Forest Program Director in Maine

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 Forest Program Director is the strategic leader for all forest conservation initiatives for The Nature Conservancy in Maine, overseeing strategy development, land protection, stakeholder outreach and community relations, and leading TNC’s work to engage partners in developing new approaches to integrating a sustainable forest economy, forest-based climate change solutions and biodiversity conservation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Forest Program Director has primary responsibility for ensuring the success of TNC’s forest conservation initiatives across Maine. S/he will engage with a wide range of partners—including the forest products industry, landowners, businesses, government agencies, local communities, private non-profit organizations, financial investors, and academics—to develop innovative, collaborative approaches that advance nature conservation and human well-being. S/he will organize and oversee a variety of program activities, seek out and develop new opportunities to advance program goals, and communicate regularly and effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders with different backgrounds and perspectives. The Forest Program Director is TNC’s primary point of contact with partner organizations and statewide and regional entities engaged in forest conservation and forest products. S/he leads a team of staff in Maine and coordinates closely with other TNC-Maine teams (including freshwater, science and external affairs), with TNC’s Northern Appalachians multi-state team, and with divisional, regional and global conservation staff. S/he is responsible for successful implementation of program activities, for developing and managing the program budget, and for working with TNC development staff to secure necessary funding.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE

• Scope of work includes the state of Maine, the Northern Appalachians multi-state region, and interfacing with TNC’s global lands program.
• Develops project ideas and work methods using innovative approaches that leverage and build upon TNC’s institutional history of conservation success, including the use of creative methods of problem-solving, spotting emerging opportunities, new funding mechanisms, and various means of leveraging work.
• Strengthens the role of TNC as a major stakeholder in Maine’s forest conservation and forest products communities.
• Frequently makes independent, strategic decisions based on analysis and judgment.
• Negotiates complex real estate transactions, in a politically charged environment.
• Designs and leads complex, collaborative stakeholder processes.
• Maintains optimal program performance standards within budget.
• Supervises TNC staff, contractors, seasonal employees, volunteers and interns.
• May be responsible for leading or co-leading multi-state teams.
• Reports to the Associate State Director/Director of Conservation and serves on chapter leadership teams.
• Frequent travels throughout Maine, sometimes evening and weekend hours, with occasional domestic and/or international travel
• 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 successfully managing complex projects, including securing funding, managing finances, coordinating the work of other professionals, and collaborating with internal and external partners.
• Demonstrated experience in creative problem-solving, opportunity development, effectively leveraging talent across diverse teams, and developing novel approaches to achieve high-impact outcomes.
• Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, effective at persuading diverse groups.
• Politically savvy and experienced developing partnerships (partners, community, government).
• Experience negotiating complex agreements.
• Ability to learn, retain, and implement information quickly.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 7-10 years’ experience in conservation and/or forest industry practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of the dynamics of forest ecology and forest economics in Maine and/or the Northeast.
• Knowledge of current state and regional trends and practices in forest-based climate solutions and community development.
• Ability to develop practical applications of non-conservation business concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
• Excellent ‘team player’ with a commitment to respecting team dynamics, and a strong ability to understand diverse perspectives, and synthesize multiple perspectives to achieve the best outcome.
• Proven ability to develop and facilitate productive, inclusive meetings and negotiate difficult conversations.
• Fundraising experience, including identifying and cultivating private donor prospects and securing other diverse funding sources for forest conservation.
• Ability to influence without authority

HOW TO APPLY

To apply to position number 45306, 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 April 26, 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.

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.*

Job Title: Forest Program Director

Location: Maine