What We Can Achieve Together:
The Director of Coastal Programs will establish the Conservancy as a major conservation partner within New Jersey’s coastal communities and within TNC’s Northeast Division. They will be responsible for defining and directing implementation of NJ’s Coastal conservation strategic plan, developing key partnerships with public and private organizations, and ensuring the implementation of natural and nature-based solutions in a way that provides multiple social and environmental benefits in coastal communities—ideally in a way that is scalable.
We’re Looking for You:
The Director of Coastal Programs develops and directs the New Jersey Chapter’s coastal adaptation and restoration work that combines planning, partnerships, science, policy, and complex partner-based conservation projects to achieve tangible lasting results for coastal communities.
The Director of Coastal Programs develops key partnerships with public and private organizations to identify complex and innovative solutions to conserve and restore coastal habitats that will benefit coastal communities. They will widely communicate solutions and best practices and will develop innovative frameworks to engage local communities to increase support for coastal conservation efforts. They will work closely with the Director of Conservation Programs to provide strategic direction and implementation of a comprehensive program to successfully advance conservation work along the coast of New Jersey and across the Northeast Division.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
Develop and direct a team of multi-disciplinary staff to implement strategies that advance New Jersey’s Coastal Program and Northeast Division goals.
Direct the implementation and adaptive management of the chapter's coastal strategic plan, focusing on the conservation and management of coastal ecosystems and the use of natural and nature-based solutions to benefit coastal communities in NJ.
Provide leadership and support to the Northeast Division’s Climate Adaptation, Coasts and Oceans and Off-shore Wind strategy teams.
Develop and direct a wide ranging portfolio of strategies and replicable projects demonstrating the benefits of nature in reducing the impacts of coastal flooding to communities.
Develop cooperative relationships with various groups, including conservation partners, government officials, funders, and board members; and work with targeted communities to build capacity for local efforts to create and advance a pipeline of community-driven nature-based projects.
Work with Government Relations team to build our credibility with elected officials and departments and develop and advance policy priorities that will integrate nature and nature-based solutions at all governmental levels.
Lead the establishment of policies and/or sustainable financing mechanisms that mainstream successful approaches to using nature-based solutions to reduce flooding impacts and other climate change impacts.
Direct team of multi-disciplinary staff, with responsibility for performance management, training and career development.
Financial responsibility will include developing and managing Coastal program budgets, supporting fundraising efforts, and ensuring that public and private funds are raised to meet program needs.
May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
What You’ll Bring:
BA/BS degree and 7 years’ experience in conservation practice or related field 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.
Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies.
Fundraising experience, including identifying donor prospects and donor cultivation.
Experience negotiating.
Desired Qualifications:
Multi-lingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
7-10 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated experience managing teams within a matrixed organization.
Demonstrated experience influencing, developing and implementing conservation policy and plans.
Knowledge of current trends and practices in relevant discipline(s) and regions.
Knowledge of methods and standards of biodiversity information systems and initiatives or related field.
Politically savvy.
Salary Information:
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $120,000- $127,500 annually. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.
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 a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of 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.
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.
