The Center for Sustainability Science at The Nature Conservancy provides science leadership to create transformational impact with the private sector. The mission of the Center is to develop actionable, scalable solutions that leverage business and policy, and are grounded in science to benefit nature, communities & the economy. Its work includes collaborations with the private sector as well as research institutions and NGOs to advance systemic solutions, while drawing on TNC’s conservation experience and expertise around the world. The person in this position is the primary team coordinator and administrative support, while also supporting projects in current focus areas related to sustainable agriculture, forestry value chains, and natural infrastructure.
The Program Assistant will be responsible for a variety of coordination tasks in support of the strategic priorities of the Center for Sustainability Science. Responsibilities include scheduling and coordination of logistics for team meetings and special events, purchasing, central filing, coordination of team communications, and calendar management for the Managing Director. In addition, the Program Assistant builds relationships with key support teams across the organization and contracted partners to aid in processing forms, invoices and expense reports. The Coordinator will also play a role in developing internal and external communications for the Center.
The Program Assistant will also directly contribute to project work for the Center, including in current focal areas of sustainable agriculture, forestry value chains, and natural infrastructure, and in development of broader corporate engagement strategies. This work may include performing literature reviews, basic spatial analysis, and aggregating and summarizing data. S/he will also contribute to and support the preparation of publications including scientific articles, blogs, and other forms of reports. S/he reports to the Lead Scientist and Managing Director of the Center (same person).
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Act independently on assigned tasks and exercise independent judgement based on analysis and experience
- Support strategic planning, program management, and project implementation activities
- Support multiple project activities and coordinate with team members to meet objectives
- Develop constructive and effective working relationships inside and outside the Conservancy
- Support Center team operations, including: team meetings, coordination, and workshops or other events
- Undertake content research and support to advance work product deliverables
- 2 years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Experience working across teams and communicating with a wide range of people
- Experience organizing time and managing diverse activities to meet deadlines; strong organizational skills, accuracy, and attention to detail
- Experience in writing, editing, and proofreading; as well as compiling information from divergent sources and synthesizing it into a cohesive report
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with planning and supporting strategies, managing multiple project activities, and coordinating staff to meet goals
- An interest or background in corporate sustainability work
- Experience with formal project management techniques
- Self-starting, independent worker who can thrive in a decentralized organization with minimal oversight and take initiative to support project
- goals with key internal and external partners
- Experience with research in conservation science, corporate sustainability or related fields
- Quantitative skills: E.g. experience with GIS systems, economic analysis, data science, etc.
- Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Ability to work independently and/or with minimal supervision.
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.