Director, NC Longleaf Pine Program in Wilmington

The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact for people and nature around the world in 69 countries, all 50 United States, major US cities and in your neighborhood. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we are committed to a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Visit www.nature.org/aboutus 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 Director of the NC Longleaf Pine Program serves as The Nature Conservancy’s conservation leader and manager for all aspects of our work within the southern Coastal Plain and Sandhills region of North Carolina. The Longleaf Pine Program Director oversees all aspects of protection, science, stewardship, policy and community/agency relations and is responsible for defining strategies, building effective partnerships and developing program capacity. S/he serves as the principle contact to government agencies, other conservation organizations, foundations and the Longleaf Pine Whole System leadership across the Southeastern U.S. The Director oversees staffed programs in the SE Coastal Plain, Sandhills and Onslow Bight landscapes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Longleaf Pine Program Director oversees all aspects of protection, restoration, land management, science and planning, program administration, policy and partner and community relations. S/he provides leadership and support for TNC’s conservation actions by utilizing best available science and conservation planning to establish overall program priorities. S/he supplies management, oversight and program support to Conservancy field operations. The Director serves as the principle contact with government agencies, other conservation organizations, private landowners, foundations and consultants, and the academic community. S/he negotiates complex and innovative solutions with agencies and landowners to conserve and protect natural communities and implement conservation strategies.

The Longleaf Pine Program Director leads and manages a team of nine professionals working on longleaf pine conservation across the southern Coastal Plain and Sandhills regions of North Carolina. The Director is responsible for developing and overseeing budgets and work plans, soliciting and utilizing technical and scientific expertise, conducting strategic planning and ensuring tangible conservation results. S/he manages land protection, stewardship and restoration staff including seasonal controlled burning crews and may participate in controlled burning and other fire program related activities. S/he partners to expand the reach of TNC resources, builds public support for conservation efforts and represents TNC’s interests on high-leverage partnerships. S/he works closely with Philanthropy and other staff to raise program funding by identifying opportunities and developing proposals and grant applications. The Director develops policy priorities for the Conservancy related to longleaf conservation in NC and works with Chapter and Government Relations leadership to implement these efforts. S/he serves on the NC Chapter Conservation Steering Committee and advises the Director of Conservation Programs on strategic priorities for the region.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE

• Work is at a geographic size and scope of a larger, complex business unit and/or a program that requires cross-boundary work and relationships.
• Provides program vision and leadership and defines system scale strategies and priorities.
• Develops and administers budgets and ensures sound financial performance.
• Writes requests for proposal (RFPs), contracts, grant proposals and other materials to solicit funding, goods and services for program.
• Sets financial goals, evaluates return on investment, and develops corrective strategies to improve future results.
• Recruits, retains and manages high quality and effective staff at remote locations.
• Uses common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Power point, Geographic Information Systems)
• Develops key partnerships with public and private organizations.
• Frequently makes independent strategic decisions based on analysis, ambiguous information and judgment.
• Frequent travel domestically and/or internationally, evening and weekend hours.
• May participate in controlled burning and in wild land fire suppression activities in partnership with other non-profits, local fire departments, and local, state and federal agencies.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BS degree and 7 years’ experience in conservation practice or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of longleaf pine ecosystems, forest ecology, and related land management practices.
• Demonstrated experience working with private landowners, government agencies and/or in partnerships to achieve program objectives.
• Fundraising experience, including identifying donor prospects and donor cultivation
• Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including managing finances and coordinating the work of other professionals and partners.
• Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
• Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies.
• Proven communication, persuasion, and negotiation skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Multi-lingual and multi-cultural or cross cultural experience appreciated
• 7-10 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience influencing, developing and implementing conservation policy and plans.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in relevant discipline(s) and regions.
• Ability to develop practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes.
• Knowledge of methods and standards of biodiversity information systems and initiatives.
• Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Politically savvy and experienced in policy and partnership development.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively with and through others in a decentralized and geographically dispersed organization

HOW TO APPLY

To apply to position number 45457, submit resume (required) and cover letter separately using the upload buttons. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on June 13, 2017.

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.

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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.*

Job Title: Director, NC Longleaf Pine Program

Location: North Carolina

Job ID: 45457

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full/Part Time: Full-Time