Director of Science

WORK WITH US






The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact for people and nature around the world in 69 countries, all 50 United States, major US cities and in your neighborhood. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we are committed to a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Visit www.nature.org/aboutus to learn more.


The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.



POSITION SUMMARY






The Director of Science plays a critical leadership role in using an evidence-based, scientific approach to inspire and guide the conservation strategies of The Nature Conservancy in Maine. To accomplish this, s/he deploys strategic planning skills, uses existing and innovative solutions, establishes collaborative multi-disciplinary partnerships, supervises staff, and works through cross-functional teams to build on and expand how science and conservation are conducted in Maine and beyond. This position is central to ensuring that our conservation strategies are based on robust scientific grounding and have positive outcomes for nature and people.



ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS






The Director of Science serves as TNC Maines lead on conservation science and planning. Leading and managing a team of science and planning staff in Maine, s/he coordinates with other scientists across and outside the Conservancy to inform the conservation vision for our work in Maine and beyond. Working closely with the Director of Conservation Programs, s/he also deploys strategic thinking and planning skills and a collaborative, science-based approach to guide TNC Maines applied conservation and policy work for forests, freshwater, oceans and climate. The Director applies existing and cutting-edge solutions to major conservation challenges and is responsible for leading collaborative enterprises that create a body of scientific work that build on and expand how conservation is carried out for the benefit of nature and people in Maine and beyond. S/he ensures that all science staff are contributing actively and positively to achieving results aligned with TNC Maine and regional priorities, and empowers the team to do science and share learnings widely with a diversity of audiences. S/he also works with the team to cultivate partnerships to increase the visibility and impact of our conservation science work, and builds support for local, regional, and global conservation efforts. S/he collaborates with other scientists and institutions to enhance conservation practices in general and for the Conservancy in particular.



RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE





Serves as a science convener and a subject matter expert to ensure conservation science and planning best practices are applied throughout TNC Maines work in forests, freshwater, oceans, and climate.
Provides scientific expertise, including natural, economic, and social science considerations, to inform the application of Conservation by Design 2.0 across projects.
Leads scientific investigations, empowering others to conduct science to support conservation outcomes of TNC Maines strategic plan and catalyzing science to improve conservation actions and generate new strategies.
Supervises TNC Maine science team and collaborates via teams of other Conservancy staff to support measurable conservation outcomes, provide evidence to inform conservation decisions and priorities, and conduct science to develop new or adapted conservation practices in support of strategic efforts.
Helps to lead strategic planning to determine TNC Maines priorities.
Evaluates and synthesizes science and develops tools to facilitate the application of science to decision-making.
Fosters effective and innovative partnerships with federal and state agencies, scientific and academic institutions, conservation groups, citizen scientists, and other public and private organizations engaged in conservation science to develop and implement key projects.
Ensures that Maine science is coordinated with global, North America, New England and other Conservancy programs to ensure maximum consistency, value and leverage.
Assists the Development (fundraising) and External Affairs teams (policy and communications) in securing private and public funding to implement science projects and strategies.
Participates in and leads cross-functional teams, modeling excellent project management skills to complete high quality projects on time and within budget.
Maintains scientific credibility through peer reviewed publications, research and communication.
Actively listens to others and fosters open exchange of ideas.
Reports to the State Director and serves on the chapters Conservation Council and other leadership teams.
Travels with evening and weekend hours, as needed. May work in variable weather conditions & remote conditions.



MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS





Master's Degree in science related field and 4 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience managing complex projects including project management skills, financial management, and coordinating the work of peers and partners.
Supervisory experience.
Experience working and communicating with a wide range of people.
Experience manipulating, analyzing and interpreting statistical or environmental data.
Record of peer reviewed publications in scientific journals, original science papers, and/or synthesis papers.



PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross cultural experiences are appreciated.
Ph.D. in ecology, biology, natural resources, or social sciences.
Ability to engage in a wide range of conservation issues, analyze complex problems, rapidly build personal/team expertise on new issues, and develop strategic responses or solutions.
Proven ability to leverage applied scientific concepts and technical innovations for broader impact.
Strong written, visual, and verbal communication skills and experience translating complex technical and scientific issues to a broad range of audiences and across platforms (e.g. in-person presentations, journals, social media).
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and develop partnerships with a wide range of individuals that do not have a direct reporting relationship, including staff, partner organizations, government agencies, academic institutions, and other stakeholders.
Proven experience as a team and project leader.
Experience with social sciences, particularly as it relates to the interrelationship between natural resource conservation and community health (social, economic and/or political).
Experience and/or publication history in one or more of the following areas: nature-based solutions, ecosystem services, or climate change adaptation.
General understanding of policy, government processes, laws and regulations as they relate to habitat and species protection, land and natural resource use, and/or energy and infrastructure.
Demonstrated success in fundraising including writing proposals and interacting with public and private donors.
Proven negotiation skills



HOW TO APPLY






To apply to position number 45145, 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 March 21, 2017.

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 applyhelptnc.org. *LI-



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 Conservancys background screening process.