Deputy Director of Conservation
Job Description
Who We Are:
The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube or on Glassdoor.
Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”
What We Can Achieve Together:
The Deputy Director works closely with the Executive Director and other program leaders to manage chapter affairs and respond to opportunities and challenges and serve as a proxy in professional settings where designated by the Executive Director. The Deputy Director will lead Vermont’s Conservation Strategy team, be a part of Vermont’s Alignment team, and contribute to the Northeast Division’s Conservation Council.
The Deputy Director manages four program directors overseeing all aspects of conservation, science, stewardship and government relations for The Nature Conservancy in Vermont. They will play an active role in establishing and managing the conservation priorities that help maximize Vermont’s and the Northeast Division’s collective contributions to achieving the Conservancy’s 2030 goals.
The Deputy Director serves as one of the principal contacts to government agencies, other conservation organizations, foundations, and the academic community. They persuasively convey the mission of TNC to diverse groups including key legislators, government officials and others who are critical to the Conservancy’s overall public funding strategies.
They will create, strengthen, and lead a culture of trust, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Frequent travel domestically and/or internationally, evening and weekend hours are possible. May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
We’re Looking for You:
Are you looking for work you can believe in? At TNC we strive to embody a philosophy of Work that You Can Believe in where you can feel like you are making a difference every day. We’re looking for someone with strong experience in leading a diverse, multi-disciplinary team.
We seek applications from equity-minded candidates focused on conservation issues who will thrive in an environment that is committed to advancing the principles of social equity and inclusion, and equal access to resources and opportunities.
The ideal candidate should have exceptional communication and collaboration skills and experience with climate policy development, advocacy, and policy implementation. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by directing and shaping the work of our team!
What You’ll Bring:
- BA/BS degree and 10 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience building climate-centric conservation programs.
- Experience directing a major program or project of strategic importance, including management/supervision of multi-disciplinary teams and meeting deadlines.
- Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
- Public fundraising experience, including identifying, applying for, securing, and administering public awards.
- Experience with budgeting and financial management for a large program.
- Experience working with current trends and practices in climate change adaptation and mitigation.
- Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies.
- Experience negotiating.
- Experience influencing, developing and implementing conservation policy and plans at the state or country level.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi- lingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Fundraising experience, including identifying donor prospects and donor cultivation.
- Developing practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes.
- Knowledge of methods and standards of biodiversity information systems and initiatives and experience conceiving and implementing strategic initiatives.
- Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
- Politically savvy.
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!
Additional Job Information:
The Vermont Chapter is comprised of more than 25 employees who are committed to teamwork; cross-collaboration; professional development; a fun and inclusive culture; and diversity, equity, inclusion learning and practices. In addition to the minimum requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Passion, innovation, and diversity are all key components to advancing our Mission and we encourage you to apply.
How to Apply
To apply for job ID 55179, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org. The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law. The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process. Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings! TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line. An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible. Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.117 total views, 0 today