Nature and Energy Program Director

The Nature Conservancy Nature and Energy Program Director

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Below, you will find a complete breakdown of everything required of potential candidates, as well as how to apply Good luck.

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OFFICE LOCATION Texas, United States #Li-Remote. This position is based in Texas and may work out of a home and / or TNC office within the state of Texas. #PDN

WHO WE ARE

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world's toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC.

One of TNC's primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we'll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply - we'd love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, "you'll join for the mission, and you'll stay for the people."

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

The Texas Chapter and Great Plains Division Nature and Energy program promotes climate mitigation, climate adaptation strategies, and advances the clean energy transition to meet TNC's 2030 goals to address the global climate and biodiversity crises. The Nature and Energy Program Director provides strategic and technical leadership on the implementation of a broad suite of natural climate solutions and nature-based solutions to increase the implementation rate of nature-positive projects, policies, and practices with measurable outcomes toward protecting land and water; providing healthy ecosystems; and accelerating the clean energy transition in Texas and within the Great Plains division of The Nature Conservancy.

The Nature and Energy Program Director will develop innovative conservation and scientific methods, analysis, tools, and methodological frameworks to promote the implementation of initiatives and projects at different scales to maximize outcomes. As part of this work, they will supervise staff with expertise in nature-based solutions and coastal resilience, and as a team will promote the role of natural climate solutions, nature-based solutions, clean energy transition, and other nature-positive projects, policies, and programs by integrating the benefits of best practices within the chapter's and division's land and water protection, stewardship, working lands strategies, and coastal resilience program to maximize the co-benefits of all projects. They'll demonstrate a commitment to equity and inclusion in their approach to this position.

The Nature and Energy Program Director will build key strategic partnerships with all levels of government as well as leaders in the private sector to identify and advance needed policy, incentives, and market shifts, and partner with philanthropy leadership to ensure a sustainable funding stream for this work. They will coordinate with other conservation leaders within TNC and collaborate closely with government affairs / policy, science, and development teams to develop specific approaches that will yield sustainable, durable conservation outcomes, including advising on and analyzing the development of market-based ecosystem service incentives. They will conduct analyses and build strategic scientific and technical capacities, develop relationships with key public and private entities, solve technical problems, address barriers, and serve as an expert to communicate solutions and best practices. They will work to garner more widespread support from communities, governments, private companies, and others for the value and co-benefits of nature as a mitigation and adaptation strategy in current practices and in the clean energy transition.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Report to the Director of Landscape Initiatives and collaborate, as part of a matrixed organization, within the Texas chapter, Great Plains division, and North American region.
• Lead refinement and implementation of chapter and division strategies, building on an existing body of work as well as existing partnerships to advance the chapter's contribution to climate mitigation, adaptation, and clean energy transition programs that align with organizational goals and key outcomes, and strengthen TNC's role as an effective, credible partner on nature-positive climate solutions.
• Ensure Texas' Nature and Energy program is coordinated to contribute to the goals of the Great Plains Division and the North America Natural Climate Solutions and Clean Energy Transition programs to ensure maximum consistency, value, and leverage occurs.
• Build respectful, equitable, and inclusive partnerships with climate-impacted communities to ensure this work has breadth and standing within the broader climate work ongoing in Texas and in the division and to create durable and lasting solutions.
• Supervise staff, promote TNC's code of conduct, values and promote a safe, inclusive, and supportive work environment for team members.
• Serve as a climate and clean energy policy advisor to the chapter, coordinate with policy teams to advocate for policy conditions that will facilitate the use of natural climate solutions and other nature-positive approaches including participating in legislative and regulatory / rule-making analyses and forums, as requested.
• Explore and test ideas for removing obstacles to the rapid deployment of natural climate solutions, nature-positive approaches, and clean energy transition strategies by governments and communities to maximize co-benefits to public health, community resilience, hazard mitigation, quality of life, biodiversity, agricultural productivity, water quality and quantity, recreation, and others.
• Conduct detailed economic analyses to determine the cost-effectiveness of climate change mitigation; investigate additional incentives to action; and co-benefits to determine the return-on-investment or net economic benefit of project opportunities.
• Develop and manage the budget for the program's work in TNC Texas, ensuring alignment with other program leads; manage contracts and grants.
• Assist TNC's fundraising team by developing materials and reviewing donor communications as well as assisting with proposal development and donor engagement.
• Make independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context, foreseeing risk and proactively seeking advice as needed.

WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We're looking for someone who is a passionate, motivated problem-solver. Join us!

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.

EEO Policy Statement

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