Director of Science

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Director of Science will assume a critical leadership role for the Nevada and Utah Chapters. The Director’s primary responsibility will be to guide these chapters in developing and deploying an evidence-based, scientific approach to inspire, inform, and shape their conservation and policy strategies. In this capacity, the Director will actively promote positive outcomes for both nature and people within these states, while also collaborating with other programs in the Western United States and Canada Division (e.g., Sagebrush Sea Program and Colorado River Program). The Director’s scientific expertise will be instrumental in driving projects, supervising and mentoring staff, and integrating an evidence-based, scientific approach to conservation planning. This leader will deploy existing and innovative solutions, establish collaborative multi-disciplinary science-based partnerships, and communicate effectively and persuasively. Success will be measured by the ability to work successfully through cross-functional teams to facilitate and produce transformative science that informs and influences conservation efforts for Nevada and Utah that will advance the goals of TNC’s divisional and regional programs.

This job will require up to 30% travel between Salt Lake City and Reno and the surrounding areas.

We’re Looking for You:

The Director of Science is responsible for leading the development and implementation of a comprehensive science vision for the Nevada and Utah Chapters. This vision will serve as a guiding framework for the organization’s scientific endeavors and ensure alignment with its broader conservation goals. The Director fosters a collaborative science community within these Chapters and collaborates with other business units, including leadership and mentorship of a science team comprising both direct reports and other science staff. The Director aligns science capacity and prioritizes workflow to meet conservation strategy needs and identify emerging opportunities and threats. The Director employs strategic thinking and planning skills, contributes to developing and monitoring meaningful conservation metrics, cultivates high-leverage partnerships to enhance the capacity, visibility, and impact of our science in conservation work, conducts and publishes relevant scientific investigations, and empowers others to advance science in priority strategies. Additionally, the Director serves as a member of the Leadership Teams in Nevada and Utah, as well as their Conservation Management Teams, playing a pivotal role in integrating science into conservation and policy initiatives.

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 managing complex projects including project design, financial management, and accountability for outcomes.

• Experience creating partnerships with conservation colleagues, agencies, and/or academic institutions.

• Supervisory experience.

• Experience working and communicating with a wide range of people.

• Experience manipulating, analyzing and interpreting statistical or environmental data.

• Record of peer reviewed publications in scientific journals, original science papers, and/or synthesis papers.

• Experience fundraising and/or writing grants and research proposals.

• Strong familiarity with and understanding of climate change and its impacts on species, ecosystems, and people.

Desired Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in a science-related field (e.g. ecology, biology, natural resources, or social science) and 6 years of experience strongly preferred.

• Ability to engage in a wide range of conservation issues, analyze complex problems, rapidly build personal/team expertise on new

• Issues, and develop strategic responses or solutions.

• Multi-lingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience.

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

• Knowledge of species and ecosystems of the western US and familiarity with regional conservation issues.

• Understanding of how natural systems can serve as natural climate solutions toward carbon emissions reduction goals.

• Ability to utilize and/or deploy social science resources at the nexus of natural resource conservation and community health.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and work collaboratively across teams and disciplines with a wide range of partners.

• General understanding of environmental policy, laws and regulations as they relate to natural resource management.

• Experience and/or publication history in one or more of the following areas: climate change adaptation, nature-based solutions, ecosystem services, conservation planning, or spatial analysis.

• Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical and scientific issues to a broad range of audiences and across platforms.

• Experience in fundraising that includes writing proposals for and interacting with private donors and foundations.

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. 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 $103,000-113,000. 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 [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.