Northern Great Plains Director

OFFICE LOCATION

Montana, USA

Malta or Glasgow, MT preferred; Lewistown, MT will be considered.

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

The Northern Great Plains (NGP) Director leads a high-functioning team delivering an integrated set of conservation solutions to the NGP program area. They employ a variety of strategies in a community-centered private land protection program, engage in public-private partnerships to deliver stewardship outcomes that benefit people and nature, and supervise a long-term grassbank operation on the Matador Ranch Preserve. They serve as the principle contact to government agencies, other conservation organizations, foundations, and the academic community. They establish the Conservancy as a major conservation partner and define conservation priorities in the area of responsibility. They lead and manage a team which supports and improves conservation efforts, and build strategic, scientific, and technical capacity in the field. They develop key partnerships with public & private organizations to identify and resolve technical issues and to widely communicate solutions and best practices, develop innovative scientific methods, analyses, tools, and frameworks to address the natural system needs, and engage local community support for local conservation efforts. They develop, negotiate, and implement complex and innovative conservation solutions with government agencies and landowners to conserve and protect natural communities.

Responsibilities & Scope: 

Geographic size and scope is primarily the Montana Chapter’s NGP program area, and includes cooperation with teams across Montana and neighboring states that requires cross-boundary work and relationships.                                                                                                                                 

• Supervises staff at remote locations.
• Establishes and maintains optimal performance standards within budget.
• Writes proposals for grant/contract funding for program.
• Frequently makes independent strategic decisions based on analysis, ambiguous information, and context. 
• Negotiates complex agreements in a political environment.                                                                                      
• May be responsible for leading or co-leading a whole system program.
• Frequent travel domestically and/or in remote settings, evenings, and weekend hours              
• 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? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. Through the efforts of The Nature Conservancy, more than a million acres in Montana have been preserved for people and nature. From the mountains to the grasslands, the Montana Chapter is dedicated to conserving the natural resources that make Montana unique. We’re looking for someone who is a passionate, motivated problem-solver. Come join us! 

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• BA/BS degree and 7 years’ experience in conservation practice or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with current trends and practices in grassland ecology and conservation. 
• Experience working with rural communities and diverse partners. 
• Fundraising experience, including identifying donor prospects and donor cultivation
• Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including managing finances and coordinating the work of other professionals and partners.   
• Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
• Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies.
• Experience negotiating.

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 $86,500 – $89,000 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.

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.