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.”

Since 1978, The Nature Conservancy helped to create or expand 31 state parks and natural areas, 20 state Wildlife Management Areas, and nine national parks, forests and wildlife refuges in Tennessee, in addition to establishing our own system of nature preserves.  Between the iconic Great Smoky Mountains and the Mississippi River, the Volunteer State is renowned for its forests, rivers, caves, farmland, vibrant cities and one of the nation’s fastest growing economies.  Tennessee is situated at the crossroads of a converging network of resilient and connected forests with some of the most biodiverse rivers in the country. Never has conservation of Tennessee's nature mattered more.

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Tennessee State Director functions as manager and conservation strategist for The Nature Conservancy in Tennessee.  They are accountable for Tennessee’s success in implementing TNC’s conservation approach, producing measurable conservation results and maintaining organizational values.  They ensure outcomes are achieved in priority areas that fall within the operating unit’s responsibilities, and contributes intellectual, financial, and/or human resources to the formulation and execution of priority cross-boundary efforts.  They support the alignment of activities by securing, coordinating, and configuring resources, capacity, and programs to address the most critical organization-wide projects, threats and strategies.  They are responsible for collaborating with others on the procurement and application of resources to address the conservation priorities established by TNC, both in their ecoregion(s)/operating unit and in areas beyond their span of authority. They serve as the primary local spokesperson for TNC to internal and external audiences (including staff, volunteers, the Board of Trustees, public and private donors, government agencies and officials, community leaders and other partners) and cultivates those audiences to support and promote TNC’s mission and vision.

The Tennessee State Director partners with the Director of Philanthropy and Communications on strategic fundraising and marketing for the Chapter, including approving budgets and setting priorities which dictate private and public fundraising goals and in engaging Tennessee’s Board of Trustees. They support philanthropy staff in the cultivation and direct solicitation of donors and government relations staff in policy strategy and advocacy to secure public funding to meet revenue goals. 

The Tennessee State Director reports to the Southern U.S. Division (SUSD) Director and plays an active role on the SUSD in supporting the conservation priorities that help maximize the Division’s collective contributions to realizing the Conservancy’s 2030 goals.

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. Come join TNC and apply today!

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and minimum of 7 years of experience as a leader in the conservation arena, non-profit sector, advocacy, or related for-profit area.
• Management experience including leading and managing a large multi-disciplinary team.
• Written and verbal fluency in English is required.
• Experience communicating with and presenting to diverse audiences including donors, board members, employees, outside partners, or equivalent.
• Experience in fundraising and budget management.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree and minimum of 7-10 years’ experience as a proven leader in the conservation arena, non-profit sector, advocacy, or related for-profit area, including demonstrated experience producing results and meeting program/department goals.
• Strong business acumen and extensive management experience including ability to motivate, lead, set objectives, and manage performance of a large multi-disciplinary team.
• Success as an inspirational leader who has successfully motivated staff to achieve and sustain excellence. Proven managerial talent in budgeting, staffing, and performance management.
• High energy, forward thinking, creative individual with high ethical standards. Outstanding leadership and visionary qualities and able to work effectively with and through others in a decentralized and geographically dispersed organization.
• Proven technical skills, analytical ability, good judgment, and strong operational focus. Demonstrated operational, implementation and detail-oriented perspective.
• Well organized and self-directed; politically savvy and a team player.
• Successful experience in marketing or fund raising desired.
• Experience gained both in and outside the U.S. preferred. Demonstrated commitment to developing and demonstrating global literacy a must.
• Awareness of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles and practice in the conservation field, and commitment to advancing DEI in operational and programmatic contexts.

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.

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 people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. 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 orientations, gender identities, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

www.nature.org