Director of Conservation Science

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 includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube  or on Glassdoor.  

Our 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. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

What We Can Achieve Together:

Your science expertise, communication skills, ability to focus and deliver as a genuine and thoughtful leader, supervisor and team player will help address the global biodiversity and climate crises here in Wisconsin and far beyond.

Together, we will deploy science-based projects to achieve conservation outcomes while also informing, supporting and inspiring specific individuals and organizations to take action, and frequently, to change their practices. Ultimately, we seek to transform systems so that people and nature can thrive for the long-term. Scientists at The Nature Conservancy embody our core value of Tangible, Lasting Results.
The Wisconsin Director of Conservation Science is a leader in The Nature Conservancy’s Wisconsin Business Unit, responsible for integrating an evidence-based, scientific approach for priority applied conservation and policy work. They play a lead role in shaping and implementing TNC’s climate action and renewable energy approaches in Wisconsin and the Midwest. They work independently and on teams, with the discipline and perspective to apply expertise and resources selectively to advance top priorities. They ensure that work in Wisconsin integrates with TNC’s Midwest Division, North American Region and Global science initiatives.

The Wisconsin Director of Conservation Science defines science priorities for TNC in Wisconsin and leads and manages a team to support and improve ongoing projects. They establish the Conservancy as a conservation science partner in the State, serving as the principal science contact to government agencies, other conservation organizations, foundations, the academic community and the Wisconsin Board of Trustees.

The Director of Conservation Science develops key partnerships with public and private organizations to identify, resolve and communicate solutions and best practices to identified audiences. They develop scientific methods, analyses, tools, and frameworks that address natural system needs and engage local communities for conservation outcomes. They co-create and facilitate complex and innovative solutions, working with Conservancy colleagues, government agencies, non-profit organizations and community members to benefit natural systems and people.

The Wisconsin Director of Conservation Science uses a multi-discipline approach to problem solving and manages an ecology-focused Science and Innovation Team that interfaces with staff, contractors and partners in disciplines including physical, atmospheric and climate sciences, renewable energy, social sciences, economics, technology and engineering. Preferred location Madison, but willing to consider candidates at other locations in Wisconsin.

We’re Looking for You:

If you are a highly collaborative leader with demonstrated standing in the scientific community and a proven track record of outcomes and guiding successful teams, we welcome your application. The Wisconsin Director of Conservation Science will have the opportunity to lead and grow The Nature Conservancy’s applied science program capacity and identify opportunities for collaboration with a wide range of conservation partners working together to tackle the climate and biodiversity crises for the benefit of people and nature. This role will require your ongoing commitment to embedding diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in your work and the work of the organization.

A typical week will include projects like:

• Co-creating and deploying climate adaptation and resiliency projects
• Evaluating, implementing and communicating about an equitable clean energy transition, natural solutions for carbon capture and nature-based solutions to help nature and communities adapt to climate change
• Helping shape climate messages and coaching colleagues on strategic climate engagement
• Promoting the Conservancy’s Resilient and Connected Network tool to select audiences
• Helping draft TNC’s public comments and positions on conservation priorities
• Partnering with colleagues and partners on science/academic grants and publications
• Serving on advisory teams such as Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts
• Determining the Conservancy’s role in public agency planning efforts

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 communicating complex issues to non-scientists, including donors
• 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.                                        
• Experience negotiating.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Masters or Ph.D. and 7-10 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Expertise and knowledge of current trends and practices in Midwestern aquatic or terrestrial systems or climate change.
• Demonstrated experience communicating, influencing, developing and implementing conservation science policy and plans.
• Ability to develop practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes.
• Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages, including a track-record of peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience with developing a diversity of collaborations with a strong emphasis and proven experience with diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.
• Politically savvy.

What We Bring:

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become 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, we impact conservation throughout the world!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $79,500-$97,100 for annual base salary. 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.