Linear Infrastructure Ecology Program Director

Position Type: Full time, exempt 

Position Level: Director 

Location: Remote; Bozeman or Missoula, MT preferred; must be able to accommodate a work schedule with at least 60% overlap with Mountain Time 

Compensation: $80,000-$100,000+ annually, DOE  

Benefits: 100% employer-paid medical, dental & vision insurance, up to a 5% match on 401k contributions, generous PTO, and flexible scheduling 

Application Deadline: February 20, 2024 

Preferred Start Date: April 1, 2024 

About the Center for Large Landscape Conservation (CLLC / the Center) 

CLLC is a nonprofit organization located in Bozeman, Montana. We bring science, policy, and proven solutions directly to communities working to protect and restore the health and climate integrity of the planet through large-scale conservation measures. CLLC is a leader in the fast-growing global movement to reverse fragmentation, restore nature’s resilience to climate change, and support community-led action. CLLC offers a supportive, flexible, and dynamic work environment. The organization works to actively cultivate an inclusive workplace and values the leadership, skills, and perspectives of people from diverse backgrounds. People of color, LGBTQ+ persons, and people from other historically marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply.  

Position Summary 

CLLC seeks a passionate connectivity conservationist and experienced linear infrastructure and road ecology specialist to develop, support and lead CLLC’s national and global efforts to ensure safeguards for nature in linear infrastructure projects around the world. This person will leverage CLLC’s expertise and reputation in the landscape connectivity field, Linear Infrastructure (LI) project successes, and our global leadership in practitioner networks to advance our Linear Infrastructure Ecology body of work from a specialization to a robust, world-leading, cross-cutting program.  Some examples of CLLC’s work can be found here. 

The ideal candidate will have an in-depth understanding of, and demonstrated experience with, the science behind mitigation and avoidance best-practices for ecological connectivity in LI projects. They will have the ability to integrate this science into planning, policy, practice, and capacity-building advancements for both publicly and privately funded efforts in the US and around the world. This ambitious individual, managed by the Senior Conservation Program Director, will work closely with our road ecologists, connectivity scientists, and our domestic and international policy & planning teams to strategically guide our LI capacity-building approaches and to execute project opportunities domestically and globally. We are seeking someone to amplify the reach and impact of CLLC’s LI efforts, continue to ensure CLLC is a thought leader in this specialty and to take advantage of the tremendous opportunities that exist in this growing field. 

Responsibilities & Duties 

Leadership 

• Develop strategies to avoid and mitigate linear infrastructure that hinders ecological connectivity worldwide;

• Implement and manage strategic projects, programs, and partnerships at multiple scales;
• Support and manage diverse staff members and staff teams to effectively deliver linear infrastructure projects in the US and globally;
• Scan for, strategically assess, and pursue opportunities that develop and innovate mission- based LI projects and the funding and planning to support them;
• Work with CLLC Development staff to expand funding for this program;
• Provide leadership for the IUCN-WCPA Connectivity Conservation Specialist Group’s Transport Working Group, and leverage this and other networks to propagate LI best practices, at multiple scales, around the world.

Engagement 

• Design and deliver effective webinars, workshops, and other knowledge transfer activities in person and virtually to diverse audiences on cutting edge LI practices and connectivity science;
• Develop, leverage, and maintain strategic partnerships and networks with other NGOs, scientists, policy makers, government agencies and officials, and local and Indigenous communities/community members;
• Research and stay up –to date on relevant LI science, policy, and application world-wide.

LI Ecology Program Management 

• Leverage CLLC’s success with LI projects to build relationships, increase the body of work, raise funds, and advance the LI Ecology Program with short- and long-term planning;
• Provide support, coaching and mentorship to Road Ecologists and other LI project staff and consultants to ensure timely and high-quality deliverables;
• Develop a deep knowledge of projects being managed, including budgets, partners, personnel, and proposed objectives and hold ultimate responsibility for project deliverables;

• Develop detailed project timelines and milestones, adhering to established deadlines; regularly review project progress against set targets and adjust plans to ensure timely completion;
• Manage project expenses to meet budget requirements;
• Ensure key project outcomes are evaluated, leveraged and communicated for maximum impact.

Qualifications & Expectations  

Preferred Qualifications: 

• 8+ years working to provide safeguards for biodiversity for linear infrastructure, including on-the-ground implementation;
• Graduate degree in a relevant field; PhD preferred;
• 10+ years of experience in wildlife conservation in a leadership role;
• Strong understanding of the science of linear infrastructure ecology, including how and when to apply it;
• Expertise in crafting and applying policies that ensure safeguards for nature in new and existing linear infrastructure projects;
• Able to research, integrate and apply scientific literature and policy; write papers for publication;
• Proven experience creating and delivering engaging and educational presentations and webinars.

Essential Qualifications: 

• Ability to work effectively and respectfully across cultures around the globe;
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally multiple times a year; at least 15% travel
• Flexibility to work with people in diverse times zones across the globe.

General Expectations 

• Support CLLC’s internal policies and processes and help to advance organizational effectiveness and culture;
• Bring integrity, genuineness, and intellectual curiosity to your daily work;
• Commit to mentorship; invest time to support, coach and empower your team;
• Provide leadership in decision making and problem solving within your program area;
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to give, receive and process information in a professional manner;
• Maintain confidentiality and discretion with sensitive information;
• Make an effort to understand and strive for long-term sustainability of the organization;
• Positively represent CLLC in both public and private settings.