Based in Jackson, Mississippi, the Operating Unit (OU) Director functions as the executive director and conservation strategist for the Mississippi Chapter of The Nature Conservancy. S/he is accountable for the OU’s success in implementing TNC’s conservation approach, producing measurable conservation results and maintaining organizational values. S/he ensures outcomes are achieved in priority areas that fall within the operating unit’s responsibilities, and contributes intellectual, financial, and/or human resources to the formulation and execution of priority cross-boundary (whole system) efforts. Specifically, the Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi River and Long Leaf Pine whole systems are North America Regional priorities found within the Mississippi Chapter. S/he supports alignment of these activities by securing, coordinating, and configuring resources, capacity, and programs to address the most critical organization-wide projects, threats and strategies. S/he is responsible for collaborating with others on the procurement and application of resources to address the conservation priorities established by TNC, both in her/his ecoregion(s)/operating unit and in areas beyond her/his span of authority. S/he serves as the primary local spokesperson for TNC to internal and external audiences (including staff, volunteers, the Board of Trustees, public and private donors, government agencies and officials, community leaders and other partners) and cultivates those audiences to support and promote TNC’s mission and vision.
The Operating Unit Director oversees fundraising, marketing and operations for the OU, including approving budgets and setting priorities which dictate private and public fundraising goals. He/she supports philanthropy, resources andexternal affairs staff in the cultivation and direct solicitation of donors (private, bilateral and multilateral government) to meet fundraising goals.
The staff comprising the various OU functions may be structured as needed or shared with other units as efficiency dictates to meet the needs of the unit. The Operating Unit Director reports to the Divisional Director and works closely with the local trustees/advisory board.
TNC
