Mission Operations and AI Enablement Lead

About OceanX

OceanX is a nonprofit organization dedicated to unlocking the sustainable potential of the ocean via a dual approach encompassing science and education. It fosters a new model encouraging a mutually beneficial relationship between humanity and the ocean, driven by exploration combined with advanced research, multimedia educational initiatives, cross-sector collaboration, and cutting-edge technology. Their efforts focus on protecting biodiversity while promoting sustainable ocean resource utilization to ensure the ocean remains vital for human well-being and future possibilities. OceanX operates under Dalio Philanthropies as a nonprofit.

Position Summary

OceanX Singapore seeks a Mission Operations & AI Enablement Lead responsible for overseeing the worldwide planning and implementation of expeditions, while advancing AI-based systems and workflow automation within the Missions department. This pivotal role ensures missions are well-prepared, executed efficiently, and continuously improved through data-driven strategies and technological innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead comprehensive mission planning from preparation through expedition completion and subsequent evaluation to continuously enhance operations.
• Handle logistics including international permits, customs, immigration, documentation, and regulations across various countries to ensure smooth expedition activities.
• Collaborate extensively with internal teams, academic institutions, partners, vendors, logistics services, and regulatory bodies to balance scientific objectives and operational needs.
• Work jointly with Marine Operations on vessel scheduling, route planning, fuel management, port availability, season assessments, weather considerations, and overall readiness.
• Deploy AI-driven workflows, automations, and operational systems to optimize planning, communication, execution, and reporting tasks.
• Integrate and maintain connectivity among mission management tools (e.g., Smartsheet, Jira, Notion, Monday.com, Marine Facilities Planner) to automate processes, increase data precision, and minimize manual labor.
• Create AI tools including agents, templates, and dashboards to bolster team productivity and reduce repetitive tasks.
• Find and implement opportunities to simplify operational processes, increase transparency, and enhance information flow through AI solutions.
• Assure mission data integrity, governance, and accessibility with timely and comprehensive reporting for leadership and stakeholders.
• Develop and update mission planning instruments, dashboards, reports, and documentation to facilitate informed decision-making.
• Automate reporting that reflects mission progress, approvals, budgets, milestones, action items, risks, and key metrics.
• Perform detailed post-mission reviews and leverage analytics to identify trends and improve future mission planning.
• Research international maritime laws, permits, and logistical constraints to aid in risk mitigation and strategic planning.
• Lead continuous advancement of OceanX's mission operations, standards, systems, and best practices to support growth and future missions.
• Promote collaboration across numerous disciplines including Science, Marine Operations, Education, Media, Partnerships, Data, and Business Operations to effectively align and deliver mission objectives.
• Undertake additional responsibilities as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher, preferably in marine sciences, business/project management, or a related discipline.
• Minimum five years managing projects, operations, or system implementations within dynamic, global entities.
• Proven ability to handle complex, multi-party projects across international boundaries.
• Experience with AI technologies specifically including AI agents, GPT models, or automation platforms geared towards improving business workflows and data management.
• Hands-on knowledge of API integrations and connecting enterprise software solutions such as Jira, Smartsheet, Notion, or Monday.com to automate workflows.
• Background in maritime operations, vessel logistics, oceanographic research, or scientific expedition planning highly advantageous.
• Availability for flexible working hours to support international teams across various time zones.
• Capacity to adapt to variable workloads balancing intense operational periods and quieter phases.
• Self-motivated with a proactive attitude, focused on practical problem-solving and achieving results.
• Strong organizational skills, reliability, attention to detail, and ability to thrive amid ambiguity.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills promoting collaboration.
• Passion for ocean science, exploration, conservation, or scientific missions aligned with OceanX's values.

Compensation and Benefits

This full-time role offers a competitive salary including a merit-based bonus depending on experience, education level, and skills. Benefits include a comprehensive employer-paid medical plan and statutory CPF contributions. The employer does not provide immigration sponsorship.

Equal Opportunity Statement

OceanX is committed to diversity and inclusion, hiring individuals from varied backgrounds to enrich its collaborative environment. The company ensures fair treatment for all applicants and employees across all hiring and organizational practices without discrimination based on race, religion, age, gender identity or expression, national origin, veteran status, disability, or other protected characteristics.