Alaska Deputy Director

OFFICE LOCATION

Anywhere within Alaska, USA. Juneau or Anchorage preferred.

WHO WE ARE

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

The Deputy Director is a conservation leader who applies strategic thinking to the chapter’s opportunities to increase its relevancy and impact on Alaska’s conservation challenges. The Deputy Director directs and manages the chapter’s conservation work and team, including strategy development, project implementation, and staff supervision in service of strategic goals. Further, the Deputy Director is responsible for integrating efforts across chapter functions (e.g., fundraising, communication and marketing, government relations, operations, and finance) to ensure the chapter is strategically and effectively advancing its conservation priorities.  

Well-informed on Alaska issues within and beyond the conservation realm; the Deputy Director assists the State Director with overall program management and success for the Alaska Chapter and will work to identify and maximize intersections between conservation opportunity and need with public policy, fundraising, public relations, and finance. As an experienced leader, the Deputy Director will bring an established professional network to bear on behalf of the Alaska chapter’s goals. The Alaska chapter works in close partnership with Indigenous communities and groups; therefore, the Deputy Director should demonstrate a commitment to thoughtful, respectful partnership and relationships.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

The Deputy Director works closely with the Alaska State Director, Director of Finance and Operations, Director of Government Affairs, Director of Marketing and Communications, and Director of Philanthropy (collectively, the Leadership Team) to manage chapter affairs and respond to opportunities and challenges. As supervisor to a professional conservation staff team, the Deputy Director will be a people centered leader who will cultivate a strong team culture and ensure clear understanding of how the conservation team works in partnership with all functional teams to achieve chapter goals. They provide strategic leadership to staff in these functions and assists them with efforts to ensure accomplishment of targeted annual and multi-year results related to all strategic priorities of the Alaska Chapter, while creating a positive, collaborative, and results-driven culture. The Deputy Director serves as a proxy for the State Director in professional settings and works with the State Director and the Leadership Team to manage chapter staff across multiple functions and around the state. 

The Deputy Director works closely with the State Director to manage and oversee the execution of various special projects and initiatives and the implementation of decisions made by the State Director and others, identifying and escalating issues to the State Director that may require attention. They work to cultivate cooperative working partnerships with the State Director and Leadership Team, chapter staff, trustees, volunteers, citizens, corporations, educational institutions, government, Tribes, tribal organizations, and other conservation partners.  

Working closely with TNC colleagues across the Western United States and Canada Division of The Nature Conservancy and beyond, as well as external partners, the Deputy Director collaborates to realize ambitious outcomes in service to the TNC’s global 2030 Goals. They incorporate TNC’s core values into all aspects of the chapter’s work.  

Duties may include some or all of the following:

• Responsible for development and implementation of short-and long-range goals and objectives for both the conservation team and the chapter. Creates procedures to enhance performance in accordance with objectives. 
• As a member of the Alaska Leadership Team, develops and implements systems and processes to ensure high performance and alignment across chapter functions. 
• Establishes and maintains optimal performance standards within budget, evaluating program and project efficacy, and develops strategies to improve future results. 
• Acts as spokesperson, effectively and persuasively presenting, building relationships, and articulating details of projects and outcomes to all identified key audiences including donors and donor prospects, trustees, and partners. 
• Raises capital and operating funds from public and private sources. 
• Supervises staff with responsibility for performance management, training and development. 
• Provides leadership and management to staff working to accomplish Alaska Chapter objectives. 
• Assists chapter staff in analyzing issues through a conservation lens, providing scientific grounding for policy positions or to inform talking points/statements for donors, media, or other interested groups on relevant issues. 
• Negotiates complex, high profile or sensitive agreements. 
• Responds to time-sensitive matters as well as managing complex, longer-term initiatives. 
• Highly diversified work involves participation in the formulation and evaluation of broad policies and/or long-term programs, or making decisions, which may have broad organizational impact. 
• Practices analytical, strategic, and systematic thinking. 

Frequent travel (approximately 10%) in state and domestically and/or internationally, occasional evening and weekend hours  

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 with a strong background in supporting a diverse, multi-disciplinary team focused on Indigenous and community-led conservation; strong coordination skills; the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously; and excellent communication skills to fit in to our geographically dispersed team.

Come join TNC and apply today!

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 7 years relevant experience, including working at a senior level.
• Experience managing a multi-disciplinary team of professionals.
• Experience negotiating complex, high profile or sensitive agreements.  
• Experience in developing program-wide strategies and policies.
• Experience working with diverse groups of staff and partners.
• Written and verbal fluency in English. 
• Experience communicating and presenting.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 7-10 years relevant experience 
• Management experience including ability to motivate, lead, set objectives, and manage performance of a large multi-disciplinary team. Delegates responsibility and authority to staff and clearly defines expectations. Keeps staff informed and expresses appreciation. 
• Ability to foster an environment of creativity and professional growth. 
• Knowledge of current and evolving trends in conservation, government relations, fund raising and non-profit management. 
• Experience directing a major program or project of strategic importance, including managing finances, coordinating the work of multi-disciplinary teams and meeting deadlines. 
• Familiarity with social, cultural, economic and political conditions and issues in Alaska, including tribal nations and indigenous communities, practices, and values that guide and are integrated with natural resource management. 
• Superb communication and presentation skills. 

WHAT WE BRING

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into 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 and partners, we impact conservation around the world! 

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

SALARY INFORMATION

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $117,000 to $125,000. for annual base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate’s location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.