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Manager, Forestry Investments

This job is no longer available

Chicago, IL, USA
Full-time

 

The Manager of Forestry Investments will be a member of the NatureVest Team, working closely with the Senior Director of Forestry Investments to identify, structure, close and manage investments globally that support The Nature Conservancy’s forest conservation priorities to further land and water protection and climate change mitigation goals.

Areas of Responsibility: 

The Manager of Forestry Investments will report to the Senior Director of Forestry Investments.  The Manager’s role will be to mobilize private capital to support the Conservancy’s priority strategies of protecting land and water and tackling climate change, particularly as it relates to forest conservation, sustainable forest management and reforestation. The Manager will work closely with staff from across the Conservancy who work on issues of forest conservation. The Manager will conduct market analysis to inform NatureVest’s forest investment strategies and develop recommendations for strategy alternatives for review by the Senior Director of Forestry Investments and the NatureVest Management Team.  In addition, the Manager will prepare budgets, pro formas and conduct financial analysis to inform asset management and decision making related to NatureVest’s forestry investments. This includes investment and business design; financial analysis and modeling; capital structuring; market analysis; investor market-testing; and risk assessment and mitigation. In this capacity, s/he will prepare financial models, investor pitch decks, and other materials.

This will be a term limited position.  The initial term will be one year with the possibility of extension based on available funding sources.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE 

Origination and Pipeline Development:

  • Work with the Senior Director of Forestry Investments and NatureVest’s Investment Origination team to source, evaluate and prioritize new forest investment strategies and opportunities.  
  • Work closely with Global and Regional TNC colleagues to identify potential pipeline transactions and ensure transactions are aligned with TNC’s conservation priorities and investor interests.
  • Conduct financial assessment of new investment opportunities including: detailed business model, financial model and cash flow analysis; regulatory and business risk assessment; and stakeholder engagement and negotiation.
  • Make independent decisions frequently based on analysis, experience, and judgment.
  • Incorporate cross-disciplinary knowledge to support program objectives.

Fundraising:

  • Develop investment strategies and associated financial and legal structures that satisfy TNC’s conservation and reputational priorities while meeting investor needs.
  • Conduct detailed negotiations with potential investors, operating partners and key stakeholders
  • Develop detailed presentations, investment memorandums and any other necessary investor materials.  
  • Participate in fundraising meetings and investor presentations.
  • Acquisitions and Capital Investment:
  • Work closely with the Senior Director of Forestry Investment and other Conservancy colleagues to negotiate forest acquisitions and manage the transaction process.

Asset Management:

  • Develop annual budgets for NatureVest forestry investments.
  • Work closely with Conservancy field staff and contractors involved in forest management.
  • Prepare regular market analysis and associated reports to support asset management decisions.
  • Work closely with Conservancy finance staff to prepare quarterly and annual investor reports.
Educational Background: 
BA/BS degree and 5 years’ experience in the private sector, such as management consulting and investment banking, or in business-facing activities at a conservation organization or government entity.
Skills/Experience: 
  • Work experience or coursework in forestry, agriculture, carbon, energy and/or other natural resources management.
  • Experience preparing budgets, financial models and conducting financial analysis to inform decisions.
  • Experience conducting market analysis and developing business and/or investment strategies based on that analysis.
  • Experience developing and implementing complex projects and strategic initiatives in an unstructured environment.
  • Fluency in English.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • M.B.A. or other degree with significant course work in business, finance or economics.
  • Forest management experience, including knowledge of forest inventory techniques and forest operations.
  • Commitment to the mission and values of The Nature Conservancy.
  • Strong team player who can build relationships and work collaboratively across the organization and with Conservancy partners.
  • Ability to successfully develop and implement complex projects in an unstructured environment.
  • Outstanding analytical and project management capabilities.
  • Superior written and oral communications.
  • Private sector fundraising and/or marketing experience, including involvement in investor or thought leadership roadshows and development and delivery of pitch presentations.
  • Investment experience including transaction structuring, cash flow modeling and experience in securing capital from investors such as investment banks, private wealth managers, public pension plans, endowment funds, private trusts and high-net worth individuals.
  • Experience developing and using complex financial models to assess project potential.
  • Experience applying business strategy considerations in investment design
  • Demonstrated experience using diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships and motivate staff and partners.
  • Willingness to learn and develop expertise in new conservation strategies, economic drivers, management tools, and global affairs.
  • Proficiency in a language other than English.
  • Requires willingness and ability to travel both domestically and internationally, and to work occasional weekends and evenings

Organization Info

Nature Conservancy

Overview
Headquarters: 
Arlington, VA, United States
Annual Budget : 
More than $500M
Founded: 
1954
About Us
Mission: 

The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.

Our vision is a world where the diversity of life thrives, and people act to conserve nature for its own sake and its ability to fulfill our needs and enrich our lives.

How do we achieve this mission and vision?

Through the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff, including more than 600 scientists, all of whom impact conservation in 69 countries.

With the help of our many partners, from individuals and governments to local nonprofits and corporations.

By using a non-confrontational, collaborative approach and staying true to our five unique core values.

That's how The Nature Conservancy has done more than anyone else to advance conservation around the world since our founding in 1951.

Listing Stats

Post Date: 
Aug 21 2019
Active Until: 
Sep 21 2019
Hiring Organization: 
Nature Conservancy
industry: 
Nonprofit