healthy fisheries, working waterfronts, seafood businesses, and coastal economies.

Funding Development & Strategic Partnerships

• Lead the development of competitive grant proposals, cooperative agreements, and projects that expand ORP's Sustainable Fisheries & Seafood Program.
• Identify and cultivate new funding opportunities from federal, state, foundation, corporate, and private partners.
• Develop project concepts and funding strategies in collaboration with ORP leadership, industry partners, and funding agencies.
• Build partnerships with seafood businesses, processors, distributors, restaurants, and marketing organizations to expand market opportunities for sustainably harvested Chesapeake Bay seafood.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and project updates for funding partners and stakeholders.
• Present project results to funders, the ORP Board of Directors, industry groups, and scientific audiences.
• Support strategic communications that highlight the environmental, economic, and community benefits of sustainable fisheries and Chesapeake Bay seafood.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with commercial watermen, oyster growers, seafood businesses, processors, restaurants, technology developers, researchers, and government agencies.
• Coordinate stakeholder meetings, pilot projects, and industry advisory groups.
• Represent ORP on the Maryland Aquaculture Coordinating Council and other regional and national committees.

Science, Technology & Data

• Coordinate fisheries data collection, quality assurance, and analysis.
• Work closely with software developers to improve electronic reporting and…