Director of Conservation, Kansas, United States

Office Location: Flexible within the state of Kansas

Work With Us

The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in more than 35 countries, all 50 United States, and your backyard. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Visit www.nature.org/aboutus to learn more.

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.

Essential Functions

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 outside 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; aggressively seeks grants and assists in fundraising as required. Negotiates and carries out complex real estate transactions. Oversees operation and maintenance of all lands owned or managed by The Nature Conservancy of Kansas. 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.
• 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BS degree and 7 years' experience in conservation practice, natural resource management; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 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.
• Experience in partnership development (partners, community, government); networking skills with high level conservation contacts.
• Negotiation skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 7- 10 years' experience in conservation practice 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.
• Understanding of agricultural land management strategies is extremely desirable; hands-on experience is helpful.
• 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 skills.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT

• 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.

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy'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.' Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers.

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.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply to position number 42555, submit resume and cover letter as one document. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on December 19, 2014.

Click submit' to apply for the position or save for later' to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited. Failure to complete required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration.

If you experience technical issues, please refer to our applicant user guide or contact applyhelp@tnc.org. LI-MS1

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 men and women 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.