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Wisconsin State Director

This job is no longer available

Madison, WI, USA
Full-time

 

Based in Madison, Wisconsin, the State Director functions as the executive director and conservation strategist for the Wisconsin Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, and plays a leading role in the Midwest Division, which spans five states and supports major cross-boundary initiatives to protect the Great Lakes, Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, address climate change, and more. The Director is accountable for Wisconsin’s success in implementing TNC’s global conservation approach, producing measurable conservation results and upholding organizational values.  Wisconsin sits at the headwaters of two major water sources: the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes, through which more than 90%  of the nation’s fresh water flows.  Since 1960, the Wisconsin chapter has protected 234,100 acres of land within its borders. This position oversees a staff of 38 people and reports to the Midwest Director. 

Areas of Responsibility: 

The key role of the State Director is to lead, manage, and inspire the staff and trustees of the Wisconsin Chapter to collectively achieve the maximum contribution to the organization’s mission. Responsibilities and scope includes:

  • Articulate a conservation vision for Wisconsin that inspires and motivates staff, donors, trustees, and partners, and aligns with TNC’s regional and global Shared Conservation Agenda, including demonstrating outstanding management and restoration on our network of Legacy Preserves across the state and partnering with public agencies and land trusts to advance quality, science-based management. The Wisconsin Chapter has protected more than 233,900 acres of land and works to protect and restore critical freshwater systems, including the globally significant Great Lakes and Upper Mississippi River systems.
  • Provide leadership in fundraising in Wisconsin in support of local, regional and global outcomes. The Wisconsin Chapter has the potential to greatly advance the organization’s resources and capabilities at multiple levels from this important state.
  •  Cultivate and steward strong and cooperative partnerships with governmental leaders and agencies, corporations, foundations, academic institutions, and conservation organizations—engaging the highest levels of leadership in these organizations. The Wisconsin Chapter enjoys many strong partnerships in the environmental, energy, water, food and agriculture sectors.
  • Support strategic government relations and advocacy efforts on a wide array of topics for local and regional impact. TNC is a non-partisan organization with demonstrated ability to convene and engage a wide array of interests. The Wisconsin Chapter has been a national leader in building leadership and support among private companies and government agencies to improve soil and nutrient management in agricultural landscapes.
  • Sponsor the Great Lakes Sustainable Fisheries Project, a TNC initiative that spans eight states and two countries. Working with a diversity of partners, TNC seeks to restore more productive and stable recreational and commercial fish harvests and more vibrant coastal communities that once again recognize the value of and benefit from these fisheries.
  • Serve as the primary spokesperson for TNC in Wisconsin: engaging internal and external audiences (including staff, volunteers, the Board of Trustees, public and private donors, government agencies and officials, community leaders and other partners), advocating with science and data, and inspiring audiences to support and promote TNC’s mission and vision.  Consistently demonstrate authenticity and credibility in communications, and exert influence by being a role model leader of people, programs and ethics.
  • Build and contribute to a collaborative, shared leadership approach within Wisconsin and the Midwest Division. Actively participate in the Midwest Division Executive Committee and other leadership teams, collaborating on innovative, cross-boundary projects. Support seasoned and emerging leaders as well as volunteers in service of shared organizational goals and outcomes. Wisconsin has a culture of collaboration, personal accountability, innovation, and high morale. Professional development is a priority for the Wisconsin Chapter with support and participation from all levels of staff.
  • Promote diversity, equity and inclusion within Wisconsin teams and projects, among staff and volunteers, across the organization and with partners. Demonstrate strong progress by recruiting more diversity into TNC, nurturing a safe environment, focusing on equitable conservation results, and building an inclusive culture.
  • Engage and build a volunteer Board of Trustees that provides strategic leadership and guidance in setting program goals and active fundraising. Shepherd opportunities to expose the Board of Trustees to ongoing work in the field to develop a sense of ownership, teamwork, shared understanding and scientific knowledge. Work closely with a variety of board committees, including Executive, Nominating, Philanthropy, and Beyond Our Borders. Currently numbering 19 active members and 21 active emeritus members, the Board of Trustees convenes formally four times per year, as well as for activities related to fundraising and trustee engagement/education.
  • Ensure program commitments, financial standards, and legal requirements are met. Key factual data and metrics include: staff size: 38, budget size: $7 million, membership: 19,000, project offices across the state: five. The Wisconsin Chapter resides within the Midwest Division of TNC, which also includes the Ohio, Michigan, Illinois and Indiana chapters. The State Director reports to the Midwest Division Director and is a member of the Midwest Executive Committee.
  • Travel routinely throughout Wisconsin and globally as required. Expect travel up to 40 percent at times, and some weekends.
Educational Background: 
Bachelor’s degree and minimum of seven years of experience as a leader in the conservation arena, non-profit sector, advocacy, a related for-profit area, or equivalent
Skills/Experience: 
  • Management experience including experience in motivating, leading, setting objectives, facilitating evidence-based decision making, and managing performance of a large multi-disciplinary team..
  • Superb communication and presentation skills required, including experience communicating with and presenting to diverse audiences including donors, board members, employees, outside partners, or equivalent.
  • Experience in fundraising and budget management

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  •  An understanding of the natural resources of the Midwest, their conservation challenges, and current management approaches.
  • Strong competency working effectively across differences such as race, culture, disabilities, socio-economic class and language groups. Experience cultivating strong interpersonal engagement and relationships in a global, multicultural context and leveraging relationships to drive organizational outcomes.
  •  Able to work effectively with and through others in a decentralized and geographically dispersed organization.
  • Success as an inspirational leader who has effectively motivated staff to achieve and sustain excellence. Proven managerial talent in budgeting, staffing, and performance management.
  • Successful experience in marketing or fund raising desired.Well organized and self-directed. Politically savvy.
  • A good listener, agile, and effective in managing group processes during presentations or discussions.
  • Exercises sensitivity and empathy in working in an advisory role with partner organizations.
Compensation/Benefits: 

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.

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 3 2019
Active Until: 
Sep 3 2019
Hiring Organization: 
Nature Conservancy
industry: 
Nonprofit