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Green Ribbon Initiative Partnership Specialist

Job Title: 
Green Ribbon Initiative Partnership Specialist
Company, Organization, or University: 
The Nature Conservancy in Ohio
Location: 
Berkey, Ohio
Description: 

A LITTLE ABOUT US

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.

Although you’ll see requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Passion, innovation, and diversity are all key components to advancing our Mission and we encourage you to apply.

YOUR POSITION WITH TNC

The Green Ribbon Initiative Partnership Specialist will help continue to build a local conservation movement in the seven county Oak Openings region of northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. The Partnership Specialist coordinates efforts of the Green Ribbon Initiative (GRI), develops new relationships, and implements programs that inform, empower and mobilize key constituents to protect and restore Oak Openings habitats.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Partnership Specialist is an integral part of the Oak Openings project team, as well as the GRI team of partners, working to revitalize human and natural communities in the Oak Openings Region. The Partnership Specialist establishes and maintains cooperative relationships with NGOs, private landowners, schools, universities, state and local agencies, and corporations in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan by providing opportunities for active involvement. They develop and implement trainings, community outreach, and educational strategies that effectively communicate TNC and GRI conservation messages and promote community-involvement in conservation efforts. They are responsible for coordinating meetings, workshops, and events, developing educational programs, and producing publications on behalf of the GRI partnership. This role will also involve serving as a spokesperson for the partnership using a variety of media to promote and increase public awareness and participation in land protection and management.

The Partnership Coordinator will oversee a private landowner registry, an Adopt-a-Natural-Area Program, the GRI education and outreach subcommittee, and the coordination of the Oak Openings Cooperative Weed Management Area. They will assist other land management staff in establishing management agreements, training partners, establishing contracts. They will ensure that partners are engaged and informed through regular communication and synthesis of information in print, social media, and through the GRI website. They are responsible for developing educational programming, publications, and materials, and creating media relations strategies to promote and increase public awareness.

The ideal candidate will proactively translate goals and strategies into action by working with partners to identify obstacles to conservation success and create plans to overcome those obstacles. They will demonstrate exceptional organizational and communication skills, the ability to keep detailed records, and possess basic knowledge of habitat restoration practices. They are expected to lead and/or participate in land management activities such as invasive species control as needed. This position is contingent upon funding, which is currently secured through June 2023. They will also collaborate with other program staff and partners to secure additional funding for this position and related TNC strategies. The starting salary for this position is $48,700 and is commensurate with experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE

Coordinate and manage multiple projects and timelines.
Act independently on assigned tasks and projects.
Work with vendors/other parties to execute projects/deliverables.
May supervise volunteers, interns, or staff.
Operate productively with infrequent direct supervision.
Perform duties under general supervision and established guidelines.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field and 2 years’ related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience organizing and coordinating projects with a team approach.
Experience with stewardship and habitat restoration including invasive species control and plant identification.
Experience with interpersonal skills; ability to clearly and tactfully present information and listen to and address concerns.
Fluency in English.
Written and oral communications skills, including experience with public speaking and public education, and writing and/or editing publications or related materials associated with conservation or a related field.
Experience organizing time, managing diverse activities, and meeting deadlines.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience preferred.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with those outside the organization and to influence without authority.
A proactive self-starting approach to conservation.
Experience supervising staff.
Experience managing grants, contracts, budgets and/or field work.
Ability to conceive and implement plans to achieve goals.
Ability to sell ideas and solicit program support from a wide variety of people and interest groups through clear written communications, such as proposal writing and other written materials.
Familiarity and some application of current and evolving trends in relevant discipline.

Application Deadline: 
Friday, August 6, 2021
Application Instructions: 
To apply, please visit www.nature.org/careers and search for job ID 50009. Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received. The deadline to apply is 11:59 PM EST on August 6, 2021.
Contact: 
Erin O'Rourke
Phone: 
614-717-2770
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