The Puerto Rico Program Manager develops, manages and advances conservation programs, plans and methods for large-scale geographic areas. Serves as the principal contact to government agencies, other conservation organizations, foundations and the academic community within Puerto Rico.
The Puerto Rico Program Manager provides technical leadership and support to establish the Conservancy as a major conservation partner in Puerto Rico. Within the area of responsibility, defines marine biodiversity conservation priorities and long-term fisheries strategies, builds strategic, scientific, and technical capacity in the field and develops key partnerships with public and private organizations to identify and resolve technical issues and to widely communicate solutions and best coastal-marine and fisheries practices. S/he develops innovative scientific methods, analyses, tools and frameworks to address the natural system needs, engages local community support for local conservation efforts, and negotiates complex and innovative solutions to reduce overfishing and unsustainable practices with government agencies and fishermen associations to conserve and protect coastal and marine natural communities. A major responsibility of the Puerto Rico Program Manager is to oversee the final two years of execution of the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Partnership Cooperative Agreement (CRCP) in Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rico Program Manager reports to the Greater Antilles Program Director and works closely with other colleagues across The Nature Conservancy’s Caribbean Division.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
General
- Manage multi-disciplinary administrative and professional staff, with responsibility for performance management, training and career development.
- Gain cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals.
- Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development, and meeting fundraising targets.
- Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
- Under minimal supervision, makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Builds strategic, scientific, and technical capacity in the field
- Develops key partnerships with public and private organizations in order to identify and resolve technical issues and to widely communicate solutions and best fisheries practices
- Participate in development of innovative scientific methods, analyses, tools and frameworks to address coastal and marine ecosystem needs in Puerto Rico
- Engages local community support for local conservation efforts
- Participate in development and implementation of fisheries strategies
Project Lead Responsibilities for PR NOAA CRCP/TNC Cooperative Agreement
- Manage overall implementation and timely completion of deliverables included in the PR NOAA CRCP grant
- Manage budget and direct spending, support contracts or purchasing related to award implementation
- Complete bi-annual progress reports
- Attend quarterly check in calls and required follow up with NOAA liaison and PR DNRE,
- Complete draft and review of accomplishments report including success stories, annually
- Work with Partnership Manager to develop and submit any requests for changes in scope of grant funded projects or re-budgeting
- Complete quarterly check-ins and required follow up with Partnership Manager
- Complete monthly budget reviews with grants specialist
- Attend and present on-site progress at bi-annual webinars with other partnership sites
- Support development of future funding opportunities with NOAA CRCP
- 5 years' experience in science, conservation, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience negotiating complex agreements.
- Supervisory experience.
- Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
- Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers.
- Real estate license (if required).
- Experience with principles of land acquisition.
- Experience in training and curriculum design.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated
- Knowledge of land management conservation practice and conservation science.
- Ability to explain conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management, and natural resource preservation.
- Completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
- Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means in English and Spanish.
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.