WHO WE ARE
The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.
One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”
WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER
The Nature Conservancy is a conservation leader in Ohio, helping to conserve over 65,000 acres of land over our 60+ year history while leading efforts to drive policies and programs. As we continue to grow the impact and influence of our work, we seek to be more inclusive, equitable, and just in the delivery of our mission to solve the biodiversity and climate crises while directly and indirectly benefitting millions of people in Ohio and beyond.
The Director of Equity in Conservation (DEC) is a new position reporting to the State Director and serving on The Nature Conservancy in Ohio’s leadership team. The DEC will prioritize the evaluation, and adjustment, of the way that we work to conserve and restore nature so that we ensure significant and tangible benefits to people. The DEC will work closely with interested parties in the community to understand their dynamic needs and work together to advance overall wellbeing and conservation at many scales. Examples of actions that we anticipate as priorities include community-led conservation, support for access to nature for everyone, and increasing opportunities for youth engagement.
The DEC provides strategy and programmatic support, coordination, leadership, and facilitation of learning and progress within the Ohio Business Unit (BU). They are adept and have a passion for opening doors, initiating conversations, listening, building trust, stewarding relationships, and identifying and moving forward partnerships to drive conservation outcomes that benefit people, including those who have been historically excluded or marginalized. They develop key partnerships with public & private organizations to bring diverse perspective and learning to TNC and to identify and help to resolve technical or other issues.
As the overall lead on equity in TNC Ohio’s conservation approach, the DEC will collaborate closely with our conservation and policy teams working across the state, and potentially the larger Midwest Division. They provide strategic leadership and support for conservation planning work and help to integrate equity into conservation strategies and projects, disseminating best practices and providing access to training and analyses so that our conservation team is more effective.
Given their expertise, in addition to this primary focus on equity in conservation approach and externally focused action, an effective DEC will play a key role in the Ohio BU’s larger 4-part diversity, equity, inclusion and justice (DEIJ) plan. This includes supporting and driving accountability of efforts led by other Ohio BU leaders to ensure DEIJ in people, voice, and the identification and use of resources.
The DEC will supervise 1-2- team members. As is the case for all BU leaders, the DEC will be expected to play a fundraising role in donor cultivation and stewardship.
WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU
Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Are you passionate about diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together.
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
BA/BS degree and 7 years’ experience in conservation practice or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Fundraising experience, including identifying donor prospects and donor cultivation
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.