Strategic Engagement and Business Analyst (SHIP)

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Job Summary

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is seeking a Strategic Engagement and Business Analyst for its Strategic Hub for Innovation and Partnerships (SHIP). The Strategic Engagement and Business Analyst is a full-time, on-site, full benefits role that combines strategic communications, digital engagement, and business intelligence to support SHIP's mission. This position is focused on building WHOI's visibility and credibility with commercial and industrial partners, particularly in the ocean, marine technology, and environmental science sectors.

The ideal candidate is a skilled communicator and digital strategist with strong analytical capabilities, deep familiarity with CRM systems, and experience developing websites and content for technical or innovation-driven audiences. This role is critical to helping WHOI expand its reach beyond government funding and into the private sector.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Lead the development and management of SHIP's “front door” digital portal for commercial and industrial partners, using WordPress or similar platforms.

• Create and maintain high-quality content tailored to industry audiences, including case studies, capability briefs, success stories, and event promotions.

• Develop and execute a digital marketing strategy to promote WHOI's research, technologies, and partnership opportunities.

• Coordinate with WHOI's Communications and Advancement teams to ensure brand alignment and message consistency.

• Manage SHIP's presence across digital channels, including website, newsletters, and social media (as appropriate).

• Support internal communications to raise awareness of SHIP services among WHOI researchers and staff.

• Conduct market research and competitive analysis in key sectors such as ocean technology, offshore energy, climate resilience, and marine robotics.

• Develop and maintain industry partner profiles and opportunity maps.

• Track and analyze trends in corporate R&D, commercialization, and philanthropic investment.

• Support the development of strategic engagement plans for high-priority sectors and partners.

• Serve as the primary CRM administrator for SHIP, ensuring accurate tracking of leads, partnerships, and funding opportunities.

• Design and maintain dashboards and reports to monitor KPIs related to commercialization, industry engagement, and revenue diversification.

• Train SHIP staff and collaborators on CRM best practices and data entry protocols.

• Use CRM insights to inform outreach strategies and identify high-potential opportunities.

• Support the planning, promotion, and follow-up for SHIP-hosted events such as industry symposiums, forums, and pitch sessions.

• Develop targeted outreach campaigns to engage prospective partners and sponsors.

• Coordinate with internal teams to ensure alignment between events, communications, and business development goals.

Non-Essential Functions:

• As deemed necessary by supervisor

MINIMAL QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree and 5+ years of experience in strategic communications, business development, or digital engagement.

• Demonstrated experience working in or with the ocean, marine technology, environmental science, or related innovation sectors.

• Proven success engaging commercial and industrial clients, with a focus on non-governmental partnerships.

• High proficiency in CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) and data analytics tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, Tableau).

• Experience with WordPress or similar CMS platforms for website development and management.

• Excellent writing and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific or technical content into compelling narratives.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Willingness and ability to work on-site at WHOI's Woods Hole, MA campus.

• Occasional travel to industry events or partner sites may be required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Familiarity with technology transfer, commercialization, or sponsored research models.

• Graphic design or visual communication skills (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) a plus.

• Experience working in a research institution or innovation ecosystem.

Additional Job Requirements

WHOI accepts applications on a rolling basis - applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure full consideration. While we will continue to review applications until the position is filled, and early applicants may have an advantage in the selection process.

EEO Statement

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.