Coastal Resilience Manager in Delmont, New Jersey

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in 69 countries, all 50 United States, and your backyard. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Visit www.nature.org/about-us to learn more.

The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Nature Conservancy in New Jersey looking to hire a motivated, dynamic individual as its Coastal Resilience Manager to advance our work with coastal communities and stakeholders to improve the health and resilience of New Jersey’s coastline. The Coastal Resilience Manager will lead the development and implementation of our community and stakeholder engagement strategy, which is focused on developing and implementing strategic partnerships that mainstream the use of nature and nature-based solutions to address coastal hazards. This is a two to three year termed position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Since Superstorm Sandy, the New Jersey Chapter has been working with partners throughout the state to demonstrate that healthy coastal habitats are fundamental in developing resilient coastal communities and that nature and nature-based solutions can play a vital role in addressing various coastal hazards. As part of this effort, the Coastal Resilience Manager will lead the development and implementation of a chapter-wide strategy to engage municipalities and other key stakeholders in transforming how the coasts are managed – ensuring that nature and nature-based solutions are integrated in local and state level decision making. In developing and implementing this strategy, s/he will work with the marine team to build upon lessons learned from the innovative coastal restoration projects being implemented by the Conservancy and its partners; strategically develop the Conservancy’s current partnerships with other non-governmental organizations (NGOs), local and state government agencies, and academic institutions, among others; and identify additional, innovative opportunities to engage municipalities and stakeholders throughout New Jersey. A major focus of the position will be to work with municipal leaders and the general public to implement nature-based solutions (e.g., living shorelines) in such a way as to build community support for investing in the health of coastal habitats and developing “champions” for sustainable coastlines. Additionally, the work of the Coastal Resilience Manager will help to inform chapter work with state and federal regulatory agencies to improve the enabling conditions for coastal conservation in the state.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE

• Works with municipal leaders, general public, partners and fellow TNC staff to implement living shoreline projects, as well as identify future living shoreline projects, coastal restoration projects and other nature-based solutions.
• Develops and implements innovative solutions to overcome challenges to implementing nature-based solutions at the local and state levels.
• Maintains and develops collaborative partnerships with other NGOs, state and federal agencies, local communities, individual landowners, businesses, and academics to achieve meaningful conservation outcomes.
• Identifies, secures and influences public and private funds to achieve improved coastal habitat conservation.
• When appropriate, convene partners and/or stakeholders to address challenges or key questions facing coastal conservation.
• Works with the directors of the marine program, governmental relations, and conservation investments, and members of the marine team to identify opportunities to affect state relevant and federal regulations.
• Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, and assisting with budget development.
• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• Under minimal supervision, makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BS, law or business degree in a related field and 5 years’ experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including staffing, workloads, and finances under deadlines.
• Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
• Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers.
• Valid driver’s license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Extensive knowledge of municipal and state regulatory processes in New Jersey.
• Demonstrated experience in initiating and maintaining creative partnerships with diverse groups, including local officials, NGOs, government agencies, private landowners, academic institutions and other non-profit partners.
• Knowledge of coastal ecology and the impact of coastal hazards on New Jersey municipalities.
• Experience explaining complex practices and issues to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, coastal management issues, and municipal governance in New Jersey.
• Experience convening large groups and guiding them towards consensus.
• Completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Knowledge of relevant funding sources and experience in applying for and managing grants.

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION

Duration: 2 - 3 year position

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy's Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply to position number 44299, submit resume and cover letter as one document. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on 06/19/16.

Click “submit” to apply for the position or “save for later” to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited. Failure to complete required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration.

If you experience technical issues, please refer to our applicant user guide or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of men and women of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of _**The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process._**

Position Title: Coastal Resilience Manager

Job ID: 44299

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Location: New Jersey