Bristol Bay Sustainable Fisheries Lead

What We Can Achieve Together:

Founded in 1951, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science and collaboration, we develop practical solutions that address climate change, protect lands, waters, and oceans, advance sustainable food and water systems, and support thriving communities. TNC is committed to building an inclusive, and culturally competent workforce. Working in more than 70 countries and all 50 United States, we partner with communities, governments, Indigenous peoples, businesses, scientists, and other organizations to achieve lasting conservation outcomes. To learn more, visit www.nature.org.

The Nature Conservancy in Alaska seeks a Sustainable Fisheries Lead for its Bristol Bay Program. This position will advance community-based approaches to sustainable resource management in one of the world’s most important ecological and cultural landscapes. Bristol Bay supports the world’s largest remaining wild salmon fisheries, extraordinary freshwater ecosystems, and vibrant and various communities and cultures. TNC’s Alaska Program works with local and regional partners to conserve these resources through science, community engagement, land and water stewardship, sustainable economic development, and participation in public planning and policy.

We’re Looking for You:

The Bristol Bay Sustainable Fisheries Lead provides strategic leadership for the Bristol Bay Program’s sustainable fisheries portfolio. Reporting to the Bristol Bay Program Director, the Lead develops and coordinates strategies that sustain fisheries, protect the habitats on which they depend, and strengthen the communities, cultures, and economies connected to them. The position takes an integrated approach to fisheries that encompasses habitat protection, Indigenous stewardship, subsistence and commercial fishing, local access and ownership, collaborative science, climate resilience, public policy, and sustainable economic opportunity. The Lead also contributes to related land conservation and community development initiatives that advance ecological, economic, cultural, and social objectives.

The Lead is a relationship-builder and strategic integrator who works with Tribal governments, Alaska Native organizations and corporations, fishing interests, communities, agencies, scientists, conservation organizations, landowners, businesses, and funders. They connect Bristol Bay’s place-based priorities with expertise and resources across TNC’s Alaska Program, Western and Canada Division, and broader organization.

This is not primarily a fisheries biologist position. Success requires systems thinking, cultural humility, sound judgment, collaborative leadership, and the ability to translate complex priorities into coordinated action and durable outcomes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Sustainable Fisheries Lead develops and implements the Bristol Bay Program’s sustainable fisheries strategy in coordination with the Bristol Bay Program Director, program staff, partners, and advisors. They establish priorities, define measurable outcomes, and manage an integrated portfolio connecting sustainable fisheries with salmon and freshwater and marine habitat protection, Indigenous stewardship, subsistence and commercial fishing, equitable access, collaborative science, climate resilience, public policy, economic opportunity, and community well-being.

The Lead builds respectful and accountable partnerships, convenes organizations with differing authorities and perspectives, and aligns financial, technical, and organizational resources around shared values and priorities. They coordinate research and monitoring partnerships, integrate Indigenous and scientific knowledge, and help translate findings into practical conservation, management, and policy solutions. The Lead also supports fundraising and communications, represents TNC in public and partner forums, and connects Bristol Bay priorities with expertise across TNC’s conservation, science, policy, philanthropy, communications, and operations teams.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Lead the Bristol Bay Program’s Sustainable Fisheries Core Team and work with the Program Director, staff, partners, and advisors to establish long-term strategies, annual priorities, measurable objectives, and indicators of progress.

• Develop and implement an integrated portfolio connecting sustainable fisheries with habitat protection, Indigenous stewardship, community well-being, fisheries access, collaborative science, climate resilience, public policy, and sustainable economic opportunity.

• Build and sustain respectful, accountable relationships with Tribal governments and consortia, Alaska Native organizations and corporations, Indigenous leaders, fishing organizations, communities, government agencies, scientists, conservation organizations, landowners, businesses, and funders.

• Advance the protection and stewardship of salmon-producing lands and waters in partnership with Tribal entities, Alaska Native corporations, willing landowners, land trusts, agencies, and other organizations, while respecting ownership, cultural resources, community uses, and locally determined priorities.

• Support strategies that strengthen equitable and lasting participation in fisheries, including local access, ownership, leadership, and economic opportunity for rural, Indigenous, local, and younger fishing families.

• Coordinate collaborative science, monitoring, and knowledge-sharing initiatives by identifying priority questions, developing projects and storytelling, securing resources, interpreting findings, and applying Indigenous and scientific knowledge to conservation and management decisions.

• Connect Bristol Bay priorities with expertise and resources across internal TNC’s teams across the globe.

• Develop and manage project plans, budgets, grants, contracts, consultants, timelines, and partner commitments. Monitor progress, manage risks, document lessons, and adapt strategies as conditions change.

• Work with the Program Director and philanthropy staff to identify funding opportunities, develop proposals and donor materials, support donor engagement, and secure resources for long-term initiatives.

• Represent TNC in meetings, working groups, community gatherings, conferences, and public forums. Communicate complex fisheries, habitat, scientific, and policy issues clearly and respectfully to various audiences.

• Foster strong morale, teamwork, accountability, and shared commitment among staff and partners.

• Work, when necessary, in variable weather, remote locations, difficult terrain, and physically demanding conditions.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and at least five years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, professional experience, Tribal service, community leadership, and lived experience.

• Experience in one or more relevant fields, such as fisheries, conservation, natural-resource management, Tribal relations, public policy, community development, rural economic development, collaborative leadership, stewardship, or applied research.

• Experience leading or coordinating complex projects involving multiple organizations, disciplines, communities, or sources of authority.

• Experience building and maintaining partnerships with Tribal governments, Indigenous organizations, community organizations, government agencies, fishing interests, conservation organizations, or other relevant partners.

• Experience facilitating collaborative planning, resolving complex issues, or developing shared strategies among partners with differing perspectives and priorities.

• Experience managing project plans, budgets, grants, contracts, consultants, finances, or partner deliverables.

• Experience communicating complex information through written materials, presentations, meetings, or public engagement.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with both technical and nontechnical partners.

• Willingness and ability to travel regularly within Alaska, including remote locations.

• TNC recognizes that effective fisheries leadership can develop through many pathways. Relevant qualifications may come from formal education, professional employment, Tribal service, community leadership, commercial or subsistence fishing, stewardship, policy work, applied research, or lived experience. A degree in fisheries biology or another biological science is not required. Candidates must be able to work credibly with scientists and technical experts, understand and communicate relevant evidence, and connect science and knowledge with conservation action that has durable outcomes designed with and for local communities. Applicants who meet

many, but not all, of the qualifications are encouraged to apply.

Desired Qualifications :

• Preferred Location:
  • Southwest or Southcentral, Alaska is the preferred location for this position, with other locations within Alaska considered.

• The Sustainable Fisheries Lead will be successful when they:
  • Establish trusted, respectful, and accountable relationships with Tribal, community, fisheries, government, conservation, and funding partners.
  • Develop and implement a clear, actionable sustainable fisheries strategy aligned with Bristol Bay priorities and the broader Bristol Bay Program.
  • Build effective collaboration across TNC and connect place-based work with useful organizational expertise and resources. 
  • Advance a balanced portfolio of fisheries, habitat, science, policy, access, economic development, and capacity-building initiatives.
  • Secure and coordinate the resources needed to sustain priority projects and partnerships.
  • Translate complex issues into informed decisions, compelling funding opportunities, and accessible communications.
  • Strengthen local and regional capacity while advancing durable ecological, cultural, community, and economic outcomes.
  • Demonstrate humility, integrity, accountability, adaptability, and sound judgment.

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.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $89,600 - $95,200. 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.

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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.