Location

Cape Town, South Africa (preferred), though applications based in the United States, United Kingdom, or France will also be considered.

Start Date

01 June 2026 (negotiable)

Panthera Corporation

Panthera is the only organization in the world that is devoted exclusively to the conservation of the world’s 40 wild cat species and their ecosystems. Utilizing the expertise of the world’s premier cat biologists, Panthera develops and implements global strategies for the most imperiled species. Representing the most comprehensive effort of its kind, Panthera partners with local and international NGOs, scientific institutions, local communities, governments around the globe, and citizens who want to help ensure a future for wild cats. Panthera Corporation consists of Panthera Corporation- USA and several foreign legal entities and foreign branch offices.  For more on Panthera, visit www.panthera.org. 

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and collaborative Conservation Technology Director to lead Panthera’s global conservation technology portfolio and enable the effective use of technology tools to enhance conservation impact across our programs worldwide.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Conservation Science, the Conservation Technology Director will provide strategic and operational leadership across Panthera’s key conservation technology initiatives, including:

• PantheraCam camera-trap design and production program
• PantheraIDS data management platform
• SMART–EarthRanger Conservation Alliance (SERCA)
• Additional conservation technology tools and systems\

This role is a true hybrid - combining strategic vision, architectural leadership, hands-on program management, fundraising, and team leadership in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.

The successful candidate will be required to have, and maintain, legal work authorization to work in the country of employment.

Key Responsibilities

• Chart the architectural course for Panthera in sensor design and development, big data management, tooled analytics, and machine learning capabilities in support of conservation impact.
• Lead the strategic direction and operational delivery of Panthera’s conservation technology programs across regions and thematic areas.
• Guide and mentor a global, multidisciplinary team of Directors, Program Coordinators, Engineers, Data Scientists, Technicians, and support staff.
• Ensure conservation technology tools are effectively integrated into conservation projects and aligned with field realities and organizational priorities.
• Grow and strengthen conservation data management and technology capacity across Panthera’s projects in the Americas, Middle East, and Asia; while sustaining capacity across Panthera’s African projects.
• Oversee the sustainability, maintenance, and optimization of existing platforms and tools, ensuring interoperability and long-term effectiveness.
• Establish and maintain best practices for data governance, data security, and ethical use of conservation data across technology platforms.
• Identify and evaluate emerging AI technologies and analytical approaches that can enhance and support Panthera’s mission.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of conservation technologies deployed across Panthera’s projects, ensuring continuous improvement and scalability.
• Lead the PantheraCam program toward financial sustainability and operational resilience.
• Lead and coordinate grant proposal development and manage budgets across conservation technology teams.
• Represent Panthera in global conservation technology partnerships, technical working groups, and collaborative initiatives.
• Build strong partnerships with NGOs, governments, donors, and technology collaborators.

Team Culture & Leadership

The Conservation Technology Director will build and lead an inclusive, unified, and highly collaborative team, fostering a culture that values:

• Diversity and inclusion
• Autonomy and empowerment
• Skill mastery and professional growth
• Transparency and adaptability
• Innovation and continuous learning

Requirements

• Advanced degree (MSc, PhD, or equivalent experience) in conservation biology, ecology, wildlife management, computer science, engineering, data science, or a related field.
• Strong background in conservation, ecology, wildlife management, or related fields, combined with a solid technical background in software development, engineering, or data systems.
• Proven leadership experience managing multidisciplinary, international teams.
• Experience overseeing complex programs, software projects, budgets, and grant-funded initiatives.
• Strong understanding of big data, analytics, AI and machine learning, and modern software development practices.
• Experience with camera trapping, conservation sensors, or other biodiversity monitoring technologies is advantageous.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with technical teams, conservation practitioners, partners, and senior leadership.
• Proven ability to identify and resolve people- and process-related challenges in complex organizational environments.
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills.
• International travel is required. This is a full-time senior leadership position within Panthera’s global team.