Fisheries and Land Transactions Program Manager

Brunswick, Maine

The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in more than 35 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 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.

The Program Manager – Fisheries and Land Transactions supports the Marine Program Director in execution of  Sustainable Fisheries Strategy, including conducting outreach and negotiations on groundfish permit acquisitions, supporting efforts to advance electronic monitoring, and identifying alternative sources of financing for fisheries reform.  Manager will also conduct outreach and negotiate conservation real estate transactions. Serves as a primary contact to government agencies, other conservation organizations, donors, foundations and the academic community.  

The Program Manager develops key partnerships with public and private organizations and individuals to identify and resolve technical issues and to negotiate for the acquisition of ground fish permits in the Gulf of Maine, and conservation land acquisitions. S/he supports efforts by Marine Program Director to partner with community fishing organizations to ensure the durability of the sector management system, improve accountability in the groundfish fishery, and identify and access alternative forms of financing for fisheries reform. S/he develops innovative methods, analyses, tools and frameworks to identify and reach out to permit and land owners, engages local community support, and negotiates complex and innovative solutions with permit holders and landowners to acquire permits and land to meet the Conservancy’s conservation and business objectives.

•  Initiates and leads negotiations to acquire priority groundfish permits and lands to meet the Maine Chapter’s conservation goals.
• Partners with community fishing organizations to ensure the durability of the sector management system, improve accountability in the groundfish fishery, and identify and access alternative forms of financing for fisheries reform.
• Programmatic scope may require cross-boundary work and relationships throughout the Gulf of Maine and Northern Appalachians Whole Systems.          
• Leads assigned projects to support and improve conservation efforts.             
• Establishes and maintains optimal standards of performance for the acquisition program while controlling costs and administering budgets.
• Responsible for ensuring that public and private funds are raised to meet program needs.
• Builds cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Frequently makes independent decision based on analysis, experience, and judgment.

• BA/BS degree and 5 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing complex or projects, including workloads and finances under deadlines.
• Experience developing partnerships (partners, community, government).
• Experience leading complicated negotiations.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE

• 5-7 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 the Gulf of Maine groundfish industry, and in land conservation in Maine.
• 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.
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising.
• Politically savvy and experienced in partnership development (partners, community, government)

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.

To apply to position number 43152 , 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 2, 2015.

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The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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