The Nature Conservancy is seeking a talented and experienced conservationist to support key aspects of operationalizing a global partnership with a private investment firm. As a member of the core team, the successful candidate will support the launch of a water impact investing initiative, including helping manage TNC’s engagement across multiple global geographies to develop investment approaches that produce high value conservation benefits while producing market rate returns for investors.
The Program Associate helps manage core functions and processes of the Conservancy’s responsibilities in the water impact investing initiative partnership. The Associate helps facilitate annual planning, budgeting, and performance review cycles; administers contracts; manages core water impact investing initiative projects; facilitates team communications in multiple forms; and, serves as a liaison to other TNC regions and business units, and to other Conservancy departments such as science, external affairs, philanthropy, marketing, finance, and operations. The Associate is involved in the coordination of philanthropic fundraising efforts related to the initiative. The Associate will work closely with the Conservation Director of the water impact investing initiative in fulfilling the Conservancy’s responsibilities on the Technical Advisory Committee of the Fund. The Conservation Director may also support the Senior Director of the initiative in impact investing transaction development, raising capital, and advancing and accounting for conservation outcomes across the full portfolio of initiative’s projects. The Associate reports to the Conservation Director of the water impact investing initiative
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
- Works with the Senior Director on the implementation of key processes and governance mechanisms within TNC, including effective and efficient flow of communication, decision-making, and funding.
- Supports regional teams (e.g. California, Chile, Australia) in establishing the enabling conditions for future transactions (e.g. early assessment of resource needs, negotiating MOUs, and providing appropriate legal and technical training).
- Supports the Senior Director in the management of core and matrixed team members across multiple geographies.
- Supports the Senior Director and Conservation Director on refining the initiative’s Technical Advisory Committee processes and procedures.
- Assists with contract management, including interacting with external parties to develop contracts, as needed, and manages contractors to ensure project success
- Tracks and coordinates team deliverables related to annual planning, budgeting, and performance management cycles
- Helps track and report out on progress toward achieving conservation goals of the initiative
- Facilitates communications within the team and between the team and other key Conservancy staff
- Manages core team projects and document file systems, as needed, using project management methodology; tracks deliverables for Program
- Contributes to program strategy development and, at times, leads and implements work streams in support of program goals
- Schedules, plans and prepares for team meetings and external meetings, as appropriate; helps facilitate and provide needed follow-up; and tracks deliverables and deadlines Helps write case studies and marketing materials for the purpose of fundraising efforts and dissemination of lessons learned
- Supports implementation of internal systems to ensure corporate adherence to applicable tax and securities laws and regulations
- Works closely with operations and finance staff to complement support provided through those functions
- Supports initiative staff in the development of strategic communication materials including communication plans and materials (e.g. briefs, messaging, talking points, video, web, and social media content)
- Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and judgment.
- May travels within the U.S. and internationally.
- 5 years’ experience in natural resource management or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience with communications, including writing and speaking
- Experience with organization, accuracy, and attention to detail
- Experience managing and tracking multiple projects
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree and 2 years’ experience in natural resource management or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Knowledge of and experience working in conservation finance and direct investing
- Significant course work in finance & economics.
- Practical working experience in a private sector environment, such as management consulting and investment banking, or with a leading conservation organization or government entity, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Experience in communications and outreach including developing and/or managing the development of materials e.g., websites, brochures, factsheets, infographics, social media posts
- Basic understanding of The Nature Conservancy’s mission and its niche in the conservation field
- Skills in building and managing relationships with diverse partners, e.g., media, government officials, non-governmental organizations and scientists.
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.