We are excited that you are continuing to grow your career as a Wildlife Ally! San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance recognizes that our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us close to a world where all life thrives.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Conservation Portfolio Strategist supports and tracks the implementation of collaborative, innovative, and impact-driven conservation strategies alongside researchers, scientists, and program managers across SDZWA's global conservation hubs. The Strategist will be focused on framing, analyzing, and providing feedback for the portfolio (consisting of 8 international conservation hubs with 30+ projects) at a strategic level and is instrumental in informing the future direction of our conservation programs. The Strategist makes recommendations on the adaptive management of our strategies to improve conservation outcomes. The Strategist will interface regularly with internal partners in CSWH and other SDZWA departments and will be expected to steward partnerships with international colleagues/government and interface with donors as needed. This position oversees the Conservation Standards Coordinator and Effectiveness Team and reports to the Chief Conservation and Wildlife Health Officer.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Leads the implementation and facilitates the future evolution of the SDZWA’s conservation portfolio. Maximizes the collective impact of our conservation work and demonstrates alignment with the Global Biodiversity Framework and UN Sustainable Development Goals utilizing data, dashboards, and infographics.
• Oversees the management of the portfolio’s eight conservation hubs (each with multiple projects) to identify and evaluate opportunities that improve conservation outcomes and effectiveness; utilizes an adaptive management approach that supports decision-making and budget/resource allocation; and, ensures consistency with the Conservation Standards and appropriate documentation utilizing Miradi software.
• Leads and facilitates meetings that enhance collaboration and alignment around portfolio strategies and goals.
• Coaches and mentors team members with diverse skill sets to utilize the principles of the Conservation Standards, conservation planning, and adaptive management often without direct reporting relationships.
• Collaborates with team members to ensure our research activities and outputs align with our strategic roadmap and meet the needs of key actors and partners.
• Develops and delivers high-level presentations and reports that effectively communicate the outcomes and impact of our conservation activities to diverse audiences including partners, donors, policymakers, and the general public.
• Develops and stewards key partnerships with internal and external actors who can enhance, strengthen, and/or communicate the outcomes and impact of our conservation work.
• Supports Government Relations, Philanthropy, Communications, and Marketing teams through sharing of conservation priorities and impacts.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

JOB EXPERIENCE

• 5+ years of conservation project/portfolio management and impact monitoring
• 3+ years managing/leading diverse teams
• Experience with Conservation Standards and Miradi preferred
• Experience in working within international frameworks related to climate and conservation governance, finance, and human rights preferred
• Experience collaborating with local and Indigenous communities and scientists preferred 

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Master's Degree in Conservation-related field, e.g. Conservation Biology, Conservation Strategy, Conservation Impact Monitoring, Integrative Conservation required. 
• PhD or equivalent in Conservation-related field, e.g. Conservation Biology, Conservation Strategy, Conservation Impact Monitoring, Integrative Conservation preferred. 
• Conservation Standards or Conservation Coaching preferred 

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Strong working knowledge of conservation and life science. 
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines. 
• Demonstrated ability to lead highly effective teams. 
• Able to communicate effectively orally and in writing. 
• Able to operate moderately complex computer software programs. 
• Demonstrated ability to handle highly complex situations with a high level of tact and diplomacy. 
• Fluency in English required; proficiency in additional languages is highly valued. 
• Ideal candidate shows biodiversity conservation literacy and is familiar with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, Center for Biological Diversity, and Conservation Standards. 

SOME OF THE PERKS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER

• Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Family Passes
• Complimentary Tickets
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
  
  

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Location: Escondido, CA
• Position Type: Salary, Full-Time, Exempt Position
• Yearly Rate: $114,800 to $126,920  

About The Salary Ranges
Please note that the salary range mentioned in this job posting should serve simply as a guide. The final compensation offered may vary based on a variety of factors, including bonuses and/or incentives, or a candidate’s experience and skills. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is committed to providing a fair, equitable, and competitive package that reflects the value an individual brings to the organization.

Fraudulent Recruiting
Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.

If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org.  If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately. 

Please remember to notify your current Manager that you are applying. Thank you for your commitment to conservation around the globe!

 At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we thrive on celebrating our differences. Diversity is vital for the benefit of our team members, our guests, our community, and our wildlife. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status. 

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying. 

As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. 

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.