Coastal Project Manager, Massachusetts

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:

The Nature Conservancy is improving the health and climate resilience of ocean and coastal ecosystems, while supporting sustainable blue economies and communities. In Massachusetts, ocean ecosystem strategies are targeted toward increasing healthy and functional habitats (such as shellfish reefs, healthy water quality that supports seagrass, restorative aquaculture, salt marsh, and rocky habitat), and effective harvest management that rebuilds ocean biodiversity. Sustainable blue economies and communities include thriving fisheries, aquaculture, and other ocean-related businesses, in addition to tourism and recreation, culturally significant harvesting activities and foods, and upholding a sense of place connected to the ocean.

The Coastal Project Manager is a key team member who will help to advance coastal nature-based solutions to achieve TNC’s mission and 2030 goals arounds addressing the climate and biodiversity crises. This newly created position will work in close collaboration with the Director of MA Coastal Program and others to develop, oversee and manage field projects and advance the policy and practice of coastal and ocean conservation efforts that support achieving TNC’s mission.

This position may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. It requires regional travel and working flexible hours as needed.

We’re Looking for You:

The ideal candidate should have exceptional communication and project management experience as well as an interest in collaborating with a variety of cross-functional colleagues and partners. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by implementing and managing coastal nature-based solutions! Specific responsibilities include:

• Project management:
  • Oversee implementation of nature-based solutions projects, inclusive of habitat restoration (shellfish/oyster reef, seagrass, saltmarsh) and climate adaptation (living shorelines).
  • Manage relationships and complex partnerships including municipal, state, and federal agency staff, community members, contractors, researchers, industry members (e.g. aquaculture), and TNC staff at multiple scales of the organization.
  • Manage budgets, public and private fundraising and financial tracking and reporting, contracts, and vendors.
  • Oversee acquisition of local, state, and federal permitting, construction/implementation, monitoring, and reporting.
• Project identification and prioritization. Collect and analyze appropriate data sets for project pipeline development and prioritization.
• Gain cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals.
• Under minimal supervision, make independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.

What You’ll Bring:

• BA/BS degree and 5 years’ experience in natural resource management or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Project management experience including managing multiple/diverse activities and deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to track decisions, distribute action items, and follow up on progress.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and experience working across teams and communicating tactfully with a wide range of people.
• Experience with budget development and working within/managing a budget to complete projects.
• Experience negotiating complex agreements and/or contracts.
• Supervisory experience.
• Experience with Microsoft Office suite,
• Knowledge, field work, research, or experience in habitat restoration, natural resource management/enforcement, natural resource extraction or aquaculture, coastal ecosystem processes, or coastal policy.
• Requires a valid driver’s license.

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!

Additional Job Information:

The Massachusetts Chapter believes in flexibility and as such, team members are working in a hybrid model: splitting workdays between home and using TNC office workspaces (Boston or Sheffield), as required. Our work has proven successful with a deliberate blend of virtual and in-person connections, as well as independent and collaborative work. This is considered a hybrid position and may work out of the Boston office or a home office.