Associate Director of Forest Programs: Natural Climate Solutions

Office Location:

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Flexible arrangements are possible for candidates who live within Minnesota.

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:

As the Associate Director of Forest Carbon Stewardship Programs: Natural Climate Solutions, you will direct major components of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota’s Forest Strategy and Stewardship Program. Emphasis will be on building partnerships and fundraising for reforestation on private and tribal lands in Minnesota, overseeing our Family Forest Carbon strategy, and overseeing efforts to increase seedling supply.  You will assist the Forest Strategy and Stewardship Director with aspects of science, government and community relations for the Chapter and works across Business Units on some projects. The position also complements and coordinates with the Associate Director of Forest Programs: Resilience Forestry, and serves as a principle contact to government agencies, and other conservation organizations.  

You will establish the Conservancy as a major conservation partner for forest resources, define conservation priorities related to forest ecosystems, lead and manage a team which supports and improves conservation efforts, and build strategic, scientific, and technical capacity in the field.  You will develop key partnerships with public & private organizations to identify and resolve technical issues and to widely communicate solutions and best practices. You will develop innovative scientific methods, analyses, tools , and frameworks to address the natural system needs, while engaging community support for local conservation efforts.  You will be able to negotiate complex and innovative solutions with government agencies and landowners to conserve and protect natural communities and develop and implement conservation strategies.

Based in Minneapolis, our office overlooks the Mississippi River, is across from Gold Medal Park, and within short distance to bike and pedestrian paths/trails and other conveniences. We provide complimentary, heated underground parking. Other locations in central or southeast Minnesota may be negotiable.  We also offer a hybrid work environment with opportunity to collaborate in person in office and remotely. Frequent travel and occasional evening and weekend hours will be expected. This position may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.   

We’re Looking for You:

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Are you a passionate, motivated problem solver inspired and guided by science? Then join us! Our Growing, dynamic forest team doesn’t just plant trees, we grow forests. The iconic forested ecosystems of MN connect us to all living things and to each other. Your role will protect and support these incredible places. We work with communities and stakeholders to mitigate the impacts of climate change, increase the resilience of natural infrastructure and sustain biodiversity. 

From the Mississippi Headwaters, prairie streams of Western South Dakota, North Shore of Lake Superior to the Rivers of the Driftless Area, the Tri-State (MN, ND, SD) team is dedicated to conserving the natural resources and protecting and restoring the forest ecosystems that make our region unique. This is an exceptional career opportunity for a highly motivated, capable individual interested in joining the world’s leading conservation organization.

What You’ll Bring:

• BA/BS degree and 5 years’ experience in natural resources conservation or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including staffing, workloads and finances under deadlines.
• Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
• Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups, tribal organizations, and/or government agencies.
• Problem solving skills.
• Demonstrated experience influencing, developing, and implementing conservation or natural resource policy and plans.

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.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $64,000-$90,000 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.