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Water and Agriculture Director MN-ND-SD

Minneapolis, MN
Full-Time

Job Description

What We Can Achieve Together:

As our Water and Ag Director, you will establish The Nature Conservancy as a major conservation partner of the Freshwater and Ag programs in MN-ND-SD. You will define, direct, and implement conservation priorities related to freshwater, water resources, and agriculture. You will lead and manage a team of staff which supports and improves conservation efforts, builds strategic approaches, and provides key niches for scientific and technical capacity in the field.

You will provide leadership and support for TNC’s conservation planning work and manage overall conservation priorities via developing and prioritizing key initiatives, analyses, tools, and frameworks to address the natural system needs. You will provide analyses to best implement organizational measures of success and frequently make independently strategic decisions based on that analysis, ambiguous information, and context.

You will also develop key partnerships with public & private organizations in order to identify and resolve complex issues and to widely communicate solutions and best practices. You will serve as the Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Chapter’s principal contact to relevant government agencies, and commissions, other conservation organizations, non-profits associations, elected officials, foundations, donors, and other key internal and external conservation partners.

As our Water and Ag Director, you will play a key role in donor cultivation and stewardship for the program; develop funding proposals for private and public funding; and manage grants. You will engage with the local community support for conservation efforts and advance strategy at the local and state levels. In this position, you will negotiate innovative policy solutions and complex agreements with government agencies, partners, and rightsholders, to conserve and protect natural communities and develop and implement conservation strategies.

Strong preference for the position location to be in Twin Cities metro (Minneapolis office). Although flexible to work a hybrid schedule, an in-person presence is expected and critical to build relationships with key stakeholders. You will also be expected to travel, most frequently within the Twin Cities metro area, but also throughout MN-ND-SD, and occasionally nationally and/or internationally. Work may require evening and weekend hours, and in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on uneven terrain.

We’re Looking for You:

The Nature Conservancy is looking for an innovative leader and strategist that is ready to leave their legacy in conservation. Your ability to foster inclusive environments and create partnerships will be useful as you provide strategic leadership and support for The Nature Conservancy’s multi-state Chapter. As a member of the Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Chapter Senior Leadership Team, your previous leadership experience will motivate people as we partner together for on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together.

What You’ll Bring:

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

  • Fundraising experience, including public and private funding 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.

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

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 the Auto Safety information page 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 annual salary range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $107,200 - $113,900. 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.

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.

PDN-a04c07ac-3e56-4f5a-b76b-f80696e59158

What We Can Achieve Together:

As our Water and Ag Director, you will establish The Nature Conservancy as a major conservation partner of the Freshwater and Ag programs in MN-ND-SD. You will define, direct, and implement conservation priorities related to freshwater, water resources, and agriculture. You will lead and manage a team of staff which supports and improves conservation efforts, builds strategic approaches, and provides key niches for scientific and technical capacity in the field.

You will provide leadership and support for TNC’s conservation planning work and manage overall conservation priorities via developing and prioritizing key initiatives, analyses, tools, and frameworks to address the natural system needs. You will provide analyses to best implement organizational measures of success and frequently make independently strategic decisions based on that analysis, ambiguous information, and context.

You will also develop key partnerships with public & private organizations in order to identify and resolve complex issues and to widely communicate solutions and best practices. You will serve as the Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Chapter’s principal contact to relevant government agencies, and commissions, other conservation organizations, non-profits associations, elected officials, foundations, donors, and other key internal and external conservation partners.

As our Water and Ag Director, you will play a key role in donor cultivation and stewardship for the program; develop funding proposals for private and public funding; and manage grants. You will engage with the local community support for conservation efforts and advance strategy at the local and state levels. In this position, you will negotiate innovative policy solutions and complex agreements with government agencies, partners, and rightsholders, to conserve and protect natural communities and develop and implement conservation strategies.

Strong preference for the position location to be in Twin Cities metro (Minneapolis office). Although flexible to work a hybrid schedule, an in-person presence is expected and critical to build relationships with key stakeholders. You will also be expected to travel, most frequently within the Twin Cities metro area, but also throughout MN-ND-SD, and occasionally nationally and/or internationally. Work may require evening and weekend hours, and in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on uneven terrain.

We’re Looking for You:

The Nature Conservancy is looking for an innovative leader and strategist that is ready to leave their legacy in conservation. Your ability to foster inclusive environments and create partnerships will be useful as you provide strategic leadership and support for The Nature Conservancy’s multi-state Chapter. As a member of the Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Chapter Senior Leadership Team, your previous leadership experience will motivate people as we partner together for on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together.

What You’ll Bring:

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

  • Fundraising experience, including public and private funding 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.

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

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 the Auto Safety information page 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 annual salary range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $107,200 - $113,900. 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.

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.

PDN-a04c07ac-3e56-4f5a-b76b-f80696e59158

About The Nature Conservancy

We are a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive. We're proud of what we've accomplished since our founding in 1951: The Nature Conservancy has protected more than 117 million acres of land and 5,000 miles of rivers worldwide — and we operate more than 100 marine conservation projects globally.

Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters, and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably, and helping make cities more sustainable.

What we do between now and 2030 will determine whether we avoid the worst impacts of climate change, conserve enough habitat to slow down species loss, and safeguard people.

Our planet faces the interconnected crises of rapid climate change and biodiversity loss. We have years, not decades, to address these existential threats.

We are an organization that is known for its strong mission and unique set of values. We offer an environment with a strong organizational culture and highly value our people understanding that they are the heart of our work.


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Water and Agriculture Director MN-ND-SD
The Nature Conservancy
Minneapolis, MN
Nov 7, 2025
Full-time
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