California, USA

Negotiable within California.

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Grounded in science, we develop innovative solutions to the world's toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity; respect for people, communities, and cultures; and a collaborative, nonpartisan approach. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world.

The California Chapter is TNC's largest state program and one of the largest, most dynamic conservation organizations in the country. With approximately 275 employees, from financial analysts and fundraisers to ecologists and economists, we are currently invested in 14 strategies to address the biggest challenges facing California and the world, including numerous community-based projects designed to increase the pace, scale, and effectiveness of conservation. Over the past six decades, we have protected 1.4 million acres, 5,000 miles of streams, and 3.8 million acres of ocean habitat in California and off the coast.

The California Chapter believes that we are most effective when we are embedded in our state's communities, politics, media, and environmental issues. For this reason, and to reduce our carbon footprint when meeting in person, all staff live in California, including those in a home office.

Finally, we are passionate about holding the middle ground in American politics and civic life and doing our part to make conservation a shared national value. The hallmark of The Nature Conservancy is its "big tent" approach, engaging people across the political and ideological spectrum to find solutions that last. We are not activists. We do not litigate. We do not take public stands on matters unrelated to our purpose. We welcome everyone. Everyone in our organization should therefore be adept at working with people who may not share their personal values or opinions. We ask all employees to embrace the critical strategic position of our brand and organization as centrist and non-partisan. It is the foundation of our success.

The Oceans Program in the California Chapter of The Nature Conservancy (TNC California) spearheads innovative and collaborative initiatives to enhance resiliency in marine and coastal ecosystems. If you're looking for a career where you can work with an ambitious and motivated team to develop solutions to the world's most pressing ocean conservation challenges, look no further. The Program catalyses change by working with resource users, public agencies, corporations, and others to develop cutting-edge science and tools to drive better decisions and stewardship. Current strategies focus on sustainable fisheries, accelerating the restoration of ocean and island ecosystems, and reducing plastic pollution.

The Plastics Program Director (Program Director III) leads all aspects of the strategy. They manage a cross-functional team of policy, program, science, and communications practitioners that are driving rapid, high impact change to strategically tackle plastic pollution. The Program Director provides technical expertise and strategic oversight, engages science, communications, and policy staff, and builds relationships with external partners. The Program Director also serves as the principal contact to partner organizations, foundations, and the academic community. They play a leading role in donor identification, cultivation, and stewardship for the program.

Join us as we develop and advance science-driven, ambitious, and tangible solutions to dramatically reduce plastic pollution. In this role you will be empowered and resourced to make meaningful contributions to address one of the most pervasive environmental threats of our generation. You will focus on fulfilling conservation objectives in the beautiful state of California, while sharing out lessons learned to advance international conservation goals with a diverse array of state, private sector, and non-profit partners!

The Program Director:
* Leads a dynamic and matrixed team to advance high impact conservation initiatives in growing sectors of plastic pollution, including single-use packaging, textiles, and agriculture.
* Develops long-term strategies to achieve strategic goals and objectives.
* Leads development of communication and knowledge products to share lessons learned, strategies, tools, and case studies.
* Aligns plastic pollution initiatives with TNC's global priorities to opportunistically scale impact.
* Manages high quality and effective multidisciplinary staff with responsibility for performance management, training, and career development.
* Cultivates and manages relationships with key donors and raise funds for program work.
* Works with communications and media colleagues to share information about plastic pollution with media outlets, journalists, and social media platforms (e.g., podcasts, webinars, etc.).

If you're looking for a career where you can find purpose, come join TNC as the Plastics Program Director. We're looking for a passionate, strategic, and equity-focused person to lead this team and advance this important work across California and around the world. Strong interpersonal and project management skills, creativity, and effective oral and written communication are key in this role. Come join TNC and apply today!

* BA/BS degree and 10 years' experience in, environmental science, environmental policy, conservation practice, corporate sustainability, or related fields, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
* Experience managing programs and launching new initiatives, particularly in environmental conservation and resource management
* Fundraising experience, including identifying donor prospects and donor cultivation.
* Experience directing a major program or project of strategic importance, including management/supervision of multi-disciplinary teams and meeting deadlines.
* Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
* Experience effectively developing partnerships, including experience with policy makers, non-profit partners, community groups, academic partners, municipalities and/or government agencies.
* Experience with financial management of a large program.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

* Political savvy and understanding of California's unique landscape of political actors and agencies as well as relevant partner organizations.
* Experience in corporate sustainability, environmental advocacy, or environmental policy.
* Experience conducting or leading policy analysis and development (legislative and/or regulatory), particularly in California.
* Experience with communications, storytelling, and media.
* Experience developing practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation and ecological health outcomes.

Each person who works at TNC contributes to our goal of protecting nature for future generations. Another one of TNC's primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe feel that their unique contributions are valued. To quote a popular saying at TNC, "You'll join for the mission, and you'll stay for the people." To learn more, head to YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

We're proud to support the health and wellbeing of the people we employ. We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare coverage, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, and other benefits that support work-life balance.

If you're interested in working with us, please apply-we'd love to hear from you.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $102,300 - $165,800 for annual base salary.

San Francisco Bay area: $122,800 - $165,800

Merced, Redding, Roseville, Sacramento, Santa Cruz, Truckee: $112,600 - $152,000

Chico, Fort Bragg: $102,300 - $138,200

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.

To apply for job ID 56114, submit your materials (resume and cover letter) online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 8:59 PM PST on February 2nd, 2025. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

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 applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

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 with diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. 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 orientations, gender identities, military or veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.