Operations Program Coordinator

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:

Saving the land and water on which all life depends requires all of us. Keeping all of us organized, informed, on track and in touch is an important part of The Nature Conservancy’s role in protecting the planet – and the primary responsibility of the Operations Program Coordinator. From your seat at command central – the reception desk in our beautiful new office on Madison’s Capitol Square – you will help achieve big conservation goals through attention to detail, genuine interest in people, a strong work ethic and a comfort level going with the flow.

As part of the Business and Culture team of the Wisconsin Business Unit, the Operations Program Coordinator will be responsible for performing multiple administrative functions for the Wisconsin Business Unit. They will be responsible for managing the Madison office operational needs including reception, mail, vendor coordination, and liaising with staff and the building owner to support facility needs and maintenance. In partnership with the Business and Culture Director and the Culture and Operations Manager, the Coordinator will play a key role in planning and implementing two annual in-person staff retreats and will schedule the Business Unit’s weekly all staff virtual meetings.

The coordinator will partner with project teams in the field, the Culture and Operations Manager, and maintenance vendors to ensure the Business Unit’s vehicle fleet is operational. They will work across geographic boundaries to serve as the accounts payable lead for two or more Midwest Division Business Units and will partner with the Wisconsin finance director to support cyclical finance administrative tasks. They may provide support for cross functional Business Unit needs that require data entry, managing project calendars and proactive internal communication.

The coordinator will be a key contact for the full Wisconsin team of 55 staff members, applying established processes and practices to improve effectiveness for the team. Tasks will include scheduling and coordinating logistics for team meetings, workshops, webinars, and trainings; updating databases; and purchasing, assembling, mailing, and tracking program materials. The coordinator will work cooperatively with Conservancy staff, providing information necessary to make decisions and solve problems, and they may communicate on behalf of their supervisor and the department’s leadership with internal and external sources, including staff, vendors, donors, the public, and businesses in order to coordinate arrangements, convey information, and ensure successful execution of program goals. They will coordinate activities with multiple variables, set realistic deadlines and manage timelines.

We’re Looking for You:

Are you looking for work you can believe in? Do you enjoy making sure projects and spaces work well and look good? Are you a person other people seek out when they need a little help? And do you want to bring those qualities to work for nature? At TNC we strive to embody a philosophy of Work that You Can Believe in where you can feel like you are making a difference every day. We’re looking for someone with strong organizational and communication skills and an inclusive mindset to join a diverse, multi-disciplinary team. Specific responsibilities include:

• Managing the Madison office operational needs including reception, mail, vendor coordination, and liaising with the building owner to support facility needs.
• Planning and implementing two annual all staff retreats.
• Scheduling the Business Unit’s weekly all staff meetings.
• Ensuring that the Business Unit’s vehicle fleet is operational by tracking and distributing registration and insurance renewals as well as supporting cleaning and maintenance needs.
• Serving as the accounts payable lead for two or more Midwest Division Business Units.
• Partnering with the Wisconsin finance director to support cyclical finance administrative tasks.
• Providing support for cross functional Business Unit needs when capacity needs arise.
• Making day-to-day decisions within the scope of work assignments and prioritize work independently.
• Identifying routine problems and utilize existing resources for resolution, referring difficult questions and problems to supervisor.
• Demonstrating sensitivity in handling confidential information.
• Financial responsibility will include purchasing, processing invoices, contracting with vendors, interacting with mail house services, and assisting with budget tracking.
• Serving as a team member for assigned projects.
• Travel and work flexible hours as needed.
• Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
• Work is diversified and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and 1-year experience OR equivalent experience and learned expertise.
• Experience organizing time and managing diverse activities to meet deadlines.
• Experience performing one or more administrative processes.
• Experience working and communicating with a wide range of people.
• Customer service skills and focus.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience managing the operational needs in an office environment.
• Experience conducting financial administrative tasks.
• Ability to analyze information for the purpose of coordinating activities and solving problems.
• Database skills, including managing and tracking data.
• Experience in calendar management.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated.

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!