Mission Operations & AI Enablement Lead

OceanX is a nonprofit working to unlock the ocean’s sustainable potential. Through a dual focus on science and education, we’re building a new paradigm where humanity and the ocean mutually thrive. Our approach is fueled by exploration, leveraging advanced research, multimedia educational programs, cross-sector partnerships, and advanced technology to help transform how people understand and value the ocean. Our work strives to fortify biodiversity and increase the sustainable use of ocean resources to help ensure the ocean remains a foundation for human wellbeing and potential. OceanX is a nonprofit operating program of Dalio Philanthropies.

For more information, visit www.oceanx.org and follow OceanX on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.   

OceanX is seeking a Mission Operations & AI Enablement Lead who will oversee global expedition planning and execution while driving the adoption of AI-enabled systems, workflow automation, and operational technologies across the Missions function. This role serves as a key operational partner, ensuring mission readiness, efficient execution, and continuous improvement across OceanX’s scientific expeditions.

The ideal candidate brings experience in operations, project management, systems implementation, or complex global initiatives. This is a hands-on, systems-focused role requiring ownership of mission planning, cross-functional coordination, data-driven reporting, and AI-enabled process improvement, with the ability to translate operational complexity into scalable, efficient workflows.

OceanX Missions advances its work through operational excellence, innovation, and collaboration, leveraging integrated systems, automation, and data-informed decision-making to support successful global expeditions.

New York City

• Oversee mission planning and execution across all phases, including pre-expedition planning, mission execution, post-expedition assessment, and continuous operational improvement.
• Manage operational planning related to international permitting, customs, immigration, documentation, logistics, and regulatory compliance to support successful expedition execution across global jurisdictions.
• Coordinate with internal teams, research institutions, external partners, vendors, logistics providers, and government agencies to ensure successful mission execution while balancing scientific priorities and operational requirements.
• Partner with Marine Operations to support vessel scheduling, mission scenario planning, routing, fuel considerations, port availability, seasonal planning, weather analysis, and overall operational readiness.

• Implement AI-enabled workflows, automations, and operational systems that streamline mission planning, coordination, execution, and reporting.
• Build and maintain integrations across mission management platforms (including Smartsheet, Jira, Notion, Monday.com, Marine Facilities Planner, and related systems) to automate workflows, improve data accuracy, and reduce manual processes.
• Develop practical AI agents, templates, reporting tools, and workflow automations that improve team efficiency and reduce repetitive manual work.
• Identify opportunities to simplify processes, strengthen operational visibility, and improve information flow through AI-enabled solutions and systems integration.

• Maintain the integrity, governance, and accessibility of mission data, ensuring timely reporting and visibility for leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain mission planning tools, executive dashboards, reporting systems, and operational documentation that support informed decision-making across the organization.
• Create automated reporting and dashboards that communicate mission status, approvals, financials, milestones, action items, operational risks, and key performance indicators.
• Conduct post-expedition operational reviews and leverage data analytics to identify trends, improve planning processes, and drive continuous improvement.
• Research and evaluate international maritime regulations, permitting requirements, and operational constraints to support long-term mission planning and mitigate execution risks.

• Drive the continued evolution of OceanX's mission operations capabilities, operational standards, systems, and best practices to support future expedition planning and organizational growth.
• Foster collaboration across OceanX's Science, Marine Operations, Education, Media, Partnerships, Data, and Business Operations teams to ensure mission priorities are effectively aligned and executed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

• Professional Experience
  • Bachelor’s Degree or higher, preferably in marine sciences or a business/project management or related field.
  • 5+ years of project management, operations management, or systems implementation experience in dynamic, global organizations.
  • Strong project management capabilities with a proven track record managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives across international contexts.
  • Demonstrated experience building and implementing AI solutions: specifically experience with AI agents, GPT-based language models, or automation tools for business process optimization, data analytics, and workflow management.
  • Hands-on experience with API integration and systems connectivity, including practical knowledge of connecting enterprise platforms (Jira, Smartsheet, Notion, Monday.com, or similar) to create automated workflows.
  • Experience in maritime operations, vessel logistics, oceanographic research, or scientific expedition planning highly desirable.
  • Willingness to work flexible hours, including early mornings or late evenings, to support cross-time zone collaboration.
  • Adaptable to varying workloads, balancing periods of focused execution with lighter operational phases.

• Personal Attributes:
  • Determined, resourceful, and practical. An independent, self-starter, with a “roll up your sleeves” attitude and strong work ethic
  • Agility, with a track record of getting things done
  • Strong project management capabilities
  • Organized, reliable, and meticulous
  • Ability to work and thrive in an entrepreneurial, rapidly evolving environment, with significant ambiguity
  • Ability to prioritize, meet tight deadlines, anticipate needs, and maintain high-quality work
  • Ability to identify patterns and design practical technical solutions that create order from complexity with moderate guidance.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal)
  • Maintains high standards
  • Highly collaborative
  • Interest in ocean science, exploration, conservation, or other mission-driven scientific initiatives