Freshwater Program Manager

What We Can Achieve Together

Fresh water connects us all. Communities, economies, food systems, landscapes, and all life on Earth depend on it for survival. But freshwater ecosystems are in peril. Since 1970, freshwater plants and animals have declined by 83%--far greater than any other biome. The Freshwater Program Manager (Program Manager) will lead our work in Kansas to protect and restore key waterways and wetlands, and to advance regenerative agricultural practices that support both communities and ecosystems. The Program Manager leads all aspects of freshwater protection, restoration, science, and communication for the Kansas Chapter.

Reporting to the Kansas Director of Conservation, the Program Manager works with diverse stakeholders and partners (land owners, land managers, crop advisors, corporate agriculture entities, policy makers, food supply chain entities, consumers, government and NGOs, etc.) to achieve major, large-scale improvements in ecosystem conditions and economic benefits in priority landscapes in Kansas. The Program Manager provides leadership and support to TNC’s conservation planning and strategy priorities, to expand the impact of our place-based work to the Great Plains region and North America. They will drive resources to the freshwater program in Kansas by identifying and pursuing opportunities for public funding and collaborating with local and national philanthropy staff. The Program Manager will lead a small team of staff and summer fellows and oversee all program budget and grant management needs.

The Freshwater Program Manager will oversee the following efforts:

• Sustainable Rivers Program: A partnership between The Nature Conservancy and the Army Corps to improve the health of river ecosystems by modernizing dam operations and flows.

• Regenerative Crop Systems: Collaborate with partners and farmers to improve soil health, reduce water use, and limit negative impacts to Kansas streams and watersheds. The Program Manager will oversee a demonstration farm, where we share practices in regenerative farming and ranching.

• Grassland streams and freshwater ecosystems: Protect and improve water quality and quantity, ecosystem functions, aquatic biodiversity, and morphology in priority grassland streams and wetlands in Kansas.

• Policy: Provide expertise at the local and state levels on water conservation policy, in collaboration with the Kansas Public Policy Manager and North America Policy & Government Relations team.

• Metrics and Communications: Support the development and communication of ecosystem service metrics (freshwater and priority grassland watersheds) in collaboration with Great Plains and North America teams.

We’re Looking for You

Are you passionate about conserving freshwater in Kansas for both people and nature? Come join the Kansas Chapter as the Freshwater Program Manager! Not only will you help conserve key freshwater ecosystems in the beautiful state of Kansas, but you’ll contribute to conservation goals through many networks!

We’re looking for a passionate, dedicated person to lead our work within Kansas and to collaborate across the Great Plains and North America. Systems Leadership, creativity, and the ability to influence without authority are key in this role. Apply today!

What You’ll Bring

• BA/BS degree and 5 years of experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience with water-related conservation challenges and opportunities, and how these intersect with other conservation priorities (e.g. grasslands).

• Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including staffing, workloads and finances under deadlines.

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

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

• Ability to build relationships and maintain trust with stakeholders and communities.

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

• Experience negotiating.

• Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

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

• 5-7 years of experience in conservation practice or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Public and private fundraising experience; comfort submitting funding proposals, tracking outcomes, and creating reports.

• Knowledge of current trends and practices in relevant discipline(s) and regions.

• 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 $75,000 - $90,000. 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 applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.