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Baltimore Program Director

Employer
The Nature Conservancy
Location
Baltimore, MD
Closing date
May 11, 2021
Press Control+M to start dragging object Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. 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 includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. We know we'll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. Whether it's career development, work/life balance, or a rewarding mission, there's lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all of our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. YOUR POSITION WITH TNC The Nature Conservancy's Maryland/DC chapter is on the front lines of the fight against climate change. Nature is our best defense to adapt to a changing world and we work on the ground to deliver large-scale conservation projects that have the greatest outcomes for people and nature. Science is at the core of everything we do-we constantly learn and adapt to yield the greatest conservation returns. Yet our actions alone are not enough. We leverage policy and partnerships to scale our impact. Our core programs aim to transform agriculture, restore Appalachian forests, build green cities, and strengthen our coasts - all in the face of a changing climate. In addition, we engage directly in policy to reduce emissions that cause climate change. In 2020, TNC expanded our conservation program to Baltimore, MD. The Baltimore Program Director (Director) will advance strategies, partnerships, policies, and projects that deploy and enhance nature-based solutions in Baltimore City to address coastal resilience, stormwater runoff and flooding, and expansion of tree canopy with an emphasis on integrating TNC's values of equity and justice into the program's conservation portfolio. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The Baltimore Program Director will provide leadership to hone the strategic direction and conservation portfolio for TNC in Baltimore. Reporting to the MD/DC Deputy Executive Director and in collaboration with a cross-functional team, the Director will deliver on-the-ground conservation projects with a focus on stormwater retention and coastal resilience, strategic tree canopy expansion, and youth environmental engagement. The Director will also identify and advocate for policy and funding solutions at the municipal, state, and federal levels that catalyze nature-based resilience strategies. They will also collaborate closely with our team in Washington, DC to share transferable ideas and approaches to conservation in both cities. The Director will develop and advance partnerships with a diverse set of key stakeholders - including but not limited to neighborhood, municipal, state, and federal government entities, conservation organizations, foundations, academia, and faith-based groups. Together with partners, they will design and deliver nature-based solutions that reduce flooding and extreme heat in Baltimore neighborhoods. The Director will demonstrate understanding of the social and economic opportunities/challenges in Baltimore and approach conservation decisions with a diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice lens. RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE Develop and effectively manage both on-the-ground conservation projects and policy change initiatives to advance the funding and deployment adoption of nature-based solutions to address chronic flooding and urban heat in Baltimore. Build meaningful partnerships to accomplish program goals, which includes representing TNC and the program to funders, government officials, and other partners. Research and analyze policies, practices, enabling conditions, and stakeholder dynamics to identify alternative policy and funding pathways to achieve program goals. Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to compile or pursue key science questions related to nature-based solutions for stormwater retention, coastal resilience, and/or localized flooding. Manage project and program budgets and contracts and assist with grant management and reporting. Serve as a dependable and collaborative team member both within the MD/DC chapter and externally to advance the Conservancy's mission. Ensure program compliance with internal policies and external requirements. Make independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context. May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. Participate as an active member of TNC's North America Cities Network. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS BA/BS degree and 5 years' experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including staffing, workloads and finances under deadlines. Experience supervising, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance. Experience in partnership development (community, government, consultants, etc.); experience with cultivating and maintaining meaningful professional contacts. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS Multi-lingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated 5-7 years' experience in conservation practice or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience Experience in designing, implementing and managing multiple projects and initiatives Knowledge of green infrastructure, nature-based solutions, and/or conservation science Experience with social, economic, and political conditions, issues, and organizations in Baltimore City Experience with municipal, state, and or federal policy and funding streams Experience with environmental justice issues Demonstrated experience influencing, developing, and implementing conservation policy and plans. Outstanding written and oral communication, negotiating, and organizational skills Demonstrated experience in fundraising Politically savvy Ability to explain conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences Knowledge of current trends and practices in urban resilience/sustainability policy, practice, and projects Multi-cultural, cross-cultural, multi-lingual skills, background, or experience AUTO SAFETY POLICY This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy'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." Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers . 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. HOW TO APPLY To apply to position number 49638 , submit resume (required) and cover letter separately using the upload buttons. Applications will be reviewed in the order they're received and the position will remain open until filled. Click "submit" to apply for the position or "save for later" to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited. Failure to complete required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration. The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character 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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