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 diverse voices and respect for people, communities and cultures.

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.

What We Can Achieve Together

The Indiana Executive Director and Midwest Partner functions as a leader and conservation strategist for a large, complex business unit in a global organization that plays an integral leadership role in TNC’s Midwest Division. The Midwest Division encompasses Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin—a region of Great Lakes, great rivers and immense global importance for conserving biodiversity and protecting lands and waters as outlined in TNC’s 2030 goals.

This position will be a key leader in a global fundraising campaign and is responsible for producing measurable conservation results, while leading a large, multidisciplinary team of professionals across the state. They serve as the primary spokesperson for TNC in Indiana to internal and external audiences (including public and private donors, media, the business community, the Indiana Board of Trustees, community leaders and other partners, government agencies and officials and staff).

The Indiana Executive Director and Midwest Partner sets objectives and manages the performance of a large and collaborative team with a focus on strategy development, fundraising and managing the Board of Trustees. They work together across teams as they cultivate and solicit high-level donors (private and public) to meet fundraising goals. Additionally, this role supports conservation programs and initiatives, organization visibility, policy and government relations, the management of staff and the financial health of the business unit.

The Indiana Executive Director and Midwest Partner also collaborates with peer Midwest Executive Directors and the Midwest Division Director (known as the Midwest Board of Partners) in helping shape the strategy, development and execution of cross-boundary efforts within the Midwest and globally, including the contribution of financial and/or human resources.

We’re Looking for You

The ideal candidate should have exceptional leadership skills, with a strong background in high-level fundraising. They must be a compelling storyteller and talented communicator who can successfully use these talents to fundraise, build consensus and speak about TNC’s mission, vision and work—from state, regional and global perspective.

This position requires a person with deep self-confidence tempered by genuine humility. They must have an ambitious yet collaborative nature. They must be very high-energy, intelligent, abstract thinkers willing to take bold, calculated risks while balancing the need to make transparent decisions in a matrixed and sometimes ambiguous environment.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of seven years of experience as a leader in the conservation arena, nonprofit sector, advocacy or related for-profit area.
• Extensive management experience, including the ability to motivate, lead, set objectives and manage the performance of a large multidisciplinary team.
• Proven experience in cultivating and soliciting high-level donors to reach fundraising goals, which is a priority for this position.
• Written and verbal fluency in English.
• Effective presentation and communication skills for diverse audiences, including high-level donors, the media, the business community, board members, outside partners, staff or equivalent that lead to desired outcomes.
• Experience with strategic fiscal management, including long-term sustainability.

Desired Qualifications

• Seven to 10 years of experience as a proven leader in the conservation arena, nonprofit sector, advocacy, or related for-profit area, including demonstrated experience producing results and meeting organizational, divisional or business unit goals.
• Experience working in the U.S. and globally preferred.
• Outstanding leadership skills, including thought-leadership, visionary qualities and the ability to inspire others in a decentralized, geographically dispersed and highly matrixed organization.
• Knowledge of conservation and conservation practices.

Salary Information

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $170,000 - $210,000 for annual base salary.