The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Grounded in science, we develop innovative solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive.
The California Chapter is TNC’s largest state program and one of the largest, most dynamic conservation organizations in the country. With approximately 275 employees, from financial analysts and fundraisers to ecologists and economists, we are currently invested in 14 strategies to address the biggest challenges facing California and the world, including numerous community-based projects designed to increase the pace, scale, and effectiveness of conservation. Over the past six decades, we have protected 1.4 million acres, 5,000 miles of streams, and 3.8 million acres of ocean habitat in California and off the coast.
WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER
The Oceans Project Director leads and manages a portfolio of projects aimed at advancing enabling conditions for rocky reef and kelp forest ecosystem restoration at sea-scape scales in California. This position presents a unique opportunity to translate successes and lessons learned through in-water demonstration projects to influence policy and restoration strategy at the state level. Additionally, you will lead an effort to create and bring stakeholders together around a shared vision and approach for subtidal ecosystem restoration on a state-wide basis. This work is a key objective of the Oceans Program at TNC and is critical to our ability to build resilience in kelp forest ecosystems at a meaningful scale. In this role, you will synthesize and communicate findings from areas of our programmatic work for key partners, build and foster relationships with key stakeholders across a diverse set of interests, build trust and motivate partners behind a shared vision, plan and host convenings and develop summary reports, and provide insight and support for drafting policy language. You will work on a multi-disciplinary team of ocean conservation practitioners advancing some of the most creative and ambitious work around ocean protection and recovery in the world today. The work you will be leading will have intersections with our larger Ocean Recovery strategy and will influence our ability to have a positive impact on other subtidal habitats.
WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU
If you’re looking for a career where you can work with an ambitious and motivated team to develop solutions to the world’s most pressing ocean conservation challenges, look no further. Come join the California Oceans Team at The Nature Conservancy as our Oceans Project Director. The California Oceans Program in The Nature Conservancy spearheads innovative and collaborative initiatives to enhance resiliency in marine and coastal ecosystems. Within the Oceans Program, the Ocean Recovery Strategy has a large body of work aimed at protecting and restoring kelp forest ecosystems in California and around the world. Our rocky reef and kelp forest ecosystem work catalyzes meaningful impact on the water by working with a wide range of stakeholders, resource users, non-profits, agencies, coastal communities, and researchers to develop cutting-edge restoration science, solutions, and tools to drive kelp forest ecosystem recovery on a large scale. A primary objective of the strategy is to create pathways for scaled kelp forest ecosystem restoration from a policy and resourcing perspective. To this end, you will lead our work on specific state-wide restoration initiatives, coordinate with state and federal agencies, and work closely with our policy and restoration leads to advance the goal of restoring kelp forest ecosystems in California at sea-scape scales. You will lead working groups and synthesis efforts in collaboration with conservation practitioners, scientists, agencies, and stakeholders across California to deliver products and strategies and develop an understanding of the best path forward for securing scaled restoration and aligning partners around a shared vision for kelp forest ecosystem recovery. You will manage complex multi-stakeholder projects and engagements that may include contracting and granting with universities, consultants, and non-governmental organizations. This role will also require you to communicate science, conservation, and policy to various audiences, including non-scientists, media, and donors through presentations, publications, and outreach materials. In addition, you will write proposals and reports, and help track deliverables. This role is ideal for someone with experience working with stakeholders in the field of natural resource management or conservation, with a particular emphasis on familiarity with California state agencies and policy. Apply today and find a career where you can find meaning and purpose!
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
- Master's Degree in science related field and 3-5 years of experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Experience with project management, partnership development, familiarity working with state and federal agencies, and California marine policy.
- Experience working with diverse stakeholders and navigating sensitive issues and relationships
- Experience fundraising and/or writing grants and funding proposals
- Experience influencing policy or drafting policy language.
- Proven ability as creative and entrepreneurial self-starter with a well-rounded background in policy and conservation
- Communication skills, written and spoken.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated success in securing grants from state and/or federal agencies
- Strong knowledge of California state agencies and marine policy
- Demonstrated ability to influence policy through strategic partnerships
- Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse team, navigate interpersonal dynamics, and maintain strong relationships.
- Experience bringing diverse stakeholders together to align under a shared vision or goal
