Director of Conservation Programs—The Nature Conservancy

OFFICE LOCATION: Harrisburg, PA (preferred); will consider other locations

PA301

WORK WITH US

The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact for people and nature around the world in 69 countries, all 50 United States, major US cities and in your neighborhood. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we are committed to a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Visit www.nature.org/aboutus to learn more.

The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.

Position Summary

The Pennsylvania Chapter is a leader in developing and implementing strategies to conserve forest and aquatic habitats and systems, address the impacts of energy development and climate change, and empower nature in cities. The Director of Conservation Programs provides leadership for these strategies and aligns our work with that of other Conservancy units and the Conservancy’s global agenda. S/he is responsible for defining conservation priorities and for building the strategic, scientific, and technical capacity necessary to achieve them. S/he serves as a principal contact with government agencies, other conservation organizations, the academic community, the business community, and foundations and other donors. The Director will supervise staff based in several Pennsylvania locations and will lead teams on multi-state projects.

Essential Functions

• Strategic Planning – Oversees development and implementation of conservation strategies in the chapter’s strategic plan, including developing new strategies and projects to achieve plan goals. S/he is responsible for integration of teams focused on land, water, and urban conservation.
• Program Delivery – Provides direct assistance to Conservancy staff to help achieve conservation goals, including finding and engaging relevant capacity and experience from among chapter staff and staff in other state chapters and division, regional, and global staff. Provides supervision and oversight to direct reports to ensure staff development and professional goals are defined and achieved.
• Partnership Building – Develops effective partnerships with federal and state agencies, scientific and academic institutions, conservation and other environmental groups, the business community, and other public and private organizations engaged in conservation issues.
• Fundraising – Assists Chapter development staff and chapter leadership to secure private funds to support conservation. Identifies public funding opportunities and coordinates development of state and federal grant applications.

Responsibilities And Scope

• Establishes the Conservancy as a major conservation partner.
• Defines conservation priorities and oversees implementation of conservation goals in Chapter’s strategic plan.
• Develops and implements conservation strategies.
• Leads and manages teams that support and improve conservation efforts.
• Builds strategic, scientific, and technical capacity within the Chapter.
• Develops key partnerships with public and private organizations in order to identify and resolve technical issues and to widely communicate solutions and best practices.
• Develops innovative scientific methods, analyses, tools, and frameworks to address natural system needs.
• Engages local community support for local conservation efforts.
• Negotiates complex and innovative solutions with government agencies and landowners to conserve and protect natural communities.
• Serves as the primary liaison between the Chapter and the Conservancy’s Global programs, North America Region, and Mid-Atlantic and Central Appalachian Division on science and conservation initiatives.
• Engages the Chapter Board on conservation issues and reports on progress toward goals.
• Minimum Qualifications
• BA/BS degree and 10 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Fundraising experience, including identifying donor prospects and donor cultivation.
• Experience directing a major program or project of strategic importance, including management/supervision of multi-disciplinary teams and meeting deadlines.
• Experience working with current trends and practices in relevant discipline(s) and geographic regions.
• Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives, and managing performance.
• Experience developing partnerships (NGOs, communities, businesses, governments).
• Negotiation skills.
• Experience influencing, developing, and implementing conservation policy and plans at the state or country level.
• Experience with financial oversight and management of project and program budgets.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience developing practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes.
• Knowledge of methods and standards of biodiversity information systems and initiatives and experience conceiving and implementing strategic initiatives.
• Ability to motivate team members, set goals, and lead efforts.
• Ability to deliver practical, adaptable products and services to partner organizations.
• Knowledge of politics and society with respect to environmental affairs; politically savvy.
• Ability to manage time and diverse activities under deadlines while delivering quality results.
• Ability to communicate clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Successful experience in developing, directing, and managing multiple projects.
• Demonstrated success as an inspirational manager who has successfully motivated staff to achieve and sustain excellence.
• Demonstrated leadership and visionary qualities and ability to work effectively with and through others in a decentralized and geographically dispersed organization.

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

This position requires a valid driver’s license and compliance with the Conservancy’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered “high risk drivers.” Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers .

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee’s motor vehicle record.

To apply to this position, please visit www.nature.org/careers and click on Current Job Opportunities. Please submit your resume (required) and cover letter separately using the upload buttons.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of men and women of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process.