Colorado’s Director of Conservation Science plays a critical leadership role in using an evidence-based, scientific approach to inspire, inform and guide the conservation and policy strategies of the Colorado Chapter of The Nature Conservancy and to promote positive outcomes for nature and people. In this role, the Director demonstrates scientific expertise, supervises and mentors staff and integrates an evidence-based, scientific approach to conservation planning. The Director deploys existing and innovative solutions, establishes collaborative multi-disciplinary partnerships and communicates clearly and compellingly. The Director works successfully through cross-functional teams to produce transformational science and conservation for Colorado and beyond. The Director’s responsibilities will include a focus on the integration of climate science and the impacts of climate change to land and water ecosystems into our priority conservation and policy initiatives.
The Director of Conservation Science is responsible for leading the development of a science vision for the Colorado Chapter and establishing the standards and expectations that will ensure we maintain an evidence-based, scientific approach to our conservation strategies. The Director fosters a collaborative science community in the Chapter including the leadership and mentorship of a science team comprised of both direct reports and other science and conservation staff. The Director aligns science capacity and prioritizes work flow to meet conservation strategy needs and to inform future areas of opportunity and/or emerging threats. The Director deploys strategic thinking and planning skills, contributes to the development and monitoring of meaningful conservation metrics, cultivates high-leverage partnerships to increase the capacity, visibility and impact of our conservation work, and builds support for local, regional, and global conservation efforts. The Director conducts and publishes relevant scientific investigations and empowers others to advance science in priority strategies. The Director serves as a member of the Conservation Management Team and plays a central role in integrating science related to climate adaptation and carbon emissions reduction into our conservation and policy initiatives.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Serves as a thought leader, science convener, and expert to ensure best practices in science and planning are applied throughout Colorado’s conservation work across land, water, forests, urban, agriculture and policy strategies.
- Leads and mentors a collaborative science team that includes both direct reports and other science and conservation staff.
- Directly supervises select science staff with responsibility for performance management, training, and career development.
- Participates in and may lead the development and adaptative management of strategic plans, outcomes and metrics.
- Deploys excellent project management skills to complete high-quality products on-time and within budget.
- Provides consultation and training for internal and external colleagues on conservation science and planning principles.
- Leads relevant scientific investigations, including peer-reviewed publications, empowers others to conduct science in support of Colorado’s strategic priorities and catalyzes science that will improve conservation actions and generate new strategies.
- Evaluates and synthesizes science and develops science-based tools to inform decision-making.
- Communicates scientific concepts and initiatives in a clear and compelling way, both verbally and in writing.
- Fosters effective and innovative partnerships with governmental agencies, scientific and academic institutions, conservation groups, and others to develop, implement and disseminate science-based tools, analyses and products.
- Integrates and aligns Colorado’s science initiatives with the Conservancy’s global, North America, and other applicable programs.
- Identifies and helps to secure public and private funding to support science priorities.
- Travels domestically with evening and weekend hours. May work in variable weather conditions and remote locations.
- Experience managing complex projects including project design, financial management, and accountability for outcomes.
- Experience creating partnerships with conservation colleagues, agencies, and/or academic institutions.
- Supervisory experience.
- Experience working and communicating with a wide range of people.
- Experience manipulating, analyzing and interpreting statistical or environmental data.
- Record of peer-reviewed publications in scientific journals, original science papers, and/or synthesis papers.
- Experience fundraising and/or writing grants and research proposals.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ph.D. in a science-related field (e.g. ecology, biology, natural resources, or social science) and 6 years of experience strongly preferred.
- Ability to engage in a wide range of conservation issues, analyze complex problems, rapidly build personal/team expertise on new issues, and develop strategic responses or solutions.
- Multi-lingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
- Knowledge of species and ecosystems of the western US and familiarity with regional conservation issues.
- Strong familiarity with and understanding of climate change and its impacts on species, ecosystems, and people.
- Understanding of how natural systems can serve as natural climate solutions toward carbon emissions reduction goals.
- Ability to utilize and/or deploy social science resources at the nexus of natural resource conservation and community health.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and work collaboratively across teams and disciplines with a wide range of partners.
- General understanding of environmental policy, laws and regulations as they relate to natural resource management.
- Experience and/or publication history in one or more of the following areas: climate change adaptation, nature-based solutions, ecosystem services, conservation planning, or spatial analysis.
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical and scientific issues to a broad range of audiences and across platforms.
- Experience in fundraising that includes writing proposals for and interacting with private donors and foundations.
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.