The Blue River Arbuckle Plains Project Manager directs some or all aspects of protection, science, stewardship and community relations for the south central area within the Oklahoma program. Serves as the principle contact to government agencies, other conservation organizations, foundations and the academic community. Preserves include: Pontotoc Ridge, Oka'Yanahli (Blue River), Boehler Seeps, and Hottonia Bottoms.
The Blue River Arbuckle Plains Project Manager establishes the Conservancy as a major conservation partner within the area of responsibility, defines conservation priorities and long-term conservation 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 practices. They develop innovative scientific methods, analyses, tools and frameworks to address the natural system needs, engage local community support for local conservation efforts, and negotiate complex and innovative solutions with government agencies and landowners to conserve and protect natural communities.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Geographic size and scope is larger than a preserve and smaller than a business unit, overseeing Pontotoc Ridge Preserve, Oka Yanahli Preserve, Boehler Seeps Preserve, and Hottonia Bottoms Preserve.
- Programmatic scope may require cross-boundary work and relationships.
- May be responsible for leading or co-leading a whole system program.
- Leads and manages team or project to support and improve conservation efforts.
- Manage multi-disciplinary administrative and land steward staff, with responsibility for performance management, training and career development. Establish clear directions and set stretch objectives.
- Establish and maintain optimal standards of performance for the department or program while controlling costs and administering budgets.
- Builds cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Frequently makes independent decision based on analysis, experience, and context.
- 5 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including staffing, workloads and finances under deadlines.
- Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
- Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies
- Experience negotiating.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-cultural or cross cultural experience appreciated.
- 5-7 years’ experience in conservation practice or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated experience influencing, developing and implementing conservation policy and plans.
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in relevant discipline(s) and regions.
- Knowledge of methods and standards of biodiversity information systems and initiatives or related field.
- Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
- Demonstrated experience in fundraising.
- Politically savvy.
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.