SLELO Program Director

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 Invasive Species Program Director (ISPD) will lead and coordinate the Saint Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario (SLELO) Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM), one of eight collaborative partnerships in New York. The ISPD facilitates the development and implementation of a regional invasives species program focused on prevention, monitoring, mapping, management, education, and ecological restoration. The ISPD’s primary role is to provide strategic leadership to a coalition of partners, build new partnerships in the region, and coordinate both terrestrial and aquatic invasive species projects. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual to work in a creative, team-oriented environment on an important and high-profile conservation issue. The ISPD works closely with the New York State Department of Environmental jobshiringnearme.org’s (NYS DEC) Invasive Species Coordination Section and SLELO partners to set strategic direction and advance the key deliverables of a five-year contract for services with the NYS DEC.

We’re Looking for You:

If you’re looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose, come join us as the Program Director! Not only will you fulfil conservation objectives in the beautiful state of New York, but you’ll contribute to conservation goals through many networks!

We’re looking for a passionate, dedicated person to lead our Saint Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario (SLELO) Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management. Systems Leadership, creativity, and the ability to influence without authority are key in this role. Come join TNC and apply today!

What You’ll Bring:

• BA/BS in natural resources, law, or business and 5 years of experience in natural resource management or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing complex or multiple projects under deadlines, including staffing, workloads and finances.
• Experience supervising staff, including hiring, orienting, motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
• Experience developing partnerships with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies.
• Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
• Experience training and speaking to diverse audiences.
• Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers.
• Experience crafting and negotiating complex agreements and managing contracts.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with or extensive knowledge of natural systems and ecological resource management principles.
• Experience building partnerships to develop and implement natural resource policy and plans.
• Experience building and sustaining an effective and cohesive staff team.
• Ability to manage a wide range of complex projects simultaneously and complete tasks independently and on time.
• Knowledge of current trends in invasive species conservation practice and science.
• Knowledge of and ability to foster the development of strategic plans, operational guidance documents and the preparation of both technical reports and annual reports.
• Ability to explain conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences.
• A sense of political diplomacy.
• Multi-lingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

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.