Director of Conservation Programs II in Milton, Delaware

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 Director of Conservation Programs II is responsible for defining and overseeing the implementation of the strategic priorities and strategies for the Delaware Chapter’s conservation work, providing leadership and oversight of land, water, oceans, and climate initiatives. S/he ensures alignment of Chapter programs with Whole System, Regional, and Global conservation goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Director of Conservation Programs II builds upon and maintains the Conservancy’s standing as a major conservation partner in Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic region. S/he serves as a senior manager in the Chapter and a member of the Chapter’s Management Team. The Director provides overall strategic and programmatic leadership for the Delaware Chapter’s conservation work and ensures programmatic alignment with Whole System (Delaware River & Bay, Chesapeake Bay, and Mid-Atlantic Seascape), Regional, and Global goals. S/he defines conservation priorities and long-term conservation strategies, leads and manages a team of approximately five highly effective conservation professionals, and builds strategic, scientific, and technical capacity for the Chapter. S/he serves as the principle contact to government agencies, other conservation organizations, and the academic community. The Director develops key partnerships with public & private organizations in order to identify and resolve conservation challenges and to widely communicate solutions and best practices. S/he develops innovative methods, analyses, tools and frameworks to address the needs of nature and people, engages influential people (including legislators) for support of conservation efforts, and negotiates complex and innovative solutions with government agencies, conservation partners, and communities to conserve and protect ecosystem function.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Collaborates closely with the Delaware State Director and Management Team to define Chapter priorities and needs.
• Leads and manages a highly effective, decentralized, multi-disciplinary staff.
• Establishes and maintains optimal performance standards while controlling costs and administering budgets.
• Frequently makes independent, strategic decisions based on analysis, ambiguous information and judgment.
• Negotiates innovative, complex agreements in a political environment.
• Coordinates multiple programs and projects with several variables, sets and meets deadlines and timelines.
• Writes requests for proposals (RFPs) and secures grant/contract funding for programs and projects.
• Coordinates with Delaware State Director and philanthropy staff to ensure that sufficient public and private funds are raised to meet program needs.
• Works with the State Director to advance legislative priorities and lobbying objectives.
• Frequent travel regionally, evening and weekend hours.
• 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 equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 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 developing and maintaining high-level partnerships with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and communities.
• Experience in fundraising and budget management.
• Excellent communication skills with experience convening and presenting to diverse audiences via written, spoken, and graphical means.
• Negotiation skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 7-10 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• High-energy, forward-thinking, creative individual.
• Demonstrated experience building programs and coordinating programmatic implementation.
• Experience building and maintaining highly effective teams of staff and partners.
• Experience influencing, developing, and implementing conservation policy and plans.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices of conservation in Delaware.
• Knowledge of socioeconomic and public aspects of conservation.
• Ability to develop practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes.
• Politically savvy and experienced in partnership development, current Delaware contacts a plus.

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 44284, 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 June 30, 2016.

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. *LI-NC1

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: Director of Conservation Programs II

Job ID: 44284

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Location: Delaware