The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in 69 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/about-us to learn more.

The Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS) is the Conservancy’s centralized research unit that drives synthesis and creation of new evidence around linkages between conservation and human well-being. Lead Scientists and other science staff in OCS drive primary research and synthesis at the leading edge of use-driven science, probing for solutions to joint global challenges for nature and people. We also cultivate and engage world-class universities in partnerships that help bring global expertise in diverse disciplines to our conservation challenges.

The Conservancy recognizes climate change as the single greatest threat to our mission, and to humanity. Never before has there been an issue that so tightly integrates the health of the planet with the economy, food production, clean water, health, and equality. To meet this challenge, the Conservancy partnered with leading research universities to create the NatureNet Science Fellows (NNSF) program and tackle the two overarching challenges of climate change: Halting further change and adapting to the change that is already underway. The projects undertaken by the Fellows are where we partner with others to incubate and experiment, where we can make breakthroughs across all of our conservation priorities, from energy to cities, climate change to sustainable agriculture.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Science Impact Project (SIP) is the Conservancy’s professional development program to help nurture present and future science leaders. SIP gives some of the Conservancy’s most promising early- and mid-career scientists space to create and implement a “big idea” that could change conservation practice or get conservation solutions in front of decision- makers. Along the way, they also learn communications and leadership skills to help disseminate their big ideas.

The Program Director, NatureNet Science Fellows and Science Impact Project defines priorities and long-term strategies for TNC’s thought-leadership training and post-doctoral programs, with an eye towards increasing the diversity of scientists in thought leadership positions. S/he creates a culture of innovation, adaptive learning, risk-taking and cohort supportiveness with these programs. The Program Director initiates and develops key partnerships and relationships with mentors, public and private institutions and the internal TNC network to maximize the impact for the Conservancy, our partners, and the participants in NNSF and SIP. Preferred location is our World Office in Arlington, but other locations will be considered.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Program Director, NNSF and SIP directs and manages the programs’ ongoing activities, specifically:

• Developing curricula for early- and mid-career science staff that increases the rigor, impact and effectiveness of their scientific research, improves their communication skills, promotes their ability to lead conservation through new ideas to better practices and more effective partnerships, and raises their profile in the external science community.
• Developing curricula for post-doctoral scholars that improves ability to conduct cutting-edge science that is useful for conservation, increases understanding of academic and NGO cultures, improves communication effectiveness in multiple media forms, and builds community among young conservation scientists and broader conservation science and practice communities.
• Creating and identifying opportunities to assure that the programs help create a more inclusive and diverse conservation community.
• Coordinating communications trainings and curricula with the Conservancy’s Science Communications department.
• In partnership with the Chief Scientist and NNSF Advisory Council, growing a network of university partners that establishes the Conservancy’s science staff and post-doctoral fellows as top notch colleagues, and improves opportunity creation for university partners to inform Conservancy practice on the ground.
• Designing and facilitating workshops and conferences for the key programs that provide opportunities for participants to build community with each other and to benefit from interactions with program mentors.
• Effectively utilizing the Conservancy’s Science Cabinet as advisors.
• Regularly evaluating programming, incorporating feedback from fellows, Advisory Council, and SIP participants, and adjusting the programming accordingly.
• Being a spokesperson both internally and externally for both programs, driving top talent towards both opportunities.
• Bringing a fresh lens and inspiring creativity to all activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE

• Programmatic scope requires working with scientists from across many country programs and global strategy teams.
• Establishes and maintains optimal standards of performance for the program while controlling costs and administering budgets.
• Writes requests for proposal (RFPs) for grant/contract funding for program, and may participate in donor visits and solicitations.
• Designs and facilitates meetings, conferences to maximize participant experiences.
• Works with Chief Scientist to draft agendas and facilitate NNSF Advisory Council meetings.
• Manages Call For Applications and selection process for NNSF.
• Frequently makes independently strategic decision based on analysis, ambiguous information and judgment.
• Builds cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals.
• Works with contract, finance and legal staff to ensure agreements are executed on time and within budget.
• Frequent travel domestically and/or internationally, evening and weekend hours.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BS degree and 7 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including managing finances and coordinating the work of other professionals and partners.
• Experience in partnership development, particularly with the academic sector.
• Experience developing curricula.
• Negotiation skills.
• Experience communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.

PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS

• Masters or PhD in social or natural sciences.
• 7-10 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Multi-lingual skills appreciated.
• Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience preferred.
• Excellent facilitation skills.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in relevant discipline(s) and regions.
• Proven record of effectively working with donors, including solicitation and stewardship.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply to position number 44760, submit resume (required) and cover letter separately using the upload buttons. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on November 5, 2016.

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-

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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.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of *The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process.*

Job Title: Program Director, NatureNet Science Fellows and Science Impact Project

Location: DC Metro Area

Job ID: 44760

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full/Part Time: Full-Time