Based in Des Moines, the State Director drives our conservation strategy, public policy leadership, and development activities while working closely with our Board of Trustees. Together they shape and implement the Chapter’s Strategic Plan in alignment with the Chapter Objectives, TNC’s Shared Conservation Agenda priorities, and TNC’s values.
The key role of the State Director is to lead, manage, and inspire the chapter staff and trustees to collectively achieve the maximum contribution to the organization’s mission. They ensure measurable success in conservation and fundraising programs and contribute intellectual, financial and human resources to priority, cross-boundary initiatives. They support alignment of activities by securing, coordinating and configuring resources, capacity and programs to address the most critical conservation priorities of the organization at multiple scales. They are responsible for collaborating with others across the division and throughout the organization on the procurement and application of resources in Iowa as well as in areas beyond their span of authority.
The State Director assures fundraising success and works with philanthropy staff to secure increased private and corporate support for conservation from donors of various backgrounds, engaging with major donors, corporations and foundations and supporting staff in nurturing donor relationships. The State Director approves budgets and sets priorities that dictate private and public fundraising goals. They serve as the primary statewide spokesperson for TNC to internal and external audiences (including staff, volunteers, the Board of Trustees, public and private donors, government agencies and officials, community leaders and other partners) and cultivate those audiences to support and promote TNC’s mission and vision.
Through the empowerment of other managers, the State Director develops and supports the chapter staff to meet the conservation priorities of the Chapter and of the global organization. The State Director also ensures a work environment that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive and maintains organizational values. The State Director reports to the Great Plains Division Director and works closely with the state’s Board of Trustees.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Ensures measurable advancement of the stated objectives of the Iowa Chapter;
- Manages the development and successful execution of the Chapter’s Strategic Plan, budget, financial plans, philanthropic goals, marketing and communications plans, and annual conservation work programs;
- Provides leadership in public policy efforts within the chapter and the region;
- Ensures recruitment, management and development of high quality, diverse, and effective staff;
- Demonstrates a strong understanding of on-the-ground land management conservation;
- Ensures that programmatic commitments, financial standards and legal requirements are met;
- Incorporates organizational values and competencies as foundational elements in all aspects of work;
- Promotes a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion;
- Presents and represents the Chapter’s and TNC’s vision in a compelling and engaging manner to internal and external audiences as lead spokesperson;
- Delivers effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on complex topics to associate groups, managers at all levels, board members, key stakeholders and outside organizations;
- Provides support of regional and global TNC priorities;
- Demonstrates a willingness and ability to travel throughout the geography and globally as required;
- Works flexibly, sometimes beyond the normal workday, including weekends, as necessary, during deadline periods;
- Performs well under pressure;