Director of Coastal Programs

The Nature Conservancy

2d • $120,000 - $127,500

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 diverse portfolio of strategies and replicable projects demonstrating the benefits of nature in reducing the impacts of coastal flooding to communities.
• Develop cooperative relationships with diverse 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.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director