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 Vermont Chapter of the Nature Conservancy (TNC) seeks an experienced conservation professional for the position of Director of Resilient and Connected Lands to implement the chapter’s conservation strategy by leading all land conservation programming in close collaboration with TNC’s freshwater, climate, and land management efforts. Managing a team of conservation experts, the Director of Resilient and Connected Lands will lead TNC’s direct land conservation efforts in Vermont, as well as manage and advance the newly established VT Biodiversity Protection Fund which provides funding and support to strengthen the conservation ecosystem in Vermont. The Director of Resilient and Connected Lands will also oversee the chapter’s resilient forest management efforts alongside the Director of Stewardship and collaborate closely on cross-functional freshwater and climate efforts. They will collaborate with other TNC chapters to scale land conservation and resilient forest management solutions for northern Appalachian Forest ecosystems. This position will represent TNC on multi-disciplinary/multi-partner project teams and collaborate and build partnerships with federal and state agencies, towns, regional and local land trusts, as well as private landowners.  The position will help develop innovative scientific and financing methods, analyses, tools, and frameworks to address natural system needs, engage local community support for local conservation efforts, and negotiate complex and innovative solutions and projects with partners.  The position is located at the Montpelier Vermont office with the option to work a hybrid work schedule as negotiated with their supervisor. The position will require frequent and regular travel throughout the state and occasional travel within New England and North America.

We’re Looking for You:

Responsibilities and Scope

• Implements the land conservation components of the VT Chapter’s 2030 conservation strategy, developing, overseeing, and continuously improving conservation programs in support of this strategy
• Leads the VT Biodiversity Protection Fund, managing all grant-making processes as well as refining, developing, and advancing the nascent program
• Oversees VT’s resilient forest management efforts
• Supervises a three person staff to implement land conservation and resilient forest management programs
• Collaborates closely with other programs, including freshwater and climate efforts, to coordinate and implement efforts to promote cross-functional impact
• Serves on the chapter’s Conservation Strategy Team and Supervisory Team
• Provides technical science-based leadership on land conservation and climate-informed forest management to the VT chapter and the Appalachians Program of TNC
• Represents TNC in strategic partnerships, committees, public forums, and one-on-one landowner engagements
• Communicates complex conservation and climate issues to diverse (technical and non-technical) audiences, including professional presentations and media interviews.
• Supports fundraising for conservation work, including writing grant proposals for public and private funding
• Follows latest research and developments on conservation, resilient forest management, and natural climate solutions, promoting opportunities to implement these practices throughout VT and the region
• Identifies and promotes opportunities to scale TNC’s work throughout the state and region
• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements, including annual monitoring and reporting
• May require frequent travel throughout VT and occasional travel throughout the region and rest of US
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances

 What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and 7-10 years’ experience in conservation, ecology, environmental science, natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience developing, implementing, and monitoring conservation programming, including direct conservation through fee acquisitions and easements, as well as natural climate solutions and resilient forest management efforts
• Supervisory experience managing diverse teams, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance
• Experience with private and public funding, including communicating with funding partners, writing grant proposals, tracking and completing deliverables, and writing programmatic grant reports
• Experience building strong relationships across an organization and with partners such as nonprofit organizations, businesses, public agencies, donors, and/or volunteers
• Knowledge of, and experience working with, current trends and practices in conservation, natural climate solutions, and resilient forest management
• Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including managing finances and coordinating the work of other professionals and partners
• Demonstrated experience influencing, developing, and implementing conservation policy and plans including monitoring, evaluation, and learning
• Excellent written, spoken, and graphical communication in English including to the public.
• Experience using common software applications such as Microsoft Office: Outlook, Word, Excel; GPS, and/or similar applications
• Flexibility and innovative skillset for shaping a role in an evolving field
• Willingness to travel, including occasionally on evenings and weekends

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s or PHD
• Ability to develop practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes
• Self-starter with an eagerness to lead and develop a program, innovating new approaches
• Familiarity with best available social science and practices for community engagement and communication
• Experience with real estate and land acquisition and ability to structure and negotiate a deal
• Political acumen
• Knowledge of the natural history and ecosystems of the Northern Appalachians
• Understanding of diverse funding mechanisms including recent innovations with carbon markets and methodologies.
• Ability to develop practical applications of scientific concepts and technical and financial innovations for conservation purposes.

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!