Rancher Networks Strategy Manager

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Regenerative Grazing Lands (RGL) Rancher Networks Strategy Manager (Manager) leads efforts to engage and activate rancher networks to advance improved management and protection of grazing lands in North America. The Rancher Networks strategic pillar is a core component of the RGL Strategy designed to facilitate the activation, capacity, and expansion of rancher organizations in support of healthy ecosystems, rural livelihoods, and resilient ranch operations. The Manager works closely with TNC staff in state chapters and Initiative Areas (priority regions) to enhance and accelerate collaboration with producer groups and other partners to advance large-scale improved grazing land management, avoided conversion of grasslands, land protection, and other place-based conservation work. The Manager negotiates complex and innovative agreements with government agencies, critical partners, and landowners to develop, fund, and implement large-scale grassland conservation.  The position collaborates with and supports TNC Business Units across state and administrative boundaries (Northern Great Plains, Southern High Plains, Flint Hills, Sage Brush Sea, and other priority grasslands) and oversees and coordinates multi-state workstreams and projects and major grant-funded projects.  The Manager serves as a principle contact for the Department of Defence (Sentinel Landscapes and REPI) related to grazing initiatives and projects within North America.  The incumbent is responsible for ensuring that grant conditions and outcomes assigned to TNC are achieved in accordance with grant agreements. The Manager leads, at times and as necessary, small matrixed teams comprised of internal and external partners. 

Responsibilities & Scope

• Facilitates and leads cross-boundary implementation of the RGL Rancher Network Strategy to support, activate, and expand rancher networks to advance improved grazing management and place-based conservation strategies.

• Assists and supports TNC business units in the development of highly functioning relationships with rancher-led coalitions, conservation partners, and supply chain entities to advance peer influence between ranchers, networks, and other industry entities for improved grazing land management and protection.

• Manages and coordinates TNC’s involvement in the multi-state federal DoD REPI Warren grant and other grant-funded initiatives, including implementation of improved management practices and ensuring compliance with stated program outcomes.

• Supports other RGL team members in developing innovative tools, tactics, and policies (state and federal) to facilitate adoption of regenerative management by ranchers.

• Identifies strategies and programmatic solutions to overcome entry barriers for new and under-represented producers.

• Coordinates across key grazing landscapes (NGP, SHPI, Sage Brush Sea, Flint Hills, & others) to bring RGL resources and strategies to landscape-scale and whole-system initiatives and gather and synthesize rancher and partner perspectives to inform RGL strategy.

• Contributes significantly to strategic external partnership development and relationship management, including but not limited to DoD, World Wildlife Fund, Ducks Unlimited, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, National Grazing Lands Coalition, Central Grasslands Roadmap, state livestock associations, and others. 

• Engages with the TNC Indigenous Right Relations and Buffalo Restoration programs to identify new partnership needs and opportunities for Indigenous producers.

• Establishes and maintains optimal standards of performance while controlling costs and appropriately administering established project budgets.

• Responsible for raising public and private funds to meet program needs and support allied organizations and networks.

• Frequently makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.

• Intermittently supervises one or more staff, intern(s), or volunteer(s) as needed.

• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

• May require frequent domestic or international travel.

• May work long/flexible hours, including off hours and weekends, as needed to coordinate with staff and partners across the US or region.

This is a full-time position, based at a home office within the continental United States, with a preference for Western US.

We’re Looking for You:

The Regenerative Grazing Lands (RGL) Rancher Networks Strategy Manager (Manager) plays a key role in the larger North American Regenerative Agriculture team and works closely in collaboration with, and support of, other TNC teams and external partners.  Leading one of three RGL strategic pillars, this position guides and supports TNC’s engagement with Grazing Lands Coalitions, Prescribed Fire Collaboratives, and other rancher-led organizations.  Relationships with rancher organization are intended to be stewarded primarily by state business unit and priority areas staff, with the Manager providing assistance, information, supply chain connections, and broader regional and national coordination.  The Manager also oversees and coordinates TNC’s work with major grant-funded projects, including federal grants, that require monitoring and management to ensure project outcomes are achieved by internal and external partners.  These and other responsibilities require a knowledge of ranching practices and grassland ecology, as well as the ability to manage through complexity and collaborate effectively in varied and matrixed teams.  While this position requires independent decision making and discretion, it is also supported by a team of subject-matter experts and skilled and dedicated professionals.
 

What You’ll Bring:

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

• Experience in grazing land and grassland restoration and conservation management.

• Knowledge of current trends and practices in relevant ranch management, conservation, and grazing disciplines and regional variations.

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

• Experience in developing, submitting, and administering public and private grants.

• Experience developing practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes in grazing land settings.

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

• Experience negotiating complex partnerships agreements.

• Excellent written and oral communications skills.

• Strong grasp of cultural differences and norms and awareness and skill in operating in various cultures.

• Demonstrated experience influencing, developing, and implementing conservation practices, policy, and plans through agricultural industry networks.

Desired Qualifications:

• Fundraising experience is preferred, including identifying donor prospects, donor cultivation, and presenting substantial proposals.

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 $83,000 – $116,000. 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 [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.