Sagebrush Ecosystem Program Manager

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 primary focus of the Program Manager will be to facilitate the effective implementation of two high-profile sage-grouse conservation planning projects the Chapter has underway with the mining industry, including TNC’s formal role under the Barrick Nevada Sage-grouse Bank Enabling Agreement. Under the direction of the Associate State Director, the Program Manager will manage and coordinate the overall activities of the Program, produce technical reports and presentations, develop and implement stakeholder processes, and represent the Chapter in key external relationships.  The Program Manager will become the daily contact and representative for the projects, and will be responsible for developing systems and contingencies for time-efficient achievement of TNC’s deliverables, for managing external communications, and anticipating both opportunities and obstacles to the achievement of the Program’s larger conservation goals.

The Sagebrush Ecosystem Program Manager provides leadership and support to the Nevada Chapter by coordinating and managing Program activities, contracts and schedules; developing communication strategies and representing the Chapter externally; and managing existing and new strategic relationships with partners.  S/he will develop multi-disciplinary expertise in the science, policies and politics of sagebrush conservation in Nevada and beyond.

• Provide leadership for Program
• Develop Program work plans and organize and coordinate activities of team
• Manage contracts and schedules and adjust priorities in response to external opportunities, obstacles and unexpected developments
• Manage external relationships with key partners in government and business, in the conservation and ranching communities and with private landowners
• Oversee stakeholder involvement in TNC projects
• Develop written materials and presentations to communicate TNC work to a broad range of stakeholders
• Represent TNC in external forums
• Identify and develop new strategic opportunities for TNC engagement

Identify opportunities and implement strategies to protect key private lands and develop and implement protection strategies

•  Manage and coordinate activities of multi-disciplinary professional staff, facilitate achievement of scheduled milestones and as needed changes in schedules and budgets in a complex, dynamic environment
• Gain cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals
• Financial responsibilities include working within a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development, and identifying new opportunities for revenue   
• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements
• Makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment

Occasionally may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances

• BA/BS, law or business degree and 5 years’ experience in project management or natural resource management or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience negotiating and managing complex agreements and making adjustments within a continuously changing and dynamic environment
• Experience working in teams and influencing others over which s/he does not have authority
• Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally
• Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Web Browsers

DESIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate will have outstanding organizational and interpersonal skills, and an aptitude for integrating complex information from across multiple disciplines.  S/he will have the ability to develop trust-based relationships with people with diverse interests and backgrounds.  S/he will be able to work independently and exercise sound judgment in the face of incomplete information. S/he will be able to maintain positive expectations in the face of ambiguity and changeable enabling conditions, and see opportunity where others may see only obstacles. S/he will have the ability to develop a working knowledge of sagebrush ecosystem science and the public policies that will decide these ecosystems’ future. S/he will be able to represent the Chapter in external forums and internally, and to effectively communicate complex ideas verbally and through written materials.

To apply to position number 43155, 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

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.