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 Community Engagement Specialist works with the Community and Equitable Conservation Program Staff on a variety of projects. They will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, celebrates innovation, values collaborative approaches, and seeks lasting conservation results.

The Ohio Community Engagement and Equitable Conservation Program focuses on engaging communities in conservation, stewardship, education, youth specific programming, volunteerism, outreach, and other nature-based equity programs. The Community Engagement Specialist assists Community and Equitable Conservation Program Staff on a variety of projects including: project and relationship management, general administration duties of the volunteer program including youth engagement and safety, and other support to the achievement of Equitable Conservation and Community engagement across Ohio. They also promote and support all volunteer, youth, and community engagement programs and activities by administration and management of program paperwork, program communications, and leading events across Ohio.

This position must be based in Columbus or Central Ohio.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Community Engagement Specialist will be responsible for improving existing and creating new community engagement and equitable conservation initiatives in stewardship, communications, science, development, administration, and other program areas. They will coordinate projects with staff, program partners and volunteers, maintain and improve the volunteer and community experience, and promote equitable program leadership. They will write and edit promotional materials for the program and be responsible for communications externally to the volunteer program. They will supervise programs and special events run by staff and volunteers, including youth focused engagements, preserve work projects and public outreach. They will recruit, provide training and recognition, and ensure continuity and quality of all programs. The Specialist will provide leadership and direction to community engagement initiatives and will work cooperatively with Conservancy staff and members, as well as partner organizations, agencies and businesses. They will help raise the organization’s profile through select and strategic venues and partnerships, may serve as “brand ambassador” for the Conservancy’s mission, and inspires people to want to learn more and engage with the organization in meaningful ways.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

Community Engagement and Equitable Conservation Coordination (90%)

• Maintain and administer sensitive program paperwork and confidential program information including youth safety SOP compliance.
• Lead on-site community engagement such as volunteer, youth centric activities, visitor hiking, stewardship field days, recreational use, and other outreach programs on and off TNC lands.
• Assist with aspects of a volunteer program including recruiting, orienting, communications, reporting, training, and enrichment opportunities and other duties as assigned.
• Develop and manage communications and educational materials for program initiatives including direct support for community based listening sessions.
• General administrative support for various equity initiatives and programs including management of data and strategic plan progress via tracking tools
• Cultivating and manage relationships with focal communities, organizations that increases trust and rapport, aims to increase access, remove barriers and empower communities
• Project management of equitable and community-based conservation initiatives

General & Administrative Duties (10%)

• Coordinates multiple tasks or projects in a timely manner and with attention to detail.
• Attend programmatic and business unit meetings.
• Supervises no staff but may oversee and direct work of volunteers or interns.
• May assist with program budget preparation and monitoring.
• Makes day to day decision as delegated by the supervisor.
• Provides support for internal staff engagement, retreats, gatherings, and wellness program

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 in public relations, environmental education, business or related field and a minimum of 3 years related experience or equivalent combination.
• Must meet all TNC Youth Qualification requirements and background checks.
• Experience working with youth.
• Writing and editing experience.
• Experience in the marketing arena.
• Communication and public speaking experience.
• Project Management experience.
• Experience supervising and managing staff, volunteers and/or teams.
• Experienced in community relations or relationship building.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-cultural experience and/or multi-lingual skills appreciated.
• Experience serving as a “brand ambassador” or Community Engagement Specialist for a company or organization.
• Ability to promote events and communicate with individuals and communities through social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter.
• Experienced in developing, implementing, and measuring strategic outreach plans and programs.
• Knowledge of current and evolving trends in marketing, conservation, and public relations.
• Proven organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Volunteer management and training experience a plus.

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!

Auto Safety Policy:

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.

Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.