Southern High Plains Initiative Director

As the Southern High Plains Initiative Director, you will lead the Southern High Plains Initiative (SHPI), which is a collaborative cross-boundary conservation initiative that centers on TNC’s 2030 grasslands goals. You will lead multi-disciplinary teams across portions of five TNC business units (Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas) to conserve our most critical grasslands using a variety of conservation strategies and innovative solutions. You will play a critical role for achieving the scale of grassland conservation outcomes that are beyond the reach of individual TNC business units.

You will be a spokesperson and key point of contact, both internally and externally, regarding TNC priorities and strategies in the Southern High Plains. You will also serve as an advisor, thought leader, and skilled advocate to establish the Conservancy as a major conservation partner in the Southern High Plains, and in appropriate spheres at regional and national levels. While the primary geography of this position is in the Southern High Plains, you can also expect engagement and collaboration with other areas of the Great Plains and with other TNC initiatives, like Sagebrush Sea, global teams as well as partners. 

You will be responsible for building and leading teams to advance durable land protection and effective management of key grasslands. To help accomplish this, you will work with fundraising staff to identify, cultivate and steward donor relationships. You will be expected to inform and deliver strategic communications and marketing. Lastly, you will design and implement strategies that elevate equity in all aspects of our work. We know that inclusive conservation approaches and attention to the distribution of benefits are essential for achieving SHPI goals. While leading this initiative, you will ensure that TNC integrates support and advocacy for priorities, needs, and outcomes identified by Tribal Nations and indigenous communities.

This is an exceptional career opportunity for a collaborative, innovative, solutions-based individual with a focus on relationship building and advocacy. If this sounds like you and you're interested in joining the world’s leading conservation organization, apply today!

• BA/BS degree and 10 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Familiarity with conservation issues in the Southern High Plains.

• Experience functioning effectively in a collaborative work environment and where implementation occurs with and through others in a decentralized and geographically dispersed organization.

• Experience thinking strategically within a complex system, develop practical applications of scientific concepts, and encourage innovation for conservation purposes.

• Experience making decisions in a complex environment, considering multiple perspectives and effectively evaluating risk and opportunity.

• Experience influencing, developing, and implementing conservation at the state or national level.

• Fundraising experience, including identifying donor prospects and donor cultivation.

• Experience directing a major program or project of strategic importance, including management/supervision of multi-disciplinary teams and meeting deadlines.

• Experience working with current trends and practices in relevant discipline(s) and geographic regions.

• Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.

• Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies.  

• Experience networking with high level conservation contacts.  

• Experience negotiating in complex, multi-stakeholder situations.                            

• Experience negotiating.

• Experience influencing, developing and implementing conservation policy and plans at the state or country level.

• Experience with financial management of a large program.

Desired Qualifications:

• Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

• 10-12 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience working with Tribal nations and indigenous people or communities.

• Experience negotiating and executing real estate transactions, like fee title acquisitions and conservation easements.

• Developing practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes.

• Knowledge of methods and standards of biodiversity information systems and initiatives and experience conceiving and implementing strategic initiatives.

• Politically savvy.

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.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $98,000 – 138,000 annually. 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.