The Conservancy’s Urban Conservation Program is focused on making cities healthier and more resilient for both people and nature. Our primary approach to doing this is increasing investment in new “green,” or natural, infrastructure – infrastructure that employs nature and natural processes – in urban areas. Cities around the world are in need of infrastructure improvements and can be on the forefront of a paradigm shift toward more nature based solutions. In Los Angeles, the greatest current opportunity is to employ natural infrastructure to clean polluted urban runoff and augment local water supplies, creating clean water, habitat, and recreational opportunities at the same time.
The Project Manager, Urban Programs will serve as the manager for contracts and deliverables for the Urban Program, and will be responsible for leading a multi-benefit stormwater and habitat enhancement demonstration project that will serve as a model for future work in the urban environment. They coordinate some or all aspects of policy, science, and community relations for the Greater Los Angeles area within the California chapter’s Urban Conservation Program. This person serves as a contact to government agencies, other organizations, foundations and the academic community.
The Project Manager, Urban Programs is expected to perform the following essential functions:
- Project management – Manage day-to-day work on stormwater demonstration project design and construction, and provide contract and grant management and oversight for other Urban Program projects.
- Partner and community engagement – Represent the Conservancy in public forums, including with NGO and government partners, and act as the day-to-day liaison for community members involved in our work.
- Conservation strategy – Along with other team members, contribute to strategy development and innovation for the overall Urban Program, including the development of new policy, scientific and technical approaches to deploying natural infrastructure in urban areas.
- Team collaboration – Work closely with the Conservancy’s Science, External Affairs, Conservation Finance, Philanthropy, and Marketing teams to integrate their expertise and team members into a seamless, coordinated Urban Program team.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- With input from senior managers, manages all aspects of stormwater demonstration project, including definition of project outcomes / deliverables, selection and management of contractors and consultants, permitting, grant and contract management, agency and stakeholder communications, monitoring, and reporting. Responsible for management of and compliance with budgets and schedules.
- Negotiates complex agreements in a political environment.
- Communicates project goals and outcomes within TNC, to strategic partners, and – where appropriate – with the public. Writes both internal and external facing documents to provide a compelling narrative for the Urban Conservation Program that knits together TNC’s science, policy, and financing expertise.
- Frequently makes independent decision based on analysis, experience, and context.
- Along with Conservancy External Affairs team, contributes to policy development in support of stormwater demonstration project.
- Working with Conservancy Philanthropy staff and Urban Program Director, assists in donor and government outreach needed to secure resources for program.
- Manages Urban Program grants and contracts in compliance with all Conservancy standard operating procedures.
- Primarily works within Los Angeles County, with specific projects focusing on more discrete geographies.
- Occasional travels domestically and works evening and weekend hours.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- 5 years’ experience in conservation practice, urban planning, urban ecology, environmental engineering or management or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including contracts, workloads and finances under deadlines.
- Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies
- Experience negotiating.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 5-7 years’ experience in conservation practice or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Technical understanding of natural infrastructure, working with public agencies, and financing projects.
- Multi-lingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Demonstrated experience influencing, developing and implementing policy and projects.
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in relevant discipline(s) and regions.
- Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
- Demonstrated attention to detail and quality control.
- Experience collaborating in fundraising efforts.
- Demonstrated ability to navigate complex political issues and environments.
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.