The New Jersey Chapter of the Nature Conservancy is working across the state to help both people and nature thrive in the face of climate change. This includes improving the health and resilience of our coastal habitats to best be able to benefit coastal communities through flood reduction, improved water quality, and other ecosystem service benefits. The Coastal Projects Manager will lead the development, implementation, and promotion of conservation plans and projects focused on helping to reduce flood risk to coastal communities. Potential projects types include, but are not limited to, salt marsh enhancement and/or restoration; prioritizing the implementation of nature-based solutions for flood reduction at the local and/or regional scale; and green infrastructure for storm water management in coastal communities.
The Coastal Projects Manager will provide technical leadership and support to the Coastal Program of the New Jersey Chapter. In order to best address critical threats to coastal systems and communities, the Coastal Projects Manager will need to apply a scientific approach to restoration work coastwide. In addition, s/he will need to be able to lead many project partners with a range of fields of expertise; ensure monitoring and documentation of project success; and communicate results to a variety of audiences. Duties include leading, developing and/or participating in collaborative partnerships and interactions with elected and appointed government officials, non-profit organizations, media, and other key audiences on matters pertaining to TNC's climate adaptation priorities. This includes working to promote different techniques through the sharing of lessons learned; engaging in partnership discussions focused on nature-based solutions; and the development and participation of creative partnerships with key partners and stakeholders to further increase implementation across the state. The position will be located in Delmont, NJ.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Working closely with the Director of Coastal & Marine Programs, other Chapter leadership and staff, and other TNC Chapters across the United States, the Coastal Projects Manager will:
- Work with partners and stakeholders to advance the implementation of nature-based solutions throughout New Jersey, including leading project teams, soliciting public support, and ensuring adequate monitoring of projects to determine their success and benefits.
- Promote key lessons-learned to improve policies and practices around implementing nature-based solutions to help reduce flooding and other climate risks to coastal communities.
- Participate in internal working groups and communities of practice around promoting the implementation of nature-based solutions.
- Work within/manage a budget and timeline to complete project deliverables, negotiate and contract with vendors, assist with budget development, and meet fundraising targets.
- Lead partnerships with other NGOs, state and federal agencies, local communities, individual landowners, businesses, and academics to complete major coastal projects and improve enabling conditions to support nature-based solutions.
- Leverage and influence public and private funds to further the prioritization and implementation of nature-based solutions.
- Perform tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment.
- Ensure compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- May supervise staff with responsibility for performance management, training and development.
- 5 years’ experience in environmental sciences, natural resource management, coastal engineering, restoration ecology or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience identifying, initiating, designing, implementing and managing complex on-the-ground restoration projects with multiple project partners and stakeholders.
- Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers.
- Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- MS or advanced degree in environmental sciences, natural resources management, coastal engineering, restoration ecology, or related field.
- Knowledge of current trends, policies, and/or practices in coastal sciences, conservation, or restoration.
- Demonstrated experience establishing excellent working and cooperative relationships with diverse groups, including land owners, business and industry, state/local/federal agencies, other non-profit partners, the academic community, donors, board members, and the general public.
- Demonstrated ability to explain conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences, including gaining stakeholder input and approval of conservation projects.
- Significant demonstrated experience leading partnerships to complete major restoration projects and/or achieve targeted conservation outcomes.
- Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages, including experience communicating with the public and/or media.
- Completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
- Demonstrated experience influencing without authority and navigating in ambiguous circumstances.
- Demonstrated ability to be proactive and apply adaptive management.
- Demonstrated ability to provide leadership in various situations.
- Politically savvy.
- Supervisory experience.
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.