Conservation Programs Manager

Since its inception, the Walt Disney Company has worked to connect people with animals and the natural world and inspire them to take action to ensure wildlife thrives and that nature is treasured and protected. Walt Disney once said, “Facts can be as fascinating as fiction, truth as beguiling as myth, and [we] have opened the eyes of young and old to the beauties of the outdoor world and aroused their desire to conserve priceless natural assets.”

Today, that legacy is carried on by Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment and Disney Conservation. Together, these teams leverage science, collaboration and engagement to inspire action and care for animals and nature locally on Disney properties, in the communities that surround them, and globally through partnerships with hundreds of nonprofit organizations. Join us as part of a dynamic team and science-based culture where our mission is to Lead The Walt Disney Company to Care for animals and the environment, Connect people to nature and Conserve our natural resources.

In this role, you will develop and lead conservation programs in the developed portions of the Walt Disney World Resort. This will entail leading formal and informal teams in conducting applied science and conservation projects on-show and backstage (e.g., Disney Parks, Resorts, golf courses, solar arrays) and sharing conservation stories with Disney audiences. Through these efforts as the Conservation Programs Manager, you will inspire and empower cast, local communities, and collaborators to achieve conservation change and impact at the Walt Disney World Resort and in the surrounding region.

In this on-site role, you will report to the Conservation Manager.

What You Will Do

• Support the development of strategic conservation plans to guide nature-positive management of the Walt Disney World Resort.
• Develop and oversee implementation of scientific studies and conservation projects that advance our understanding of how to manage the Walt Disney World Resort to benefit biodiversity.
• Partner with teams within Disney Conservation and the Walt Disney World Resort to empower Cast to take conservation action at work and in their communities.
• Collaborate with organizations to extend learnings and conservation action beyond the Walt Disney World Resort to achieve large-scale conservation change.
• Support communication efforts, help create original content and interactive, interpretive experiences, and engage regularly with Guests and other audiences to share our stories.
• Develop direct reports and co-workers and support the broader team through times of change management.
• Provide leadership and support across science and conservation projects to support operational and strategic goals.
• Support and promote a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Subject matter expertise in conservation in developed and/or developing landscapes.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience working in conservation programs.
• Demonstrated experience with outreach/Guest interaction/public speaking.
• Experience developing and implementing complex projects involving multiple partners, including goal setting, supervising progress, and adaptive management.
• Proven computer, written and oral communication skills for formal and informal audiences of all ages, including proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite of programs.
• Ability to engage optimally with different audiences, from families with kids to executive leadership, both in terms of adjusting style and messaging as needed and discussing sensitive topics.
• Proven strong organization and time management skills to prioritize multiple tasks, meet deadlines, make decisions and change course of action quickly if necessary.
• Record of scientific publication in peer-reviewed journals, with at least one first-author publication
• Mentored direct reports or colleagues to facilitate their professional development.
• Full availability with work schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts. Willing to travel and work in remote areas alone or with others.
• Demonstrated ability to work proactively and independently, as well as within a dynamic team environment.
• Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather and in view of the public. Ability to endure heat, humidity, biting insects, and other challenges associated with work in the field on associated conservation projects.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in other languages, priority Spanish.
• Experience working within a corporate environment in general, including familiarity with its associated constraints and opportunities, and a decentralized/matrix organizational structure in particular.
• Familiarity with the Walt Disney Company, its businesses, and its products, and an ability to be a brand ambassador that successfully navigates areas of potential brand risk.

Education

• M.S. or Ph.D. in biology, animal or conservation science, psychology or social science, or related field with a preference for interdisciplinary experience.

Additional Information

Benefits and Perks: Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life! This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities and special extras that only Disney can provide! Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits

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The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, email [email protected] with your request. This email address is not for general employment inquiries or correspondence. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

The Walt Disney Company is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.