Director of Lands

Since 1955 The Nature Conservancy has demonstrated that we can play a unique and critical role in shaping and implementing large-scale solutions to conserve the lands and water of New Jersey. The Director of Lands is directly responsible for strategic leadership management and accountability of the Chapters land conservation and stewardship scaling up our efforts in New Jersey to contribute to resilient and connected land conservation across the Appalachians. They will be responsible for defining and directing implementation of NJs Lands strategic plan and developing key partnerships with public and private organizations to achieve our land conservation goals.

They are responsible for realizing an inspiring vision of large-scale success for the Conservancys lands programs in New Jersey while collaborating with colleagues to advance a vision for the northeastern Appalachians. They will direct a program spanning strategic planning partnerships policy on the ground implementation and community relations to maximize our contributions to the organizations 2030 Goals. They will provide direction and support to implement a comprehensive program to strategically advance land conservation and connectivity work land stewardship and preserve management in New Jersey while creating a positive collaborative learning- and results-driven culture.

Critical to the success of this position the Director of Lands will establish the Conservancy as a major conservation partner in and beyond New Jersey partnering with local communities tribes government agencies other NGOs donors and supporters. They will work closely with the Development team to raise capital and operating funds from public and private sources. The Director of Lands works closely with the Deputy State Director to direct a strategic land conservation program and land stewardship and preserve accessibility work to ensure strong equitable and lasting contributions to the Conservancys 2030 goals.

RESPONSIBILITES & SCOPE:

• Lead NJs contributions to the Appalachians land protection and connectivity work Northeast Division Stewardship North Americas Leveraging Our Lands team and other relevant regional lands initiatives.

• Scale TNC-NJs land conservation and nature preserve stewardship and accessibility efforts in NJ to achieve ambitious goals to benefit people and nature.

• Lead and expand TNCs emerging work with Indigenous Peoples of NJ and the development of an equitable land conservation and management strategy.

• Working with Government Relations staff direct and lead TNCs lands policy efforts.

• Develop implement and evaluate strategy; set deadlines and manage a portfolio of projects; communicate results to a variety of audiences including donors and supporters.

• Develop and direct multi-disciplinary staff with responsibility for performance management learning and career development; lead team of professionals implementing land conservation and stewardship efforts.

• Financial responsibility includes developing and managing program budgets negotiating and contracting and meeting fundraising targets.

• Ability and willingness to travel frequently and on short notice sometimes on weekends.

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature Guided by science TNC creates innovative on-the-ground solutions to our worlds toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together.

Were looking for someone who is passionate motivated problem-solver. Our team in New Jersey is dedicated to conservation. Join us!

• BA/BS degree and 7years experience in conservation practice or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• 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.

• 7-10 years experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Previous work experience in land conservation and/or stewardship.

• Demonstrated experience managing teams within a matrixed organization.

• Demonstrated experience influencing developing and implementing conservation policy and plans.

• Fundraising experience.

• Knowledge of current trends and practices in land conservation and land management.

This position requires a valid drivers license and compliance with TNCs 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 the Auto Safety information page. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement which may include a review of the prospective employees motor vehicle record.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $114000 - $127000 annually. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidates actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors including for example the candidates 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 Conservancys 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 worlds toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. Were rooted in our mission and guided by our values which include respect for all people communities and cultures. Whether its career development flexible schedules or a rewarding mission theres many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One 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 addition to the requirements in our job postings we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicants unique experience. Please apply wed love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC youll join for the mission and stay for the people.

Since 1951 TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action we have grown from a small non-profit into 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 and partners we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits flexible spending accounts a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match parental leave accrued paid time off life insurance disability coverage employee assistance program other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

Were proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization 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 Conservancys 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 with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.