What We Can Achieve Together:
The Executive Director, Micronesia & Polynesia (Executive Director) overseas all aspects of the business unit and is a key conservation leader in the region. They represent The Nature Conservancy (TNC) with a variety of stakeholders and lead a team of conservation professionals to achieve meaningful conservation outcomes on the land, water and oceans of Micronesia and Polynesia. The Executive Director is a senior leader and conservation strategist for a geographically dispersed, complex business unit and plays an integral role as a leadership team member within TNC’s Pacific Division and the larger organization. The Pacific Division encompasses Micronesia and Polynesia, California, Hawai’i and Palmyra - a region of immense global importance for conserving biodiversity and addressing climate change for TNC’s 2030 Goals. In addition to representing the Micronesia and Polynesia business unit, this position will play a key role in national and global TNC priorities.
We’re Looking for You:
The Executive Director, Micronesia & Polynesia, (Executive Director) provides vision, leadership, strategic direction, and resources to the work of TNC and its partners within Micronesia (the Federated States of Micronesia, Republics of Palau, Kiribati and the Marshall Islands, Territory of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands) and Polynesia (American Samoa and French Polynesia). The Executive Director is accountable for the Micronesia and Polynesia Programs’ success in implementing TNC’s conservation approach, producing measurable conservation results and maintaining organizational values. They ensure outcomes are achieved in priority areas that fall within the program’s responsibilities, and contribute intellectual, financial, and/or human resources to the formulation and execution of priority cross-boundary efforts.
The Executive Director works closely with governments and partners in the region to ensure the development of strong marine, terrestrial and institutional building programs and will focus on catalyzing alliances with partners and agencies which contribute to the implementation of conservation strategies needed to achieve the conservation goals. In collaboration with TNC Divisional and Global teams, the Executive Director will be responsible for setting strategies and expanding conservation programs across Micronesia and Polynesia.
The Executive Director will work closely with the Deputy Director and Conservation Director to recruit, retain, and lead a team of high performing staff, drive fundraising efforts, undertake financial and grants management oversight and resolve program management issues. The position will be based in Micronesia and will involve travel in the Pacific region and internationally for TNC-related meetings and fundraising. The Executive Director will provide input to the development of regional and TNC organization-wide programs and priorities.
This role serves as the primary local spokesperson for TNC to internal and external audiences (including staff, volunteers, public and private donors, government agencies and officials, community leaders and other partners) and cultivates those audiences to support and promote TNC’s mission and vision. The Executive Director supports philanthropy, resources and external affairs staff in the cultivation and direct solicitation of donors (private, bilateral and multilateral government) to meet fundraising goals.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
Identify and drive conservation strategies and associated outcomes in the region
Spearhead innovative initiatives, such as Project Finance for Permanence (PFPs), transboundary Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) and expansion of Pacific Island Tuna
· High level management and leadership responsibilities, both internal and external to the organization
Develop and execute the Program’s new geographies
Collaborate with partners, stakeholders and other local and regional groups
Develop a sustainable staffing and funding plan that aligns with Chapter priorities
Serve as primary spokesperson with internal and external audiences
Drive fundraising for the Chapter by setting and meeting fundraising goals, coordinating with fundraisers throughout TNC as needed, and representing TNC with major donors and prospects
Collaborate with TNC’s global programs to ensure alignment of joint conservation goals
In partnership with Division leaders and global strategic programs, maintain a platform for staff from across different business units to work strategically in the region
Develop and manage a Board of Trustees for Micronesia and Polynesia business unit
May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances
Makes independent strategic decisions frequently based on analysis, ambiguous information, experience and context
Develop and manage a Board of Trustees for Micronesia and Polynesia business unit
What You’ll Bring:
Bachelor’s degree and minimum of 12 years of experience as a proven leader in the conservation arena, non-profit sector, advocacy, or related for-profit area, including demonstrated experience producing results and meeting program/department goals
Experience gained in the Pacific Islands and demonstrated commitment to developing and practicing global literacy
Management experience including leading, managing, and inspiring a large multi-disciplinary, decentralized team across a dispersed geographical region
Written and verbal fluency in at least one Pacific Island language and English
Superb communication and presentation skills required
Experience communicating with and presenting to diverse audiences including donors, governments, employees, outside partners and community members
Successful proven experience in fundraising from private and public sources
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 include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.
One 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. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”
What We Bring:
Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into 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 and partners, we impact conservation around the world!
TNC offers competitive and comprehensive benefits packages tailored to the individual countries where we work. These may include health care benefits, retirement benefits, parental leave, paid time off, life insurance, and disability coverage as well as an employee assistance program and other life and well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports the health and well-being of the people we employ.
Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.
Employees must submit their application by logging into Workday and applying via the Jobs Hub.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization 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.
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.
