Wisconsin Conservation Lead

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 includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube  or on Glassdoor.  

Our 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. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

What We Can Achieve Together:

By 2030, TNC in the Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin and the Great Lakes) will contribute to the protection and restoration of more than 20 million hectares of land, 11.5 million hectares of healthy freshwater, and more than 76 thousand kilometers of rivers while working with, and helping improve the lives of, people who depend on these resources.

The Wisconsin Conservation Lead shares responsibility for reaching these ambitious goals by advancing the Midwest Division’s strategic priorities in Wisconsin – focusing on land and water protection and management, climate change and clean energy, regenerative agriculture, sustainable fisheries and freshwater systems. This is the senior conservation position in the Wisconsin Business Unit, a key advisor to the Wisconsin state director and a member of the Wisconsin Leadership Team and the Midwest Conservation Cabinet. They share responsibility for communication and collaboration among TNC global, regional, and division programs and the Wisconsin Business Unit.

In coordination with Midwest Division Strategy Directors, the Wisconsin Conservation Lead helps set priorities, review strategies and allocate resources across the Division. They work closely with the Wisconsin state director and teammates to develop nested plans and budgets and deploy resources, evaluating progress and managing adaptively. They play roles in giving and getting input, and recommending, performing and deciding courses of action, following written Division and Business Unit decision-making guidelines. They are responsible for executing a wide range of conservation projects in service of established theories of change and larger organizational goals.

The Wisconsin Conservation Lead offers technical and informed support to all TNC Wisconsin field operations, while achieving specific objectives unique to their area of expertise. They ensure TNC is deploying high quality strategic, scientific, and technical capacity in the field. They apply innovative scientific methods, analyses, tools, and frameworks and local community knowledge to achieve lasting conservation.

The individual in this position supervises Wisconsin staff members and collaborates with Midwest Division colleagues, neighboring Midwest states and other TNC divisions. They practice humility, emotional intelligence, and shared decision-making while driving for results.

As an informed member of the statewide conservation community, the Wisconsin Conservation Lead develops key partnerships with public and private organizations to identify shared goals, co-create direction and resolve issues. They serve as a lead TNC spokesperson and point of contact for local, state and federal agencies and elected leaders, partner organizations, the academic community, volunteer leaders, donors and the media.

The Wisconsin Conservation Lead supports and builds the capability of Wisconsin staff members to engage effectively in matrixed and multi-disciplinary teams within and beyond the Business Unit. They strive to be a catalyst to help achieve conservation rapidly, at large scales, and in ways that provide measurable benefit to natural ecosystems and people, proactively engaging the Wisconsin Board of Trustees and other influential community members to pursue specific outcomes.

RESPONSIBILES AND SCOPE

• Geographic size and scope is that of a larger, complex business unit and/or a program that requires cross-boundary work and relationships.
• Embed principals of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice in Wisconsin conservation programs, in coordination with TNC staff across the organization and with local partners
• Support and advise on Wisconsin Business Unit strategy implementation, team performance and organizational culture.
• Implement and oversee short- and long-term projects.
• Supervise staff at remote locations.
• Communicate clearly and compellingly in small and large group settings, in-person and virtually.
• Develop constructive and effective working relationships with partner organizations outside the Conservancy.
• Engage volunteer leaders in the assessment and advancement of conservation projects in Wisconsin
• Establish and maintain optimal performance standards within budget.
• Make independent decisions based on analysis, ambiguous information and context.
• Negotiate complex agreements in a political environment.
• Travel domestically and/or internationally, approximately 15% of the time (three days per month?), occasionally including evening or weekend hours.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

This is a hybrid position that can be located anywhere in Wisconsin. Green Bay, Madison, or Milwaukee metro areas preferred.

We’re Looking for You:

Do you want to apply your conservation knowledge, technical expertise and life experience to help solve the biggest challenges facing nature and people in Wisconsin and beyond? Are you a thoughtful manager and proactive leader, who strives to work collaboratively, balancing the important values of driving for results and authentically engaging others? This is an exceptional career opportunity for a highly motivated, capable individual interested in joining the world’s leading conservation organization!

What You’ll Bring:

• BA/BS degree and 10 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing complex or multiple conservation projects, including project finances and the work of other professionals and partners.
• Experience with current trends and practices in discipline(s) and regions relevant to the TNC portfolio including, but not limited to, land and water conservation, climate change and energy policy, biodiversity, regenerative agriculture and real estate.
• Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, coaching, setting objectives and managing performance.
• Experience working in teams and multi-disciplinary groups, using interpersonal skills, listening.
• Experience with developing practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes.
• Experience with methods and standards of biodiversity information systems and initiatives or related fields.
• Experience working with donors or investors, including identifying potential interest and communicating cases for support.
• Experience communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English.

What We Bring:

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become 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, we impact conservation throughout the world!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

Auto Safety Policy:

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 https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ 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 pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $99,520 - $117,470 for annual base salary. 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.