In 2020, as part of its Climate Resilience Program, The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) New Jersey chapter launched a Greening Our Cities initiative to shape efforts that will address and lessen the impacts of climate risks in urban landscapes. Greening Our Cities will work on the ground to deliver large-scale conservation projects that have the greatest outcomes for people and nature. Additionally, a central tenant to best increasing our impact is using our on-the-ground projects and partnerships in the communities in which we are working to help inform and catalyze policy changes.
The New Jersey Cities Program Manager will provide support to advance strategies, partnerships, policies, and projects that deploy and enhance nature-based solutions (actions that use elements of nature to provide benefits for people) in urban landscapes throughout New Jersey, with an emphasis on integrating TNC’s values of equity and justice into the program’s conservation portfolio. As part of our newly developed Greening Our Cities initiative, this Manager position will have an exciting opportunity to support with refining strategies, optimize program goals and objectives, and scale a diverse range of projects.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
In collaboration with a cross-functional team and the Director of Urban Programs, the Manager will help hone the strategic direction and conservation portfolio of the Greening Our Cities initiative and will deliver on-the-ground conservation projects with a focus on l enhancing community resilience to climate change. The Manager 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 equitable nature-based solutions that reduce flooding and extreme heat in New Jersey cities. The Manager will demonstrate understanding of the social and economic opportunities/challenges in New Jersey and approach conservation decisions with a diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice lens.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Build and maintain meaningful partnerships with and among stakeholders, including community-based organizations, government officials and funders, to accomplish program goals.
- Develop and effectively manage on-the-ground conservation greening projects in New Jersey cities.
- Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to assess best practices related to nature-based solutions for heat island impacts and stormwater retention and/or localized flooding.
- Participate as an active member of TNC’s North America Cities Network.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.