Fort Bragg, California, USA. North Coast region, California.

Founded in 1951, the Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable.  One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we strive for a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Working in 79countries, including all 50 United States, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.

The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.

The Kelp Project Director directs some or all aspects of protection, science, stewardship and community relations for the kelp conservation strategy in the North Coast of California within the California Chapter of The Nature Conservancy. The Project Director Serves as the principle contact to government agencies, other conservation organizations, foundations and the academic community.  They will report directly to the Kelp Strategy Lead within the California Oceans Program. The location for this position is confined to the Mendocino County region due to the place based nature of the role.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Kelp Conservation Project Director:

• Directs some or all aspects of on-the-ground engagements and local partnerships for bull kelp conservation and restoration efforts on the North Coast of California
• Advances TNC’s vision for kelp conservation and restoration in the California north coast, and more broadly.
• Serves as a conservation practitioner and works within a matrixed team to engage local coastal communities, fishermen, the academic and research communities, state and regional managers, other conservation organizations, and foundations in kelp conservation and restoration.
• Works directly with partners at both the project and policy levels to develop and advance innovative approaches to protecting and restoring kelp forests on the North Coast of California.
• Deploys approaches that may include collaborative pilot projects, transactional strategies, policy reform, capacity building, community engagement, and cooperative research, all aimed at significantly improving the conservation outcomes of the North Coast’s kelp forest ecosystem in the face of accelerating climate-driven changes.
• Works closely with TNC’s California Oceans Program Science Department to identify strategies that protect and restore kelp forests and to identify knowledge gaps associated with these efforts.
• Manages partnerships, develops contracts and grants, and tracks deliverables for projects.
• Communicates regularly and effectively with Kelp and Oceans Teams, as well as with key partners and stakeholders.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Develops and implements kelp conservation strategies and projects with key partners and contractors
• Serves as the on-the-ground coordinator, main point of contact, and representative for TNC’s kelp conservation and restoration work on the North Coast
• Establishes TNC as a major conservation partner within the area of responsibility
• Contributes strategic, scientific, and technical capacity in the field
• Develops strategic communications to widely disseminate our solutions-oriented and science-based approach
• Works with science partners (internal and external) to develop innovative scientific methods, analyses, tools and frameworks to address challenges
• Builds relationships, partnerships and encourages cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals
• Solicits, negotiates and manages contracts or other business transactions
• Establishes and maintains optimal performance standards within budget and time limits
• Supports public and private fundraising efforts to meet program needs
• Frequently makes independently strategic decision based on analysis, ambiguous information and judgment
• Engages diverse community partners to achieve conservation outcomes
• Communicates benefits of complex and innovative solutions with government agencies and stakeholders
• Frequent travel within California, including evening and weekend hours
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BS degree and 5 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including managing finances and coordinating the work of other professionals and partners
• Experience developing partnerships (with nonprofits, community groups, resource users, and/or government agencies)
• Experience negotiating and managing budgets and contracts
• Experience in solutions-focused thinking
• PADI/AAUS open water diver certification

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 5-7 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience managing complex or multiple marine conservation projects
• Demonstrated experience influencing, developing and implementing conservation policy and plans
• Strong organizational skills with demonstrated experience as effective, entrepreneurial project manager
• Independent and disciplined work ethic
• Experience collaborating with coastal communities, fishermen, industry representatives and other partners
• Understanding of conservation policy and marine resource management landscape in California, and have a familiarity of resource economics
• Ability to develop practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes
• Familiarity with California coastal and marine ecosystems, particularly in the North Coast region and/or kelp forests
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Politically savvy and demonstrated experienced in partnership development (with nonprofits, community groups, resource users, and/or government agencies

Apply here: https://careers.nature.org/psc/tnccareers/APPLICANT/APPL/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_SCHJOB_FL&Action=U

To apply to position number 49125, submit resume (required) and cover letter separately using the upload buttons. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on November 25, 2020.

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The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process.