The Community Development Coordinator develops, manages and advances conservation programs that build community-based leadership, local capacity and sustainable economies, primarily within the Southeast Alaska region of the Emerald Edge. The Emerald Edge Program works to ensure a sustainable forest and ocean ecosystem by improving the well-being of indigenous and local communities that make the coastal temperate rainforest of North America their home. The Emerald Edge program spans from Southeast Alaska, through British Columbia to Washington’s Olympic Peninsula.
The Community Development Coordinator supports the Emerald Edge Program by planning, directing and implementing community-based projects aimed at achieving conservation through community well-being and development. They support healthy lands and waters in Southeast Alaska through strengthening local leadership and stewardship capacity and opportunities to create sustainable wealth. The Coordinator fosters learning among an international conservation community spanning Alaska, British Columbia and Washington, and supplies the Emerald Edge conservation team with locally relevant information for achieving the program goal. The Coordinator will listen for community-identified needs then develop and implement conservation strategies to address those needs, employing a full range of conservation planning, social and economic tools resulting in improved community well-being and effective long-term resource stewardship. They implement a variety of strategies to secure public and private support for TNC conservation priorities including representing TNC in regional partnerships, facilitating community exchanges, developing and expanding youth programs and implementing sustainable business initiatives.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Gain cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals.
- Engage new partners, identify and develop new opportunities.
- Develop and manage relationships with community partners throughout Southeast Alaska
- Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development, and meeting fundraising targets.
- Ensure program compliance with internal policies and external requirements, including Youth Safety procedures.
- Under minimal supervision, make independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Frequent travel (25-40%) within Southeast Alaska and across the Emerald Edge, including Canada.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working with indigenous and rural communities.
- Experience in community development or related field.
- Experience communicating with the public both in writing and verbally.
- Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers.
- Must be able to pass a background screen to qualify for working with Youth.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Experience and passion for working and living in Alaska, Southeast Alaska preferred.
- Experience in conservation, stewardship, sustainability or related field.
- Completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
- Excellent communication skills via written and spoken means in English and other relevant languages.
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.