The Director of Conservation oversees all aspects of conservation, protection, science, stewardship, and property management for Oklahoma. Provides scientific leadership and support for TNC’s conservation planning work and establishes overall conservation priorities.
The Director of Conservation leads and manages statewide TNC Conservation staff. Works with staff and partners to define overall conservation priorities in the state and develops and implements strategies for their accomplishment. Participates in large-scale conservation efforts that extend beyond the state, addressing North American and global priorities. Assists and supports efforts to influence government policy and programs and works with legislative interests and agencies. Devises and negotiates complex and innovative ventures with government agencies, private organizations, landowners, and other partners to conserve natural communities. Serves as a lead contact with designated government agencies, other conservation organizations, and the academic community. Secures public and private support for Conservancy priorities. Assists in securing public and private funds for land protection; seeks grants and assists in fundraising as required. Negotiates complex transactions, both real estate and non-real estate. Oversees operation and maintenance of all lands owned or managed by The Nature Conservancy of Oklahoma. Responsible for extensive collaboration with other Conservancy staff, partner organizations, government agencies, scientists, landowners, and other stakeholders. Supervised by the State Director.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Oversight of a conservation program that requires cross-boundary work and relationships.
- Supervises staff at remote locations.
- Establishes and maintains optimal performance standards within budget and within SOPs.
- Writes requests for proposal (RFPs) for grant/contract funding for program.
- Frequently makes independent and strategic decisions based on analysis, ambiguous information and judgment.
- Negotiates complex agreements, in a political environment.
- Leads/co-leads a whole system program.
- Frequent travel, evening and weekend hours.
- Sometimes works in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
- 7 years’ experience in conservation practice natural resource management.
- Experience collaborating with fundraising staff and meeting with donors.
- Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including managing finances and coordinating the work of other professionals and partners.
- Supervisory experience, including ability to motivate, lead, set objectives and manage performance, for staff in remote locations.
- Politically experienced in partnership development (partners, community, government); extensive networking skills with high level conservation contacts.
- Negotiation experience.
- Experience meeting deadlines and hold staff accountable.
- Must have/maintain valid driver’s license and safe driving record.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- M.S. degree and 5-7 years’ experience in conservation, natural resource, or related field
- Demonstrated experience influencing, developing and implementing conservation policy and plans.
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in relevant discipline(s) and regions.
- Understanding of management strategies is extremely desirable; hands-on experience is preferred.
- Experience working with renewable energy, especially related to siting practices.
- Ability to develop practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes.
- Knowledge of methods and standards of biodiversity information systems and initiatives.
- Ability to identify donor prospects and aid in donor cultivation.
- Experience with creating and administering budgets.
- Excellent communication skills via written, spoken, and graphical means.
- Excellent computer and technology skills.
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.