The North America Sustainable Grazing Lands Strategy Manager works closely with TNC business units and whole system staff to develop and implement strategies that increase the adoption of sustainability practices and programs in the beef supply chain. The position will also work closely with the North America Agriculture Program Director to engage the beef industry and government agencies with sustainable grazing strategies to reach farmers and ranchers and increase the use of conservation practices that reduce land conversion and degradation risk, avoid or mitigate GHG emissions, and improve water quality . May also serve as the principle contact to government agencies, other conservation organizations, foundations, corporations and the academic community. Location of this position is flexible, but the central United States is preferred.
Establish the Conservancy as a major conservation partner within the area of sustainable grazing and beef; define and lead execution of conservation priorities and long-term conservation strategies; build strategic, scientific, and technical capacity in the field; and develop key partnerships with public and private organizations to identify and resolve technical issues and to widely communicate solutions and best practices. S/he will develop innovative scientific methods, analyses, tools and frameworks to address the natural system needs; engage the agricultural community to support conservation efforts; and negotiate complex and innovative solutions with government agencies and private sector partners to establish and implement sustainable grazing practices and programs.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- The position will focus on the North America Region with special emphasis on grazing lands in the United States and Canada.
- Advance existing relationships with the beef and agricultural industry and develop new partnerships that engage the industry in promotion of sustainable grazing best management practices for ranchers, as well as soil health best management practices for US row crops that supply beef feed.
- Responsible for close coordination and leadership with TNC business units, divisions and whole system projects that are developing and implementing sustainable grazing strategies.
- May be responsible for developing, implementing and managing multi-state public and private grants and projects.
- Create and facilitate an internal network of project level staff, state leaders, and scientists focused on sharing sustainable grazing projects, including demonstration and monitoring sites.
- Work closely with business units to facilitate external partnerships focused on building collaborations that scale up adoption of sustainable grazing practices and increase funding dedicated to the issue.
- Programmatic scope may require cross-boundary work and relationships.
- Leads and manages teams or projects to support and improve conservation efforts.
- Establish and maintain optimal standards of performance for the department or program while controlling costs and administering budgets.
- Builds cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals.
- Frequently makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and judgment.
- Frequent travel within North America will be required in this position.
- Proven experience working with diverse partners, both internal and external, such as ranchers, landowners, corporate executives, and government officials.
- Experience developing partnerships and leading collaborations within the private sector and public sectors.
- Experience leading and managing multiple, complex projects, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
- Clear communication via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
- Negotiation skills.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 10 years experience in conservation and rangeland/agricultural practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated experience influencing, developing, and implementing conservation policy and plans with the public and private sectors.
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in relevant discipline(s) and regions.
- Demonstrated experience in fundraising.
- Politically savvy and experienced in partnership development (partners, community, government)
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.