The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive.
The Chicago Conservation Director will be responsible for shaping and implementing TNC strategies that contribute to the protection, restoration, and management of metropolitan natural areas and other green infrastructure for the benefit of people and nature. While TNC has a long history and ongoing programs in the Chicago area, the Director will be required to creatively integrate these and potentially add new strategies for protecting and restoring urban biodiversity. The Director will work to broaden the constituency for conservation by providing meaningful ways for members, volunteers, and other stakeholders to engage with nature and the Conservancy within the Chicago metropolitan area. S/he serves as an important contact to government agencies, other conservation organizations, foundations, the academic community, and the public within the context of the extensive collaborative/partnership atmosphere that is the Chicago Wilderness alliance. The Chicago Conservation Director will ensure that work in Chicago is in coordination with the Conservancy’s efforts across Illinois, throughout the region, and around the globe.
This may include one or more of the following functions:
Enhances the Conservancy’s reputation as a major conservation partner within the Chicago metro area.
Defines the Conservancy’s natural urban infrastructure priorities and strategies in the Chicago area.
Leads and manages a team that supports and improves conservation efforts.
Manages the Volunteer Stewardship Network for Illinois.
Manages the LEAF program in Chicago.
Advances the Green Infrastructure Vision of Chicago Wilderness through the Conservancy’s strategies.
Oversees our urban nature preserve stewardship and protection at Indian Boundary Prairies.
Develops key partnerships with public and private organizations and community leaders in order to effectively implement strategies and to widely communicate solutions and best practices.
Negotiates complex and innovative solutions with government agencies, building and land owners, and other conservation organizations to conserve, protect, and utilize natural communities.
Develops and implements conservation strategies.
This position will report to the Director of Conservation Programs.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
BA/BS degree and 5 years experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience directing complex projects, including staffing, workloads, and finances under deadlines.
Supervisory experience required.
Experience in developing and stewarding partnerships to advance conservation goals (NGOs, government, community, etc.).
