The Nature Conservancy’s Maryland/DC chapter is on the front lines of the fight against climate change. Nature is our best defense to adapt to a changing world and we work on the ground to deliver large-scale conservation projects that have the greatest outcomes for people and nature. Science is at the core of everything we do—we constantly learn and adapt to yield the greatest conservation returns. Yet our actions alone are not enough. We leverage policy and partnerships to scale our impact. Our core programs aim to transform agriculture, restore Appalachian forests, build green cities, and strengthen our coasts – all in the face of a changing climate. In addition, we engage directly in policy to reduce emissions that cause climate change.
In 2020, TNC expanded our conservation program to Baltimore, MD. The Baltimore Program Director (Director) will advance strategies, partnerships, policies, and projects that deploy and enhance nature-based solutions in Baltimore City to address coastal resilience, stormwater runoff and flooding, and expansion of tree canopy with an emphasis on integrating TNC’s values of equity and justice into the program’s conservation portfolio.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Baltimore Program Director will provide leadership to hone the strategic direction and conservation portfolio for TNC in Baltimore. Reporting to the MD/DC Deputy Executive Director and in collaboration with a cross-functional team, the Director will deliver on-the-ground conservation projects with a focus on stormwater retention and coastal resilience, strategic tree canopy expansion, and youth environmental engagement. The Director will also identify and advocate for policy and funding solutions at the municipal, state, and federal levels that catalyze nature-based resilience strategies. They will also collaborate closely with our team in Washington, DC to share transferable ideas and approaches to conservation in both cities.
The Director will develop and advance partnerships with a diverse set of key stakeholders – including but not limited to neighborhood, municipal, state, and federal government entities, conservation organizations, foundations, academia, and faith-based groups. Together with partners, they will design and deliver nature-based solutions that reduce flooding and extreme heat in Baltimore neighborhoods. The Director will demonstrate understanding of the social and economic opportunities/challenges in Baltimore and approach conservation decisions with a diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice lens.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Develop and effectively manage both on-the-ground conservation projects and policy change initiatives to advance the funding and deployment adoption of nature-based solutions to address chronic flooding and urban heat in Baltimore.
- Build meaningful partnerships to accomplish program goals, which includes representing TNC and the program to funders, government officials, and other partners.
- Research and analyze policies, practices, enabling conditions, and stakeholder dynamics to identify alternative policy and funding pathways to achieve program goals.
- Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to compile or pursue key science questions related to nature-based solutions for stormwater retention, coastal resilience, and/or localized flooding.
- Manage project and program budgets and contracts and assist with grant management and reporting.
- Serve as a dependable and collaborative team member both within the MD/DC chapter and externally to advance the Conservancy’s mission.
- Ensure program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
- Make independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Participate as an active member of TNC’s North America Cities Network.