The Nature Conservancy’s California Oceans Program focuses on achieving resilient and healthy ocean ecosystems by transforming California into a hub of innovation and leadership in ocean conservation. Our team of scientists, technologists and conservation practitioners are at the forefront of testing new, collaborative ways to protect ocean resources and coastal communities. We are demonstrating what effective ocean management can look like—not only in California, but around the world.
The Associate Director leads and manages the Conservancy’s recently launched kelp conservation initiative. With an interdisciplinary team s/he develops strategies to protect and restore kelp forest ecosystems in California, with an aim for providing tools, approaches, and initiative that also drive kelp conservation more broadly. Additionally, s/he helps to track emerging issues relevant to the health and resilience of California’s marine ecosystems and, where appropriate, works with colleagues to develop and implement effective conservation strategies. S/he defines ambitious conservation goals and builds strategic relationships to achieve those goals. S/he engages community support for local conservation efforts and negotiates complex solutions with government agencies and private sector actors. The Associate Director reports to the California Oceans Program Director.
The Associate Director:
- Provides team leadership within a dynamic, fast-paced organization, and with that team develops and executes strategies to produce significant and tangible conservation outcomes.
- Recruits, manages, and develops a talented, high-performing team of conservation professionals.
- Cultivates and manages strategic relationships, and with the Oceans Program Director serves as the principal contact for industry, government agencies, conservation organizations, the academic community and foundations for these initiatives.
- In partnership with philanthropy staff, plays a leading role in donor identification, cultivation and stewardship for the strategy
- In partnership with marketing staff, utilizes strategic communications to advance conservation goals.
- Working closely with the Oceans Program Director, is responsible for financial management of the initiatives, including setting financial goals, analyzing results, and taking corrective actions.
- Negotiates complex agreements and oversees policy initiatives, often in political environments.
- Manages financial, legal, and reputational risks to the organization and with Oceans Program Director leads team in risk identification, assessment, and management.
- Communicates effectively and compellingly in oral, written and graphical forms; is called to speak publicly and to various audiences on a regular basis.
- Travels frequently within California and occasionally outside of California, including internationally.
- Provide conservation leadership to the organization as a whole through strategic connections with TNC-North America and TNC-Global teams and strategies.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
- Develops, communicates, and drives a compelling vision for kelp conservation.
- Leads and manages a decentralized and matrixed multi-disciplinary team.
- Designs, implements, and directs a portfolio of complex and diverse projects, coordinating the work of other professionals, inside and outside the organization.
- Incorporates cross-disciplinary knowledge to support program objectives, including science, policy, and conservation practice.
- Makes independent strategic decisions frequently based on analysis, experience, and context, often with broad organizational impact.
- Experience in fundraising from both public and private sources.
- Experience designing, implementing, and directing complex or multiple projects of strategic importance, including managing finances, supervising multidisciplinary professionals, and coordinating the work of partners while meeting deadlines.
- Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives, and managing performance.
- Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups, resource user, and/or government agencies.
- Experience networking with high-level conservation contacts.
- Experience with negotiation success.
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
- Master’s degree and 10-12 years of experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Understanding of public policy landscape of conservation in California, especially pertaining to ocean issues.
- Experience developing and executing strategies for a large NGO.
- Experience developing practical applications of scientific concepts and technology innovations for conservation purposes.
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.