Columbia Basin Program Director

OFFICE LOCATION

United States

Flexible within the Columbia River Basin, (OR, WA, ID, MT), USA 

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

Tribal communities have cared for and managed healthy and abundant fisheries and salmon runs for thousands of years prior to colonial contact and now face significant political barriers to restore and protect this important cultural resource. Rooted in this understanding, our goal is to ethically and effectively support and partner with Indigenous nations, communities, and organizations throughout the Columbia Basin and the surrounding region in alignment with TNC’s North America Indigenous Right Relations team to co-create a shared future of healthy lands, waters, and communities. The Columbia Basin Program is a new priority and program for TNC. The Columbia Basin Program Director (Director) is a leadership position focused on developing the program while guiding TNC to become a trusted and value-added partner with the many rights holders and interested parties working on the indigenous-led efforts to recover salmon populations, improve river health, improve human well-being, and contribute to the successful clean energy transition across the Columbia Basin.

The Director will be the lead strategist for TNC working directly with, and supporting leadership of, the Columbia Basin Tribes and First Nations to achieve the outcomes described in the Tribal-led Resilient Columbia Restoration Initiative and similar Indigenous-led conservation and recovery efforts. The Director will cultivate and maintain strong relationships with Indigenous Nations, Tribal Governments, Native-specific organizations, community leaders, and partners to develop and advance initiatives and projects that reflect indigenous priorities in the Columbia Basin. They will utilize TNC’s collaborative, relationship-based approach, deep capacity, and willingness to listen and learn from all interested parties to play a convening and solution-finding role in supporting the Tribes, states and federal government in delivering solutions.

The Columbia Basin Program Director may supervise one or more staff. They may negotiate or develop complex and innovative agreements and partnerships. This position will report to the Oregon State Director with direction and support from a multi-state Steering Committee. The Director will work collaboratively with government relations, conservation, and other staff within TNC’s Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and Montana chapters, Western US & Canada Division, North America Policy and Government Relations team, and Indigenous Right Relations team in order to lead the Columbia Basin Program for TNC.

Location and Schedule:

• The primary work location for this position is flexible within the Columbia River Basin (home office or existing TNC office location).
• The position requires travel throughout the Basin and occasionally to other U.S. locations and working long or flexible hours as needed.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU

Are you passionate about elevating the voices, choices, and actions of Tribal Nations, Indigenous communities and organizations in conservation and salmon recovery? We’re looking for a skilled relationship-builder and excellent communicator who is grounded in cultural knowledge and capability gained through lived experience and motivated by working collaboratively with others to find mutually beneficial solutions to challenges facing the Columbia Basin. You will work with innovative and passionate colleagues, Tribal nations and Indigenous communities, and a wide range of partners to advance conservation and public policy solutions supporting Columbia Basin salmon recovery and healthy communities. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by directing and shaping the work of our team!

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, Indigenous studies, environmental policy or other relevant field and 6 years of senior management level experience or tribal cultural experience OR equivalent combination education/experience.
• Experience working with Tribal Nations, First Nations, or Indigenous Peoples building coalitions that advance mutually shared priorities between them and non-Indigenous entities.
• Experience with current political and cultural issues surrounding salmon, energy, and the Columbia River system.
• Experience working collaboratively with external partners, internal teams, and individuals.
• Experience developing and directing multiple complex projects and strategic program goals.
• Experience with financial management of a large program.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with cultural knowledge and Indigenous communities, preferably from the Pacific Northwest.
• Experience in use of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and understanding of Tribal sovereignty and appropriate protocols for engagement.
• Understanding of the histories, cultures, rights, and policies related to the Columbia Basin Tribes and First Nations.
• Experience in policy development and implementation and demonstrated understanding of government-to-government consultation involving Indigenous governments.
• Experience hosting events or meetings following appropriate Indigenous protocols.
• Experience navigating political environments to identify and advance policy solutions across governmental agencies with competing priorities and needs.
• Experience working with others who disagree or hold strongly opposing positions and creating a path forward to achieve desired outcomes.
• Multi-cultural experience, including working in partnership with diverse communities.
• Excellent communication skills including presentation, conversation and written.
• Experience with public and private fundraising, including identification/cultivation of opportunities.

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.

This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including; health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, accrued paid time off (including annual, personal, and sick leave), life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellness benefits. Benefits may be subject to generally applicable eligibility, waiting period, contribution, and other requirements and conditions. Learn more about our benefits at nature.org/careers. We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellness, 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 $103,750 – $141,500 for annual base salary. 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. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

APPLY NOW

To apply for job ID 55616, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/  by 11:59 PM EST on 10/7/2024. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact [email protected]. 

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.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.