The Resilient Coast Program Director works with scientists, policy practitioners, community leaders, and others to develop and implement strategies to create a resilient coast for Texas and the Gulf of Mexico. The Program Director oversees all aspects of science, strategy, project implementation, and community relations for the Texas Chapter of The Nature Conservancy’s Coastal Program; serving as the principal contact to specific government agencies, community leaders, conservation organizations, foundations and the academic community. The Program Director provides leadership and support for the Chapter’s conservation planning work, helping to establish overall conservation priorities for the Gulf Coast, and establish the Conservancy as a leader in coastal conservation in Texas.
The Resilient Coast Program Director will work to establish the Conservancy as a major coastal conservation partner within Texas and the Gulf Coast, define conservation priorities along the coast, and build strategic, scientific, and technical capacity in the field. Working with key public and private partners, the Resilient Coast Program Director will develop best practices for coastal land use and management, and leverages science and policy to implement and widely communicate solutions. The Program Director will work within a matrixed team to develop innovative scientific methods, analyses, tools, and frameworks to address the needs of coastal ecosystems in the face of climate change and engages the support of diverse local communities. This person will negotiate complex and innovative transactional and management solutions with government agencies, landowners, and non-traditional partners to conserve and restore coastal habitats, including oyster reefs. Office location is flexible within Texas, with Houston, TX preferred.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Geographic scope is Texas’ Gulf Coast, with specific projects focusing on more discrete geographies as well as coordination Gulf-wide.
- Builds cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals.
- Broadly communicates project goals and outcomes within TNC, to strategic partners, and – where appropriate – with the public.
- Supervises staff at remote locations.
- Establishes and maintains optimal performance standards within budget.
- Writes requests for proposal (RFPs) for grant/contract funding for program.
- Frequently makes independently strategic decision based on analysis, ambiguous information and context.
- Negotiates complex agreements in a political environment. Will be responsible for participating in a whole system program (Gulf of Mexico).
- Frequent travel domestically, occasional evening and weekend hours.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
- 7 years’ experience in conservation practice, social science, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including managing finances and coordinating the work of other professionals and partners.
- Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
- Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies.
- Experience negotiating.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- 7-10 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated experience influencing, developing and implementing conservation policy and plans.
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in relevant discipline(s) and regions.
- Ability to develop practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes.
- Knowledge of methods and standards of biodiversity information systems and initiatives or related field.
- Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
- 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.