Executive Director, Caribbean Program

Negotiable : Miami or Major Office in Region

The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in more than 30 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/aboutus  to learn more. 

The Executive Director (“Director”) is the chief executive for the Caribbean operating unit. S/he is accountable for producing measurable conservation results, developing staff, and nurturing organizational values. The Director is a dynamic, high-level strategic thinker, a great spokesperson, an effective fundraiser, and a strong manager. S/he is very familiar with the Caribbean’s natural systems, culture, society, and leaders, and is comfortable working with CEOs, partner organizations, heads of state, and other high ranking government officials.  S/he should be an individual with high ethical standards and a track record of getting things done. The Director is a strong spokesperson, and able to articulate a compelling vision for conservation both internally and externally. S/he promotes effective execution by securing, coordinating, and configuring resources, capacity, and programs to address the most critical organization-wide projects, threats and strategies. The ability to develop strong working relationships with a staff and partners who are widely distributed in a variety of physical locations is critical.

The Director has seven direct reports, including leads for conservation, philanthropy, external affairs, operations, and marketing in the region.  S/he approves and manages budgets and sets priorities which dictate private and public fundraising goals.  The Director raises program funds from public and private sources in the United States, Europe, and from within the region.  He/she supports philanthropy, resources and external affairs staff in the cultivation and direct solicitation of donors (private, bilateral and multilateral government) to meet fundraising goals.  S/he is responsible for a significant portion of the OU’s direct fundraising, and has experience working with a board of advisors.

• Bachelor’s degree and minimum of 7 years of experience as a leader in the conservation arena, non-profit sector, advocacy, or related for-profit area.  Advanced degree strongly preferred.
• Management experience including ability to motivate, lead, set objectives, and manage performance of a large multi-disciplinary team.
• Experience, coursework, training of the Caribbean context, including environmental, socio-economic, cultural, governmental, private sector, and livelihood issues.
• Written and verbal fluency in English required.
• Communication and presentation experience.
• Experience communicating with and presenting to diverse audiences including donors, board members, employees, outside partners, or equivalent.
• Experience in fund raising and budget management required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Proficiency in Spanish preferred. Working knowledge of the other languages of the region (French, Dutch) is a plus.
• 7-10 years of experience as a proven leader in the conservation arena, non-profit sector, advocacy, or related for-profit area, including demonstrated experience producing results and meeting program/department goals. 
• Experience gained both in and outside the U.S. preferred.  Demonstrated commitment to developing and practicing global literacy a must.
• Success as an inspirational leader who has successfully motivated staff to achieve and sustain excellence. Proven managerial talent in budgeting, staffing, and performance management.
• High energy, forward thinking, creative individual with high ethical standards.  Outstanding leadership and visionary qualities and able to work effectively with and through others in a decentralized and geographically dispersed organization.
• Proven skills and experience in marine conservation policy and practice; analytical ability, good judgment, and strong focus.  Demonstrated operational, implementation and detail-oriented perspective.
• Well organized and self-directed; politically savvy and a team player.

The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, a 401k plan, 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. 

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 or veteran status or other status protected by law. 

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