Deputy Director, Global Cities

Supervising a team of professional and support staff, the Deputy Director will work to ensure the smooth operation and high functioning performance of the Global Cities team. S/he will also act as a key liaison between the Global Cities team and field programs and leaders across all regions to maximize efficiency and coordination with multiple departments and functional units across the organization.   S/he will develop and manage plans, strategies and metrics associated with the team priorities. There are seven specific areas of responsibility:

• Performance and Portfolio Management:  S/he will oversee the Global Cities portfolio and assist the Managing Director to manage the performance of the broader team.  S/he will lead the strategic planning process for the team and work with the Global Cities leadership team to create annual conservation, people & nature, finance objectives and annual work plans.  S/he will also work closely with colleagues in the regions, Global Teams and supporting functions to ensure strong engagement and alignment across the Conservancy. Build and leverage relationships with a wide range of people, including senior managers, donors, volunteers, public and private sector colleagues, and partners. Work with the Director of Finance and Operations on budget preparation & management to ensure sustainability of Global Cities Team.
• People & Talent Management:  S/he works in collaboration with the Global Cities Leadership Team to build a Highly Effective Team (HET) and transparent and progressive culture that nurtures talent and fosters a more participative culture across the entire Global Cities team creating a more inclusive, diverse and productive workplace.  S/he is a real champion for our People Agenda and participates actively in the extended network being created by the Chief People Office S/he will also work closely with the People Team HR Business Partner to manage Talent Management and human resources related issues, including workforce planning, which includes leading the advancement and implementation of leadership and staff development programs, staff retreats and other employee engagement opportunities.
• Fundraising Strategy: Partner with Corporate Engagement Advisor, Global Cities Director of Development and Director of Finance & Operations on team fundraising goals & strategy development and the cultivation and solicitation of philanthropic opportunities. Provide leadership engagement in developing new pipeline of minority donors to support diversity & inclusion in Cities. Participate fundraising meetings when appropriate.
• Business Development: Scope new potential priority projects for the Global Cities Team and work with global priority leads on the connection to shared agenda outcomes. Strategically build internal and external relationships that will advance the goals of the Global Cities Team and the Conservancy.
• Communication: Provides clear, concise, and timely communication, guidance and decision-making; building clarity and consensus around goals and measures and promotes cross-functional collaboration to empower staff to implement projects with a high degree of understanding & clarity. Lead Global Cities communications objectives by leveraging strategic partnerships, working closely with various programs and marketing to ensure we have a consistent set of key messages that resonate with a variety of audiences. Serves as a key spokesperson for the Global Cities Team. Develop & implement key stakeholder communication strategy.
• Management: Partners with the Managing Director to position the work of the Global Cities Team to build a positive, collaborative, integrated, and disciplined approach to achieve program impact at a scale and pace that matter.
• Special projects: S/he will develop and manage projects specific to the Global Cities team and those that span across multiple functions, requiring excellent team management and facilitation skills and an ability to lead and speak on behalf of the Global Managing Director - Cities. S/he will oversee the development of documentation, modify processes, and participate in the enhancement of systems and tools used by the team for these projects. This will also include supervising the implementation of diverse tasks, situation analysis, evaluating project alternatives and outcomes and dashboard metrics.  

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE 

• Create and manage the Global Cities Advisory Council of key thought on issues related to Global Cities.
• Serve as a catalyst for adaptive, creative approaches and ideas; encouraging big-thinking and responsibility risk taking.
• Broad management responsibility for professional staff, including training, performance management process, professional development, helping to establish “stretch” objectives and ensuring that Managers are equipped to oversee the execution of day-to-day work.   
• Conceive, design and manage complex and diversified projects and ensuring program accountability.
• Conceive and lead new programs/initiatives that will ensure program and organization-wide goals are achieved.
• Direct or participate in negotiations for complex, high profile or sensitive projects.
• Ensure that programmatic commitments, TNC policies and procedures and organizational values are met and managed for ethical compliance.
• Maintain confidentiality of frequently sensitive and emotionally charged information.
• Make strategic decisions which may have program-wide impact and may bind the organization financially or legally.
• Manage strategic initiatives through collaboration with stakeholders in order to enhance performance in accordance with short and long-term objectives.
• Maximize opportunity to act independently and resolve complex issues within program area.
• Minimize legal risk to the Conservancy and ensure legal compliance with applicable state and local regulations.
• Responsibility and accountability for meeting strategic goals and objectives.
• Travel frequently and on short notice, work long hours and weekends.
• Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.