The Science/Planning Program Coordinator is a staff member of the Science and Planning Department in The Nature Conservancy’s Florida Chapter. The Department’s purpose is to ensure the Florida Chapter applies the best available science (natural, formal and social) to set priorities, make decisions, take action, and measure results. To support this purpose, Department staff focus on: 1) Being a trusted resource for science and planning that contributes to innovative solutions; 2) Ensuring all of the Chapter’s conservation work is viewed as scientifically robust and credible; and, 3) Driving the implementation of Conservation by Design 2.0. The majority of the work performed by the Science and Planning Department is in support of the projects that are collaboratively managed with the Strategy/Policy Department and the Stewardship/Field Programs Department. The Program Coordinator serves a critical function with the Science and Planning Department, they are responsible for inter-Department and cross-Department team coordination, project management support and data/information management as well as Department operations.
The Program Coordinator is responsible for coordinating and tracking efforts across the Science/Planning Department as it relates to department activities, information and data management, and project and process development. They develop and manage the Department’s budget and contracts in cooperation with the Department Director. They support the team through project management protocols, tracking progress and implementing improved procedures. They make recommendations for process improvement, are well organized and must be able to organize/manage data and information.
Key attributes include:
- Ability to apply project management principles, process and tools
- Ability to create and manage budgets, contracts, calendars, and approval processes
- Ability to analyze current process and recommend efficiencies
- Ability to manage internal and external relationships
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
Team/Project Management Support (40%):
- Needs excellent project management knowledge and the ability to coach others. Needs to be able to work well with team members.
- Schedule and facilitate Science/Planning team meetings, prepare agendas in consultation with Director, prepares and distributes meeting minutes and action items
- Provide guidance and support to Chapter Staff on project management development, processes and tools
- Track all Science/Planning Department projects and roles
- Provides project coordination, including logistics, calendaring, communications and action tracking, on high level Science/Planning Department projects in consultation with Project Manager(s)
- Develop and maintain project tracking tools for Science/Planning Department
- Coordinate communication/reporting of Science/Planning Department activities
- May represent the Director in planning meetings and events as needed, including with academic institutions
Data/Information coordination and management (40%):
- Needs to be able to organize, manage, analyze and serve information.
- Work with team to develop and maintain project metrics tracking and dashboard creation for Chapter priority projects
- Serve as Project manager for the Department’s Research Products Database. Includes refining overall concept, coordinating development of database and workflow for data entry, identifying and developing method for making accessible for both internal and external parties
- Coordinate and/or develop system for tracking citations/information used to provide evidence base for Chapter projects
- Maintain intranet (Sharepoint) site and Department’s cloud-based files (Box).
- Provide writing, editing and review of documents and presentations
- Under minimal supervision, make independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context
Department Operations (20%):
- Needs to be able to coordinate and track budget and financial needs of Department
- Develop and manage Science and Planning Department budget(s)
- Serve as primary support to Science/Planning staff with development and management of grant budgets
- Manage and track Department contracts and agreements and serve as primary support to Science/Planning staff with development and execution of contracts.
- Coordinate staff requests for Director review, signatures, Department staff hiring, etc
- Review team expense reports and timesheets and assess against budget(s).
- Provide administrative support to Director as needed (travel, scheduling, budget).
- Travel and work flexible hours, as needed;
- Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain;
- Work is diversified and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines; and
- Work within scope of program’s strategic goals.
- Experience generating reports, and analyzing and interpreting data;
- Experience working across departments;
- Experience in project management, including tools and processes
- Experience with database management; and
- Experience, coursework, or other training in principles and practices of relevant field.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Strong knowledge and expertise in the use of project management methodologies and tools
- Strong organization skills, accuracy, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks; and/or
- Demonstrated experience using diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships and motivate staff;
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated;
- Ability to implement complex processes;
- Ability to use existing technology to achieve desired results;
- Experience coordinating projects;
- Experience interpreting guidelines to achieve desired results;
- Experienced in MS Office Suite – especially MS Excel
- Basic knowledge/experience with ArcGIS
- Knowledge of current trends in the field of science and conservation;
- Successful experience implementing strategic program goals.
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.