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Blue Economy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Blue. Transition. is our promise to enable that into the future while at the same time using our expertise to support new and existing markets in the blue economy. It starts with Advancing our Core ...

... blue economy. Purpose * The Project Subcontracts Manager leads the management and execution of subcontracting activities across the project lifecycle, ensuring that subcontracts are awarded ...

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Blue Economy information

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How much do blue economy jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for blue economy in the United States is $15.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $16.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the Blue Economy?

The Blue Economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems. It encompasses a wide range of activities, including fisheries, renewable energy, maritime transport, tourism, and waste management. The goal is to balance economic development with environmental sustainability, ensuring that marine and coastal resources are used responsibly for the benefit of current and future generations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Blue Economy role?

To thrive in a Blue Economy role, you need a background in marine science, environmental management, or sustainable business, often supported by relevant degrees or certifications. Familiarity with GIS mapping, marine monitoring tools, sustainability assessment frameworks, and regulatory compliance systems is valuable. Strong collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills are essential for working with multidisciplinary teams and engaging stakeholders. These skills are crucial for driving sustainable growth, innovation, and responsible stewardship of ocean and coastal resources.

What are some common challenges professionals face when working in Blue Economy roles?

Professionals in Blue Economy roles often encounter unique challenges such as balancing economic development with marine conservation, navigating complex regulatory environments, and adapting to rapidly evolving technologies. Collaboration with stakeholders from various sectors—including government, private industry, and local communities—is essential but can sometimes be challenging due to differing priorities. Additionally, those in the field may need to address issues related to climate change, sustainable resource management, and data collection in marine environments, all of which require innovative problem-solving and continuous learning.

What is the difference between Blue Economy vs Marine Biologist?

AspectBlue EconomyMarine Biologist
Required CredentialsEnvironmental science, marine studies, sustainability certificationsBiology, marine science degrees, research experience
Work EnvironmentMarine industries, policy, sustainable development projectsResearch labs, fieldwork, academic institutions
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, private sector, NGOs focused on ocean economyUniversities, research institutes, conservation organizations

The Blue Economy focuses on sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, involving industries like shipping, fisheries, and renewable energy. Marine Biologists primarily conduct research on marine life and ecosystems. While both roles relate to the ocean, the Blue Economy emphasizes economic development and resource management, whereas Marine Biologists focus on scientific understanding and conservation of marine species.

More about Blue Economy jobs

What cities are hiring for Blue Economy jobs?

Cities with the most Blue Economy job openings:

What states have the most Blue Economy jobs?

States with the most job openings for Blue Economy jobs include:

Infographic showing various Blue Economy job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 12% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,195 per year, or $16 per hour.

Director of Business Development & Partnerships

Aquatic Network

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$100 - $240/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

  • Director of Business Development & Partnerships
Director of Business Development & Partnerships

SeaAhead is a Cambridge, MA-based firm focused on accelerating and investing in ocean-focused startups with the mission of generating outsized returns and lasting ocean impact. Our work involves two strategies – accelerator programs to help new founders establish product-market fit and launch viable startups, and investments to help promising ventures scale faster.

Our ecosystem includes technologists, scientists, startups, foundations, corporations, governments, investors, and other ocean stakeholders who come together to scale commercially viable technologies for ocean-related industries.

Our focus areas include shipping and ports, aquaculture and fisheries, ocean intelligence, dual-use defense technologies, offshore renewable energy, scalable solutions for ocean pollution, and ocean-centric approaches to climate change including coastal resilience technologies.

About Our Programs

BlueSwell is SeaAhead's accelerator for early-stage bluetech startups at the beginning of their commercialization journey. Now in its sixth cohort, BlueSwell provides intensive support on product-market fit, capital formation, branding, team building, executive leadership, and governance, backed by SeaAhead's broad blue economy network.

Pilot is SeaAhead's program for startups that are ready to pilot with real-world customers. Corporate sponsors engage with the program to access vetted bluetech startups and work with startup teams to develop structured pilots aligned with customers’ strategic priorities. SeaAhead acts as matchmaker and program architect, creating value for sponsors and startups alike.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Director of Business Development & Partnerships to own and grow SeaAhead's commercial and institutional relationships. This is a senior individual contributor role responsible for generating the corporate sponsorships, public sector relationships, and foundation partnerships that underpin SeaAhead's revenue. Knowledge generated will also support our investment due diligence and portfolio value creation.

This person will report directly to the CEO and operate with significant independence. The right candidate brings an existing network in the blue economy, climate, or corporate innovation space, and has the credibility and confidence to represent SeaAhead in senior-level conversations without requiring executive accompaniment.

Core Responsibilities

  • Own end-to-end business development for the Pilot program: identify, qualify, and close corporate sponsors whose strategic priorities align with the capabilities of the bluetech startups in SeaAhead's ecosystem
  • Develop a deep understanding of sponsor needs, challenges, and innovation priorities — translating these into intelligence that informs how SeaAhead recruits and selects startups for each Pilot cycle
  • Manage the full sponsor relationship lifecycle from initial outreach through program engagement and renewal
  • Work closely with the Program Manager to ensure sponsor expectations are set and met throughout each program cycle

Strategic Partnerships & Ecosystem Relationships

  • Identify and pursue broader institutional partnerships that can expand SeaAhead's reach, credibility, and program capacity including with corporations, research institutions, government agencies, and other ecosystem players
  • Develop market and partner intelligence that helps SeaAhead understand what skills, sectors, and startup profiles are most valuable to recruit into programs
  • Own the stewardship of existing corporate, public sector and foundation partners: ensure reporting obligations are met, relationships are maintained, and SeaAhead remains a trusted and visible partner in their portfolios
  • Work with the CEO to develop and submit grant applications and funding proposals where institutional relationships are relevant
  • Represent SeaAhead at industry conferences, demo days, and sector events to maintain visibility across the blue economy

Qualifications

Required

  • 5+ years of experience in business development, partnerships, or a related commercial role with a demonstrated track record of independently closing partnerships, sponsorships, or B2B sales relationships, not just supporting them
  • Existing network in one or more of the following: blue economy, maritime industry, climate tech, ocean science, corporate innovation, or sustainability
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to represent the organization credibly at the executive level
  • Self-directed work style; comfortable operating in a small team with limited administrative support

Preferred

  • Experience with accelerators, innovation programs, venture studios, or startup ecosystems
  • Familiarity with corporate innovation structures and how large organizations evaluate and engage with startups
  • Experience selling or developing a B2B program or service rather than a physical product
  • Experience managing public sector and/or foundation relationships, including grant stewardship, compliance reporting, and funder communications
  • Genuine passion for ocean conservation and the blue economy

Compensation: $100,000 + Significant additional uncapped potential through commission ($100k on-target)

  • Health and dental insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield (SeaAhead covers 50% of premium for reference plan)
  • Employer-paid long-term disability insurance
  • Voluntary insurance options including vision, life, and short-term disability
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Dependent Care Account (DCA), and transit/commuter benefits

Retirement:

  • 401(k) plan with employer match (eligible after one month of employment)

Additional:

  • Flexible work environment with three days in-person at the office per week
  • This is an exempt position with no associated overtime pay
  • Employment is contingent upon signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement and acknowledging receipt of SeaAhead's Employee Handbook
  • Complete benefits details, holiday schedule, and vacation policies are available in the Employee Handbook

SeaAhead is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experience levels.

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