What We Can Achieve Together:

The Program Manager leads medium scale, highly complex business–critical conservation-centric AI initiatives, experiments, and collaborations in the Conservation Technology Strategy & Enablement function.

The AI Studio Program Manager manages and leads medium-scale, highly complex business-critical AI initiatives within the Conservation Technology Strategy & Enablement (CTSE) team. They apply extensive and diversified knowledge of AI/ML principles and advanced techniques to create unprecedented conservation solutions. They establish project goals, develop AI Enablement Plans, and manage Product Backlogs for the "AI Initiative," ensuring technical development connects scientists with practical data applications. Throughout the lifecycle, they monitor progress against AI enablement metrics, conduct design sprints, and lead cross-functional teams in using Scrum methodologies. They ensure coordination between TNC departments and tech-centric partners, such as Techstars startups. As a subject matter expert, they direct the resolution of complex business problems from a technical perspective and contribute to the development of organizational AI strategies and governance frameworks. They provide mentorship to individual contributors and support thought leadership in AI innovation.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Conservation Principles: Ensure all AI initiatives align with sustainability and ethical conservation standards.

• Multi-Initiative Management: Manage a portfolio of high-level AI initiatives and technical developments simultaneously.

• Program Leadership: Lead the AI Studio roadmap as a sole contributor and subject matter expert and manage budget effectively.

• Backlog Management: Own the grooming of product backlogs and definition of technical requirements.

• Experimentation & Metrics: Evaluate AI experiments using performance metrics and stakeholder feedback.

• Technical Problem Solving: Resolve complex business problems from a technical perspective while identifying risks.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with internal groups and external experts to maintain AI governance.

• Process Standardization: Create business process flows and instructional materials to standardize AI use.

• Industry Best Practices: Adapt industry-leading AI trends to fit TNC’s global structure and culture.

• Maintain confidentiality of frequently sensitive and emotionally charged information.

• Ability to work under stress during peak workload periods.

• Willing to travel and work long hours and weekends.

We’re Looking for You:

We’re looking for a business-minded, project manager! You will be our go-to person for coordinating strategic decision-making for the company as we achieve our goals to enhance the IT experience at TNC. You will have experience building a strategy and success factors to multi-cultural stakeholders. To excel in this role, you’ll be an effective communicator, critical thinker and problem-solver who enjoys working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and is equipped for the unexpected!

The ideal candidate will have all or some of the qualifications. If you don’t have all of them, please apply anyway and tell us about your skills and experience:

• Advanced degree in Natural Resources or Sustainability Studies focused on global environmental solutions.

• Extensive program management experience in digital technology and data management portfolios within complex global organizations.

• Certifications in Agile / Scrum Product leadership with expertise in technical backlog management.

• Experience transitioning innovation pilots from research phases into operational applications.

• Strong commitment to sustainability-aligned AI principles and mission-driven organizational culture.

• Ability to manage multiple strategic initiatives simultaneously under peak workload periods.

• Critical thinker with demonstrated problem-solving skills. Results driven.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field, or equivalent work experience.

• 5 years of experience in an IT environment, including 4 years of IT project management experience.

• Experience using project management techniques and tools including office tools such as the Microsoft Office suite and Microsoft Project.

• Experience managing a project team and the planning and managing aspects of medium-term projects.

This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $117,300.00 – $176,000.00. 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.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s 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 world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s 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 valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:

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.

We’re 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.

Employees must submit their application by logging into Workday and applying via the Jobs Hub.

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