Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive.
We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. Whether it’s career development, work/life balance, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all of our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued.
YOUR POSITION WITH TNC
The Missouri Director of Conservation Programs manages a diverse and geographically dispersed team of conservation professionals throughout Missouri. Program responsibilities include applied science, conservation planning, restoration ecology, land management, conservation real estate, budgeting, and monitoring measurable results. The Director ensures effective conservation program operations with a cooperative focus working with a broad suite of staff, trustees, partners, and stakeholders. The Director coordinates implementation of conservation strategies to sustain urban and rural communities, priority grassland, woodland, and aquatic systems, as well as to achieve long-term solutions to meet the needs of nature and people.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Director of Conservation Programs leads a team to develop and deliver conservation initiatives that advance the Conservancy’s goals in priority landscapes and watersheds within and beyond Missouri, including the Missouri and Mississippi River systems. The Director works at multiple levels to achieve conservation success in critical landscapes, working through partnerships to implement solutions, and building scientific, strategic, and technical capacity for conservation priorities. The Director serves as a liaison for the conservation science community and state, federal, and NGO partners, and works cooperatively with other programs in the Conservancy. They make independent decisions and also actively collaborate with the conservation team to make collective decisions that translate into pragmatic plans and actions.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Guide and supervise a high-performing team of conservation professionals at multiple locations across Missouri and maintain staff commitment, performance, and well-being.
- Create and foster an open and inclusive environment and encourage team to be active participants in diversity, equity, and inclusion trainings and learning opportunities.
- Work with trustees, partners, stakeholders, government officials, community leaders, and opinion shapers to promote support for the Conservancy’s conservation priorities in a complex socio-economic and political landscape.
- Work closely with Conservancy staff to secure private and public funding and resources to support conservation efforts through grants and donations.
- Provide analyses and recommendations based on sound science and strategic opportunities.
- Ensure alignment of Missouri conservation goals and strategies within the overall framework of the Conservancy’s global goals, priorities, and approaches.
- Communicate effectively to varied audiences on conservation topics that promote engagement and involvement.
- Manage a full schedule and frequently travel statewide.