Mojave Desert Program Director

Las Vegas, Nevada (NV)

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 Nature Conservancy (TNC) seeks a dynamic leader to fill the new position of Mojave Desert Program Director in our Las Vegas office. The ideal candidate will have a personal connection to the landscape, be a strategic thinker and have outstanding interpersonal skills. They will have the ability to navigate ambiguity, be organized and detail-oriented, have sound judgment, and the ability to work successfully within TNC’s complex organization. Previous experience in conservation is desirable but not mandatory. 

The Mojave Desert Program Director will be a key member of TNC’s existing Mojave Desert conservation team in Nevada and California, which is focused on protecting the most important places in the desert for nature and finding solutions for siting renewable energy facilities in a manner that minimizes their impacts to desert ecosystems. To achieve this goal, the Program Director will develop highly effective strategic partnerships with government agencies and private sector stakeholders utilizing TNC’s wealth of scientific, policy, and stewardship expertise. This will be a leadership position within the Nevada Chapter of TNC, and the Program Director will be expected innovate, inspire, and direct the growth and development of TNC’s work in Southern Nevada. The position will provide support to administrative, marketing, and fundraising functions. The position will serve as liaison between the Nevada and California Chapters and the North America Energy Program relating to Mojave Desert activities. The position will report to the Associate State Director of the Nevada Chapter.

• Lead the development and execution of science-based strategies to maintain and protect biodiversity, including to influence the implementation of the:
  • Bureau of Land Management’s Las Vegas Resource Management Plan, Western Solar Program, and Department of Interior mitigation policies.
  • The Clark County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan.
  • The US Fish and Wildlife Service Desert Tortoise recovery plan.
• Advance key federal, state and local legislation or policy initiatives.
• Develop strategic partnerships with, among others, utilities, renewable energy developers, land developers, regulators, conservation organizations, and recreation user groups.
• Initiate, coordinate and produce analyses and position papers to advance TNC strategies.
• Raise the visibility and profile of the Conservancy as a leading conservation partner in Southern Nevada, including through earned media.
• Support and lead TNC teams to achieve maximum impact.
• Identify and secure sources of funding to support TNC’s work in the Mojave Desert.
• Provide support for fundraising and administrative efforts of the Nevada Chapter of TNC, and potentially serve in supervisory and leadership capacities.

• BA/BS degree in natural science, biological science, political science, public administration or a related field and 5 years of experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience. In lieu of conservation experience, candidates should have applicable experience implementing strategic initiatives in other areas.
• Experience building and leading strategic partnerships with diverse stakeholders to solve complex problems, including with government agency officials, public utilities, renewable energy developers, scientists, and environmental organizations.
• Experience setting and adjusting priorities for multiple simultaneous projects, meeting deadlines, and managing staff and finances.
• Supervisory, leadership, and team building experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• MA/MS degree and 5-7 years of experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience influencing, developing and implementing conservation policy and plans, especially with government entities.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in relevant discipline(s) and regions.
• Developing practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes.
• Motivating team members, setting goals, and leading efforts.
• Knowledge of politics and society with respect to environmental affairs.
• Managing time and diverse activities under deadlines while delivering quality results.
• Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means.
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising.
• Successful experience in developing, directing and managing multiple projects.
• Demonstrated success as an inspirational manager who has successfully motivated staff to achieve and sustain excellence.
• Demonstrated leadership and strategic qualities and ability to work effectively with and through others in a decentralized and geographically dispersed organization.
• Successful experience in partnership development including extensive networking with high-level conservation stakeholders; political savvy.
• Proven interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.

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.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT

The Mojave Desert Program Director may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. These conditions may:

• require occasional physical exertion and/or muscular strain
• present occasional possibility of injury
• require frequent travel regionally
• require evening and weekend hours

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. 

To apply to position number 41967, 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 April 15, 2014.

Failure to complete all of the required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration.

You must click “submit” to apply for the position. You may select “save for later” if you prefer to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited.

If you are experiencing technical issues, please refer to our applicant user guide or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.
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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 or veteran status or other status protected by law. 

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