Job Description

Office Location:

Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

#Li-Hybrid

This is a full-time position based at our office in Indianapolis, Indiana with remote work available up to 2 days a week.  This position is expected to travel mostly in state approximately 10-15% of the time and may include evenings/weekends or out of state. #LI-DC1

Who We Are:

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends.  As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive.  Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures.  From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC.  Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff, or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued.  We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work.  Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings.  Please apply – we’d love to hear from you.  To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Indiana Conservation Program Lead offers technical and program support to Conservancy field operations.  They lead and manage a large team of more than thirty staff dedicated to enhancing conservation efforts and building strategic, scientific, and technical capacity in the field.  Through leadership of chapter conservation teams; support and enabling of these teams; and collaboration with Midwest Strategy Directors and neighboring Midwest chapters and divisions, the Lead ensures the implementation of conservation projects aligned with strategic Theories of Change and organizational goals.

A key role for the Indiana Conservation Program Lead is to support and build the capability of staff to function as a part of highly effective teams, sometimes leading, sometimes supporting, and always collaborating.  In this way the Conservation Lead is a catalyst to achieving conservation more rapidly, at larger scales, and in ways that provide great benefit to natural ecosystems and people within Indiana and across the Midwest Division.

The Indiana Conservation Program Lead often serves as a primary point of contact and as a lead collaborator with government agencies, other conservation organizations, foundations, and the academic community.  They are responsible for maintaining relationships through open communication and collaboration and building new relationships.  In addition, they will interact with TNC Board of Trustee members on a regular basis and therefore are a key member of the Indiana Leadership Team.  They work closely with and are an important partner with the Indiana Philanthropy team for fundraising and donor cultivation.

In coordination with the Midwest Strategy Directors, the Conservation Program Lead also helps set strategic priorities, reviews Midwest strategies, and allocates resources through TNC’s Portfolio Management process.  They play a significant role in donor identification, cultivation, and stewardship.  They develop key partnerships with public and private organizations to identify and resolve technical issues; communicate solutions and best practices; and develop innovative scientific methods, analyses, tools, and frameworks to address natural system needs while also engaging with and benefiting local communities through conservation efforts.

Responsibilities & Scope:

• Geographic size and scope are that of a larger, complex business unit and/or a program that requires cross-boundary work and relationships.
• Supervises staff at remote locations with responsibility for performance management and career development.
• Establishes and maintains optimal performance standards within budget.
• Writes requests for proposal (RFPs) for grant/contract funding for program.
• Frequently makes independently strategic decision based on analysis, ambiguous information, and context.
• Negotiates complex agreements, in a political environment.
• May be responsible for leading or co-leading a whole system program.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances

We’re Looking for You:

The Nature Conservancy in Indiana is seeking a Conservation Program Lead to join our dynamic leadership team as they implement the Midwest’s strategic priorities, with emphasis on those that depend on implementation through team members that are based in Indiana.  The Indiana Conservation Program Lead is the most senior Indiana-focused conservation position, provides leadership for chapter conservation teams, and is responsible for the coordination, alignment, and execution of conservation projects in service of larger organizational goals.

By 2030 the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin will contribute to the protection and restoration of more than 20 million hectares of land, 11.5 million hectares of healthy freshwater, and more than 76 thousand kilometers of rivers while improving the lives of people that depend on these resources.  This is an exceptional career opportunity for a highly motivated, capable individual interested in joining the world’s leading conservation organization!

What You’ll Bring:

Minimum Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree and 10 years’ experience in conservation practice; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Fundraising experience, including identifying donor prospects and donor cultivation.
• Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including managing finances and coordinating the work of other professionals and partners.
• Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
• Experience or willingness to learn tools within the open standards for Conservation Planning such as TNC’s Conservation by Design to develop results chains, conservation strategies and measures.
• Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies.
• Experience negotiating complex agreements, land acquisitions and multi-stakeholder agreements.

What We Bring:

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff, we impact conservation throughout the world!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

Auto Safety Policy:

This position requires a valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered “high risk drivers.” To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee’s motor vehicle record.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $110,000 – $120,000 for annual base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate’s location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

How to Apply

Job Categories: Equal Opportunities. Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: 100,000 and above.

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