Data Manager - Program Manager

The IFAW Marine Mammal Rescue (MMR) team is based on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, a global hotspot for cetacean single and mass strandings. Each year, the team responds to an average of 350 marine mammal strandings, generating volumes of data. The Data Manager (DM) plays a critical leadership role in overseeing all aspects of data management. As a senior member of the MMR team, the DM supports the effective development and implementation of IFAW’s programmatic strategies within the Marine Mammal Rescue Program in line with IFAW’s institutional and programmatic strategic plans.

The Data Manager manages all databases for IFAW’s Marine Mammal Rescue Program. This role oversees and coordinates data entry, archival, analyses, and dissemination. This position manages one to two direct reports (part-time technicians), other Biologists and Technicians as assigned, oversees interns when they are engaged in data-related tasks, and directly mentors one intern per session. Reporting to the MMR Program Director (PD), the DM will support monitoring, evaluation and learning processes within their focus area.

The DM works closely with the PD to manage project budgeting and expenditures related to data collection and curation. The DM also collaborates with other program managers and staff on program-wide tasks (e.g., researcher requests and publications). As with all MMR team members, the DM will participate in all aspects of stranding response, as needed.

The DM will also represent the program and organization in internal and external communication efforts and donor engagements, as needed, and when duties allow.

• Oversee timely data entry for the MMR team and ensure data accuracy and quality control are maintained and appropriate
• Manage relational database development and enhancement to store data related to stranding response, case information, morphometrics, treatments, examination, diagnostics, sample storage and dissemination, human interaction documentation, etc.
• Coordinate and oversee data usage for internal (e.g., cross-programmatic data, impact summaries, annual reports, internal research and analysis) and external (e.g., National Stranding Database, Unusual Mortality Events, research or educational requests, media requests) purposes, as well as funder reporting
• Ensure that stranding data are entered, verified, and uploaded to the NOAA Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program National Database within 30 days of case report, per IFAW’s Stranding Agreement>
• Update and maintain data collection and management protocols as needed, in collaboration with Program leadership
• Coordinate MMR’s Researcher Review Group, leading regular meetings and acting as the primary contact for external research requests
• In coordination with the team’s Veterinarian, manage MMR’s Internal Research and Science Group, leading regular meetings, maintaining program priorities, ensuring progress and supporting applicable staff on current projects or publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Track publications, presentations, trainings, and workshops that involve MMR participation, authorship, or co-authorship
• Act as the agency representative for data management-related activities for the regional stranding consortium, network meetings, and working groups

• Assist in grant proposal preparation, writing, and management throughout the grant lifecycle, including drafting of reports
• Manage assigned project budgets, ensuring they are effectively planned, maintained, and monitored
• Work with the IFAW Communications team, as needed, to represent the program for internal and external audiences
• Assist the Development team with donor engagement, as needed
• Supervise Biologists and Technicians when assigned data management activities
• Support other team members, as time and duties permit

• Participate in rotational coverage of response Point of Contact (POC) and field positions; includes rotation coverage of weekends and some holidays
• Participates in all aspects, including the Incident Commander role, of live and dead marine mammal field response, animal care, diagnostics, and necropsy