Data Manager - Program Manager

The IFAW Marine Mammal Rescue (MMR) team is based on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, a global hotspot for cetacean strandings. Each year the team responds to an average of 350 marine mammal strandings, generating volumes of data. The Data Manager plays a critical leadership role in overseeing all aspects of data management. As a senior member of the MMR team, the Data Manager 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, oversees data entry, archival, analyses, and dissemination, and mentors interns and technicians. Reporting to the MMR Program Director, the Data Manager supports monitoring, evaluation, and learning processes, manages project budgeting, collaborates with program managers on research and publications, and participates in all aspects of stranding response as needed.

• Oversee timely data entry for the MMR team and ensure data accuracy and quality control are maintained.
• Manage relational database development and enhancement to store data related to stranding response, case information, morphometrics, treatments, examination, diagnostics, sample storage, and dissemination.
• Coordinate and oversee data usage for internal and external purposes, and funder reporting.
• Ensure 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.
• Update and maintain data collection and management protocols as needed.
• Coordinate MMR’s Researcher Review Group, leading regular meetings and acting as the primary contact for external research requests.
• Lead MMR’s Internal Research and Science Group, maintaining program priorities and supporting peer‑reviewed journal projects.
• Track publications, presentations, trainings, and workshops involving MMR participation.
• 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 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 weekend and holiday coverage.
• Participate in all aspects of live and dead marine mammal field response, animal care, diagnostics, and necropsy.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; MS/PhD or other advanced degree in marine mammal biology, marine biology, or related biological science ideal.
• At least 5 years directly relevant experience in marine mammal stranding response, animal care, field biology, or closely related field.
• Extensive experience with SQL‑based relational database management (e.g., MS Access) required, and ideally R, Python, or a similar language.
• Ability to work with and perform statistical analyses on complicated datasets with varying quality, formats, and sample sizes.
• History of peer‑reviewed publications in a relevant field.
• Demonstrated experience in leading projects from multiple funding sources with detailed reporting requirements; strong project management skills.
• Ability to lead field and project teams comprising staff, interns, volunteers, and colleagues with various skills and experience levels.
• Ability to adapt to working in varied environments and handle fast‑paced, high‑stress situations.
• Strong attention to detail, problem‑solving skills, and organizational and team‑building skills.
• Excellent communicator, verbally and in writing, with ability to engage diverse audiences and convey complex scientific…