Director of Lands

What We Can Achieve Together:

Since 1955, The Nature Conservancy has demonstrated that we can play a unique and critical role in shaping and implementing large-scale solutions to conserve the lands and water of New Jersey. The Director of Lands is directly responsible for strategic leadership, management and accountability of the Chapter’s land conservation and stewardship, scaling up our efforts in New Jersey to contribute to resilient and connected land conservation across the Appalachians. They will be responsible for defining and directing implementation of NJ’s Lands strategic plan and developing key partnerships with public and private organizations to achieve our land conservation goals.

They are responsible for realizing an inspiring vision of large-scale success for the Conservancy’s lands programs in New Jersey, while collaborating with colleagues to advance a vision for the northeastern Appalachians. They will direct a program spanning strategic planning, partnerships, policy, on the ground implementation, and community relations to maximize our contributions to the organization’s 2030 Goals. They will provide direction and support to implement a comprehensive program to strategically advance land conservation and connectivity work, land stewardship and preserve management in New Jersey, while creating a positive, collaborative, learning- and results-driven culture.

Critical to the success of this position, the Director of Lands will establish the Conservancy as a major conservation partner in and beyond New Jersey, partnering with local communities, tribes, government agencies, other NGOs, donors, and supporters. They will work closely with the Development team to raise capital and operating funds from public and private sources.  The Director of Lands works closely with the Deputy State Director to direct a strategic land conservation program and land stewardship and preserve accessibility work to ensure strong, equitable, and lasting contributions to the Conservancy’s 2030 goals.

RESPONSIBILITES & SCOPE:

• Lead NJ’s contributions to the Appalachians land protection and connectivity work, Northeast Division Stewardship, North America’s Leveraging Our Lands team and other relevant regional lands initiatives. 

• Scale TNC-NJ’s land conservation and nature preserve stewardship and accessibility efforts in NJ to achieve ambitious goals to benefit people and nature.  

• Lead and expand TNC’s emerging work with Indigenous Peoples of NJ and the development of an equitable land conservation and management strategy.

• Working with Government Relations staff, direct and lead TNC’s lands policy efforts. 

• Develop, implement, and evaluate strategy; set deadlines and manage a portfolio of projects; communicate results to a variety of audiences, including donors and supporters.                                             

• Develop and direct multi-disciplinary staff, with responsibility for performance management, learning, and career development; lead team of professionals implementing land conservation and stewardship efforts.  

• Financial responsibility includes developing and managing program budgets, negotiating and contracting, and meeting fundraising targets.        

• Ability and willingness to travel frequently and on short notice, sometimes on weekends.

We’re Looking for You:

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together.

We’re looking for someone who is passionate, motivated problem-solver. Our team in New Jersey is dedicated to conservation. Join us!

What You’ll Bring:

• BA/BS degree and 7years’ experience in conservation practice or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including managing finances and coordinating the work of other professionals and partners.  

• 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 negotiating.   

Desired Qualifications:

• 7-10 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Previous work experience in land conservation and/or stewardship.

• Demonstrated experience managing teams within a matrixed organization.

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

• Fundraising experience.      

• Knowledge of current trends and practices in land conservation and land management.

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.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $114,000 - $127,000 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 [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.