Urban Conservation Program Manager in Boulder, Colorado

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in 69 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/about-us 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 Colorado Urban Conservation Program Manager will launch a recently established conservation program focused on protecting, conserving, enhancing and best utilizing natural systems for the benefit of nature and people in urban environments, including increasing the resilience of urban areas to environmental changes and challenges. The Program Manager will collaboratively develop and implement conservation projects that demonstrate the value of nature-based solutions to urban challenges, increase the knowledge base around urban biodiversity and engage urban communities in protecting and acting on behalf of nature. Where possible, these projects will engage and benefit underserved and/or highly impacted communities. The initial geographic focus of the program will be on the Denver Metropolitan area, with particular emphasis on the South Platte River, but priority will also be placed on the development of solutions that are scalable to other cities around the state.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Urban Conservation Program Manager will establish The Nature Conservancy (TNC) as a major conservation partner within the Denver metropolitan region and across the state by developing and delivering strategic initiatives to advance the Conservancy’s urban conservation goals. The Program Manager will also serve as the Colorado Business Unit’s primary liaison with the Conservancy’s North American Whole Cities Network and Global Cities Initiative, ensuring that our work is aligned and mutually beneficial.

Essential functions may include one or more of the following:

• Develop the Conservancy’s role as a significant partner in designing and implementing nature-based solutions that contribute to resilient cities.
• Lead an internal, cross-functional team that develops and implements urban conservation initiatives.
• Develop key partnerships with public and private organizations and community leaders in order to effectively implement strategies and to widely communicate solutions and best practices.
• Achieve results through collaboration and partnerships, including negotiation of complex and innovative solutions with government agencies, communities, property owners, and other conservation organizations to conserve, protect, and utilize nature-based solutions.
• Develop and/or apply innovative scientific methods, analyses, tools and frameworks to address conservation needs.
• Support fundraising for urban conservation initiatives and provide assistance in proposal writing, donor identification and cultivation.
• Manage the Urban Conservation Trustee Advisory Committee.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE

• Lead the development, implementation and ongoing oversight of a portfolio of replicable projects that advance the application of nature-based solutions to challenges in urban communities, including those with underserved and/or highly impacted populations.
• Utilize scientific tools to assess the condition of urban biodiversity and to prioritize opportunities to apply nature-based solutions in the Denver metropolitan region and, particularly, within the South Platte River watershed.
• Assist with the establishment of policies and/ or sustainable financing mechanisms that mainstream successful approaches to using natural systems to address urban challenges.
• Build cooperative relationships and collaborate with diverse groups, including communities, property owners, conservation partners, government officials, academia, donors, board members, and the general public, to develop, recruit support for, publicize and leverage Conservancy efforts.
• Serve as the Colorado Business Unit’s primary liaison to the Conservancy’s North America Whole Cities Network and Global Cities Initiative and work with both to better understand how to plan, implement and measure the changes communities and organizations seek concerning nature-based solutions.
• Build contacts in the Denver metropolitan area with underserved / highly-impacted communities and the government and non-government institutions that serve them to advance the use of nature-based solutions to reduce their risk and improve quality of life.
• Develop outreach efforts designed to inform people on the role of nature-based solutions in protecting their stake in the region and create opportunities for the community to engage in tangible projects or other actions.
• Effectively coordinate and manage multiple projects; successfully meet deadlines, deliverables and budget expectations.
• Resolve routine problems independently; consult with supervisor to develop plans for resolution of complex problems.
• Establish and maintain optimal standards of performance while controlling costs and administering budgets.
• Engage with and provide support to philanthropy, public funding and marketing colleagues.
• Manage internal, cross-functional teams and / or plan and direct the work of contractors, volunteers or interns, as needed.
• Make independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and judgment.
• May require frequent travel, extended work hours and occasional evening and weekend hours.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT

• 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 five (5) years’ experience in developing and sustaining a program in urban planning, water management, natural sciences, environmental policy or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing complex or multiple projects, shifting priorities, workloads and finances under deadlines.
• Experience developing partnerships with diverse groups including but not limited to other conservation organizations, government entities, corporations and foundations, community members.
• Ability to communicate clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English.
• Ability to negotiate contracts, agreements and partnerships.
• Demonstrated skills in building collaborative projects which lead to tangible results.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Computer experience using Microsoft products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and in social media platforms.
• Master’s Degree in urban planning, water management, natural sciences, environmental policy, business administration or related field.
• Advanced knowledge in one or more of the following: hydrology, forest ecology, storm water management, urban energy conservation, urban open space protection, ecosystem services analysis and quantification, innovative financing and/or business planning and communication.
• Experience working collaboratively with underserved and/or highly-impacted communities.
• Demonstrated experience in project management and accountability.
• Demonstrated experience influencing, developing and implementing conservation policy and plans.
• Experience with current trends and practices in conservation as it relates to urban areas.
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising.
• Politically savvy.

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION

Preferred office location is Boulder, Colorado. Working from both the Boulder and Denver office is negotiable.

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.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply to position number 44283, 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 15, 2016.

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._**

Position Title: Urban Conservation Program Manager

Job ID: 44283

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Location: Colorado